Consumer Items

I often see clients who make good money, but can’t seem to save. Their downfall: not knowing where the money goes.

Frittering money away is one of the top concerns when making a financial plan. Once folks feel like they make enough money to not worry about what they do with it, they set themselves up for disaster down the road.

Bitcoin, the digital crypto-currency that doesn’t have the backing of any government, is becoming a mainstream interest, and many investors are hoping to capitalize on its appreciation. While this is a fascinating topic, it is not a wise bet for your retirement savings.

Under the influence of romance, it is easy to be distracted from practical concerns, but couples that can’t agree on money issues don’t last. It’s important to address these problems early on with an advisor to keep your relationship intact.

Preparing for a natural disaster is about much more than having a safe zone ready in the house and stocking up on bottled water. A natural disaster can be financially devastating for survivors, particularly if they didn’t take the time to prepare.

Many Americans don’t think about the possible financial fallout of acts of God until it is too late. Especially after massive storms that happen with increasing frequency these days, it’s more important than ever to prepare.

It’s hard to set aside a regular monthly amount for savings because our consumer culture encourages overspending and debt. How can you protect your money and apply your resources to your future dreams?

The first step is to understand how you are psychologically vulnerable to mindless impulsive purchases that don’t actually make you happy. According to Mikelann Valterra, a noted Seattle advisor and author, there are healthy ways to set boundaries on your spending.

Vacations are not cheap, and getting less so all the time. But they are necessary for your peace of mind. The trick is not to pay too much for them. Planning is vital, and now is a good time to start.

Do you want a surefire return? Then whittle down what you owe, whether it’s mortgage, automobile, boat, credit cards or college debt.

By paying down your debt, you guarantee a rate of return equal to the interest rate you pay on the debt. For some debt, it’s a better return than the stock market might bring. Even if you have good credit, it’s hard to come by an annual percentage rate of less than 15%, but a 15% annual gain in almost any investment is exceptionally good.

How can a smoker get insured, and at reasonable premium? If you smoke, it hurts your life insurance rates.

Since this habit carries so many health risks, smokers generally need to pay more for coverage and also could have a more complicated application process.

If you handle your application properly, you can minimize the extra costs you need to pay. Here is a complete guide to life insurance for smokers to help you get prepared:

Too often, consumers dig themselves a tremendous spending hole with big purchases, and then worry about the small stuff to make up the difference. If you really want to change your financial reality for the better, focus on it's the big stuff, namely where you live and what you drive. 

Is a wedding in your future? If so, prepare yourself to pay a lot. But there are ways to rein in the spending without diminishing the joy of the occasion.

Between the wedding planner, venue, food, flowers, cake, dress, drinks, photographer, videographer, invitations, programs and all the rest, you’re likely to be hearing a lot of this: ka-ching, ka-ching.