Financial Planning

Long-Term Thinking in a Short-Term World

When the Noise Gets Loud It seems like every day brings a fresh wave of chaotic news out of Washington, warnings of financial collapse, and rising geopolitical tension. The world can feel like it is coming apart. With so much uncertainty in the air, it is only natural to wonder whether adjustments should be made [...]

5 Ways to Get Organized Financially in the New Year

The new year is the perfect time to refresh your financial goals and gain better control over your money. Whether you’re planning for the long term or just looking to simplify your finances, organizing your financial life can bring peace of mind. Here are five key steps to get your finances in shape for 2025. [...]

Tips for Filling Out the FAFSA

For families with college students, financial aid season has arrived. The FAFSA is now available, and unlike last year’s rocky rollout of a revamped version, this year’s form appears to be relatively glitch-free. If you’re debating whether to complete the FAFSA, here are a few reasons why it’s worth the effort: […]

Strategies for Navigating Uncertainty & Anxiety

When life throws us a curveball, whether it’s an unexpected election result or a negative life transition like a death, divorce, or job loss, it can be tempting to wallow in self-pity or obsess about the worst-case scenarios. Neither of these responses benefits our mental health or helps us cope effectively. Instead, we recommend a [...]

A Crash Course in End-of-Life Planning

When my dad fell ill and passed away earlier this year, I received a crash course in end-of-life decisions and estate settlement. While my parents thankfully had a complete set of estate documents and the family generally agreed on what was best for my dad, I realized this was just the tip of the iceberg [...]

Chaos Continues in California Property Insurance Market

Recently news broke that State Farm, the largest property insurer in California, plans to non-renew 72,000 home and apartment policies by this summer. Some ZIP codes have up to 70% of policies being non-renewed, with notifications going out over the next few months. Click here to see if your ZIP code is impacted. Your State [...]

Teaching Kids Good Money Habits in an Affluent Community

April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to focus on understanding money matters such as saving, investing, budgeting, income, interest rates, and spending habits. Despite being the wealthiest nation globally, the United States ranks 14th in financial literacy. Only 57% of American adults possess financial literacy, costing them an average of $1,819 annually due to [...]

Mastering Your Legacy: The Importance of Personal Estate Planning

Ensuring your personal estate planning documents are meticulously organized and up to date is a critical component of responsible financial planning. Beyond the practicality of asset distribution, these documents play a pivotal role in alleviating stress and uncertainty for your loved ones during what can be a very challenging time. By proactively addressing key aspects of [...]

Pet Insurance: Why It Might Be Worth Considering

A recent pet emergency that cost Tanya $9,000 caused us to revisit the topic of pet insurance. As devoted companions, pets bring immeasurable joy and love into our lives. Ensuring their well-being involves not only affectionate care but also thoughtful consideration of their health needs. The average annual cost of dog ownership is $1,270 to [...]