Question: Money is a pretty touchy topic between my wife and me. It  just seems we argue more than anything. Can you address some ways we can overcome that? Read the rest of this entry »

Question: We’re selling our house and downsizing. We’ve found a smaller place we both like, but it’s going to require some updating and other renovations. My wife is all wigged out about having a to-the-penny budget. My point is that we can’t know what all we’re going to want to do until we get into the project, so what’s the point of the budget? Can you help settle an argument?  Read the rest of this entry »

Question: I enjoy what I do and I may not ever want to retire. Yet everything I read about financial planning assumes I am going to retire one day. Other than  retirement, what’s the point of financial planning? Read the rest of this entry »

Question: My husband and I are looking at buying a small lake house. The price is pretty good, but I am bothered because we still have some debt we haven’t paid off yet. He says you’ve got to pull the trigger on this kind of thing quickly or someone else may buy it. But I worry about the debt. How do we know what’s right?  Read the rest of this entry »

Question: I went to see my financial guy about retiring and all we talked about was my mutual funds. I know that is important, but do I also need to be talking to an attorney for my will? And what about long-term care? Read the rest of this entry »

THE CALENDAR HAS TURNED AGAIN
Somehow it’s another new year.  2011 is now in the rear view mirror, and all the baggage is tossed out as we begin fresh.  2012 holds promise, if for no other reason than it is new and without baggage.  We have resolutions, dreams and energy to achieve the goals we have set forth.

Of course, it’s also time to look at getting the old tax ledgers out again, and begin the early year grind to prepare for April 15^th.  Taxes paid on 2011 earnings are not higher, but the verdict is still out on what we will pay on 2012 earnings as the tempest that is the American political season is now upon us with a fury. Read the rest of this entry »

Question: Our economy is in shambles, we can’t trust our government and the debts we’ve piled up stager the imagination. Do you really believe the American Dream is even still possible? Read the rest of this entry »

Question: I am in my 50s and plan to retire within the next ten to fifteen years. What should I plan for with respect to health care costs? Read the rest of this entry »

Question: What sorts of things should I be thinking about when I set financial goals for the New Year?  Read the rest of this entry »

Question: I know I spent too much money Christmas shopping and I am going to pay for it in January. What suggestions do you have for finding some extra cash in January to pay for some of the shopping I did in December?  Read the rest of this entry »