Posts by Scott Voigt, CFA, CFP®, CPA
20 Second Advisor: Don’t waste your vacation days
A new study revealed that while Americans are earning more vacation days, they’re not using them. The study showed that around 150 million Americans collectively left an estimated 768 million days unused last year, up 9% from the year before. Most people cited cost as the top reason. Others cited the fact it was “too…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Are you working too much?
Americans working long hours are burning out. A recent study from Sleep Junkie found that working long hours may not necessarily lead to solving all of your problems. 3 big takeaways from the study: Time: Almost 4 in 5 said long hours cut into quality time with their children Health: 4 in 5 who worked…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Do you need umbrella insurance?
I have received a few questions lately about whether umbrella insurance is necessary. Here are a few things to consider: It only makes sense to buy it if you have assets to protect Takes over when your home and auto policies run up against their coverage limits Helps to keep a massive lawsuit from wiping…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Equifax Breach Settlement
In September of 2017, you may remember the Equifax data breach that affected 147 million people. Just a quick update: The company has agreed to a global settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and 50 U.S. states and territories. The settlement includes up to $425 million to help people affected…
Read More2o Second Advisor: How does food affect how we feel?
Everything in your life is linked in some way. While we talk a lot about financial well-being, we also believe that your physical well-being is just as important. Consider a few of these simple points as you think about the food choices you are making on a daily basis: Eat foods rich in omega-3s (flaxseeds,…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Should I use my home state’s 529 plan?
Is your home state’s 529 plan always the best option? It really depends, but here are a few points to consider: Each state differs on whether they offer state tax deductions or credits for 529 contributions, so check to see if your home state offers a tax benefit Compare the performance of your home state’s…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Why you should diversify globally
We all know that US stocks have significantly outperformed international stocks in recent years. Because of this and the fact that many US based multinationals are major players in the world economy, many clients have asked whether international diversification is unnecessary. Not at all. A few reasons to continue investing internationally: International stocks represent about…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Is your cash living up to its potential?
Are you sitting on a lot of cash? That’s a good problem to have, but wouldn’t it be nice to earn a yield on that money? Traditional brick and mortar banks aren’t offering much of anything in terms of interest rates. Leading online banks are a better alternative, but they change their rates periodically. We…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Do you and your spouse agree on financial priorities?
At some point, you have probably heard one of us say, “stay the course.” Too often the philosophy is interpreted as “do nothing.” That is a shame because sometimes, “doing nothing” is exactly what you should do. Consider these points when the market headlines seem dire: There are two types of headlines: Market headlines and…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Market vs. Personal Headlines
At some point, you have probably heard one of us say, “stay the course.” Too often the philosophy is interpreted as “do nothing.” That is a shame because sometimes, “doing nothing” is exactly what you should do. Consider these points when the market headlines seem dire: There are two types of headlines: Market headlines and…
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