Blog

We Didn’t Start the FIRE

Originally posted in the Baltimore Business Journal on January 4, 2019

The allure of FIRE, the acronym for Financially Independent, Retire Early, has gained popularity in the last few years, especially with the younger generation. While some may want to work “forever,” some simply want to get out of the “rat race” as soon as possible. Simply speaking, FIRE proponents believe in the idea of saving the majority of their income (by likely living very thriftily) for a decade or two and then maintaining a low-cost retirement lifestyle.

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5 Considerations for Starting Your Own Business

Starting your own business can be stressful and nerve-wracking at times, and requires well-thought-out planning. Before you start your own business, consider these 5 important factors.

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Retirement Planning: 3 Questions Pre-Retirees Often Overlook

A lot of people spend years, even decades, planning their retirement. But ironically, even with that much time, they overlook one big factor.

With the help of their financial advisors, they determine how much to save, where to invest and how much risk to take, then forecast their lifestyle and associated living expenses in retirement. However, retirement planning is more than just calculating “the numbers.”

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Ancillary Expenses: How Much Does College Really Cost?

Originally posted on Wed, Novemeber 7, 2018

While they make up the lion’s share of the costs, tuition is not the only expense college students incur. Students (or parents who are helping to pay for college) will also need to consider ancillary costs like books, meal plans, travel, and extracurricular activities.

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Define Retirement: Volunteering Could Be a Win-Win for Retirees

In order to retire the way you want to, when you want to, and as financially stable as you want to, it takes a good, solid financial plan and usually, the work of an expert financial advisor. (Will you be able to outlive your money? Are you able to leave a legacy? Are your loved ones taken care of when you’re gone?) However, when it comes time to define retirement, the definition looks different to different people.

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Should I Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?

Originally posted in the Baltimore Business Journal on November 2, 2018

As much as we look forward to our retirement, where we hope to spend more time with family, travel, or indulge in our hobbies, statistically, there is a high likelihood we may become ill at some point and require long-term care. Just like any other risks – life, disability, automobile, home – we need to determine if we should shift this risk to an insurance company or accept the risk.

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The New Way to Pay for Private Education

Originally posted in the Baltimore Business Journal on October 26, 2018

Every parent wants the best for their children; nice friends, excelling in sports or other hobbies, and of course the best education. When it comes to education, the focus is typically around saving for the extraordinary expense of college, but for some parents, education costs may start much earlier. Whether you’ve just had a baby or you are sending your child to high school (or anywhere in between!), your top worry may be saving for the more immediate need: private school.

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Executive Compensation: What You Should Know

Originally posted in the Baltimore Business Journal on September 20,2018

In 2017, the median pay of CEOs of the biggest U.S. companies in the S&P 500 reached $12.1 million 1, a post-recession high. While not all executive compensation will reach this level, the median salary for a Russell 3000 CEO was still over $3 million2 in 2017. With eye-popping figures like those, it makes you wonder what exactly executive compensation packages consist of.

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What Types of Financial Services Do You Need If Running a Family Business?

When searching for a financial advisor, it’s important to know that there are many types of financial services companies out there, and you need to find the best who will provide the services you need.

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Your Financial Advisor and the TCJA; Notable Tax Changes for Homeowners

Originally published on Paladin Registry on August 21, 2018

A good financial plan takes in many different considerations. Investments, of course, are a top priority, but a good financial advisor should also understand your retirement plans, financial goals (kids’ college funds, care for aging parents, etc.) and tax concerns. Topics that may not be part of a firm’s expertise should be followed up with a true professional. Your advisor may be able to recommend someone.

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