50s
20 Second Advisor: Stimulus checks, PPP, and what’s coming?!
In case you missed it, Congress passed a 2nd stimulus/aid package at the end of 2020 that authorized the following: Additional $600 stimulus payment to each person making under $75,000 (if filing single) or $150,000 (if filing jointly). The payments phase out for incomes above these limits. Additional paycheck protection program (PPP) funds. Certain businesses…
Read More20 Second Advisor: New Year – Two questions that drive meaningful change.
I aspire to live a great life. I define this as follows: To live a life full of meaning and love. To be healthy and physically capable of doing the activities I enjoy. To experience new things and travel. To give back to others. This kind of life doesn’t just happen overnight. In fact, I’m…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Don’t swing for the fences.
I grew up playing baseball, and it was common advice that I needed to hear, “Don’t swing for the fences.” When trying to hit a homerun, you end up taking your eye off the ball, and usually miss hitting the ball entirely. In investing, there is similar wisdom. Yes, it’s alluring to find an investment…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Jelly Beans & Performance
Some clients check their portfolios weekly. Others might only check it once or twice a year. Whenever you look at your performance, you’re really asking yourself: “How I am doing RELATIVE to some other benchmark?“ For example, if the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 10% and your portfolio is also up 10%, you would…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Is the Stock Market Divorced from Economic Reality?
Below is an excerpt from an article I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It captures the thoughts and emotions of several clients I’ve spoken to recently, and how/why the market can be so high right now amid all the uncertainty. From its record high on February 19, 2020 the S&P 500 Index1 fell 33.79% in less than 5…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Target Retirement Funds – Good or Bad Idea?
For a lot of investors, the 401(k) is the main savings vehicle for accumulating wealth. 401(k) plans often provide matching contributions which helps you to save more each year, and reach your retirement goals quicker. The downside (in my mind) of some 401(k) plans is that you have limited investment options. It may be difficult…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Hey Parents! Cash for Chores May Create Entitled Kids.
We have three little kids in our family. We are constantly trying to get them to clean their room, pickup their toys…the list goes on. In the past we had a chore system that worked pretty well. If kids did their chores for the day, they got up to 2 “checks” per day (one for…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Live your best life & tweak your 2020 budget
The new year is a great time to take stock of your life’s direction. Review what’s going right and what’s gone off course in your life. Sit down and REALLY think about what you value most. Maybe it’s family. Maybe it’s travel and new experiences. Maybe it’s giving back or solving a societal issue. Ask…
Read More20 Second Advisor: Tale of Two Investors & Using Time to Enhance Wealth
What is the secret to having a great investment experience? A few key things come to mind. One of the great secrets of investing is putting TIME on your side. If you can save significantly when you are young, the powerful effects of compounding returns work in your favor. More time = more wealth! Let’s…
Read More20 Second Advisor: 6 Last-Minute Retirement Strategies
In a perfect world, everyone would be on track for their retirement goals. More often than not, people are usually playing “catch up” in their 50s and 60s to realize their retirement goals (working less/not all all, traveling, buying a vacation home, etc.). Here’s a quick breakdown of “6 Last-Minute Retirement Planning Strategies”¹. Save Like…
Read More