Managing your money is not rocket science. Many argue that much of it is just common sense. And so much has been written, broadcast, and podcast about it that you’d think any reasonably intelligent person could figure out the rest. So why would anyone – much less a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL Read more…
Long ago, I learned that success in any endeavor relies on two strategies – and making smart investment choices is no different. Quite simply: Do what works Don’t make avoidable mistakes As applied to investing, I have made some interesting observations on both aspects in my now 17 years as Read more…
Since the news broke about the Equifax data breach, I’ve been hearing from many clients concerned about protecting their identity. With so much conflicting information out there, I wanted to share some pointers about prudent steps you can take to keep your credit and information as safe as possible. There Read more…
Your financial planner has you on track for retirement and your kids’ college accounts are growing nicely. The family business is humming along, or your new promotion is going well. What else should you be thinking about? Now that you are accumulating assets, you should create a will and consider Read more…
So your employer has a 401(k) plan as part of its benefits package, now what? Learn different strategies you need to consider when choosing your investments. Whether you're looking at target-date funds or trying to pick mutual funds based on expense ratios or past performance.
The name on the beneficiary form of a 401(k) plan is the final determinant of who inherits the account assets… or is it? A recent U.S. district court ruling illustrates the dangers of assuming that beneficiary forms always take precedence. Given the right set of circumstances, remarriage can thwart a Read more…
One would think, the less you make the harder it is to retire, but I have found just the opposite to be true. Disposable income, or any income in excess of what we really need to live, quite often evaporates into thin air instead of being invested for retirement. Or Read more…
Helping your child start a Roth IRA can be a great way to teach them about financial responsibility. Here is what you need to know.
The state of Delaware was the first of 13 states to ratify the U.S. Constitution, but it also has some major financial benefits if you are a state resident. Financial advisor Jim Lee goes into more detail in this "Advisor Voices" post.
If your 401k has started to fill up, you might be tempted and wondering – what can I do with this money now? Almost everyone will advise you not to give in to this temptation. But if it is an emergency – or you can’t resist – here’s what you need to know about 401k loans.
Managing your money during a job transition due to a layoff, downsize or merger takes discipline. Be prepared to manage your expenses more closely, check with your advisor before tapping any retirement funds and network with peers to find temporary work while finding your next long term job. These tips tell you how.
The UK has finally decided, voting to "Leave" the EU and world markets are reacting. What does this mean for you? In the first "Advisor Voices" post, financial advisor Michael Zhuang explores this question.
Guidevine breaks down different certifications, degrees, and designations held by financial advisors. Knowing what designations like CFP® ChFC®, CDFA® mean, how advisors obtain them and retain them are important to know when looking for the right financial professional for your investment needs and goals.
GuideVine's Summer Scoop returns for 2016! From June 1st through August 31st, watch short daily videos from financial experts answering common financial questions. By the end of the summer, you'll be a lot more confident and knowledgeable about personal finance.
One size does not fit all when it comes to portfolio rebalancing. Investors have different levels of risk, investment styles and financial goals depending on what life stage they are in. These are the strategies professional financial advisors use to meet your personal financial goals.
Whether you are a recent college grad or a parent of one, someone is left holding the student loan baggage. There are several options to consider when determining your loan repayment strategy, from payment plans to restructuring debt. But what comes first, saving for retirement or paying down those student loans? It's time to sit down and review what the best course of action is for you.
The newest generation of personal financial technology services are powerful tools to help you get where you’re going. But what if you don't know where you're going? Learn more about the missing ingredient that fintech tools cannot replicate.
At GuideVine, we believe that everyone deserves great financial advice. We also understand that a financial advisor may not be the right solution for everyone. If you're looking to improve your finances and aren't sure what is right for you, answer a few simple questions to get started.
Financial literacy and money management skills are critical to your survival and success. Unfortunately, financial literacy is not a required subject in school and something you may learn through trial and error. Learning the proper way to invest and manage your money is lifelong journey. How financially literate are you?
Helping a friend financially out can put your friendship to the test. From not getting paid back to having your credit ruined are all possibilities when you mix friendship and money.
Take a minute before you run out and buy all those new, shiny things. Personal finance experts recommend taking some time to review your finances, your financial plan, and your future goals so that you can make the best decisions with your money. Keep the following four points in mind and you’ll be on your way to making the most of your new and improved salary.
There isn't a day that goes by without the topic of robo advisors coming up at GuideVine. Often its a consumer asking “what is a robo advisor anyway” or “what is the difference between a robo advisor and a traditional financial advisor”. Our CEO tries to help make sense of these questions and provide you with the answers.
While economic stories dominated the financial news, in personal finance the questions of “what should I do with my money?”, “what tools should I use to manage my finances?” and “do I need help from a financial advisor?” were more common. It’s no surprise that all of these themes are in GuideVine’s Top 5 read articles of 2015. And of course, there is The Dress (yes, that dress)!
New Year's has past. Everybody is busy working on their 2016 resolutions (right?). While a casual approach to the gym or staying in touch may work, its best not to improvise your financial resolutions. We look at five reasons why this is the year to get professional financial advice, to help you achieve your money goals while gaining peace of mind.