One of the most popular and commonly used estate planning tools available today is the revocable living trust. Unlike other trusts, this trust is considered a “living” vehicle because it’s established during a person’s lifetime. It also offers flexibility because the terms, conditions and interested parties may be amended at any time. A revocable living…
Divorced After 50: How to Plan for Retirement
One in four divorces involves couples over the age of 50. In addition to the emotional turmoil caused by being divorced after 50, a late-in-life divorce also causes a tremendous upheaval in retirement plans. What can you do to ensure your golden years are still secure even though you find yourself in unfamiliar territory? Negotiate for…
Buying Your First Home at Any Age
Qualifying for a mortgage and buying your first home in today’s economy is difficult under the best of circumstances. When you add the challenges incurred by a recent divorce or loss of a spouse, the process can seem impossible. For many, especially those who have suffered from the emotional and financial strain of unexpectedly becoming…
3 Ways Financial Planners Get Paid
Not all financial advice is equal. Though they offer what is supposed to be sound financial advice to you and your family, not all financial planners are conflict-free. Certain considerations may “color” the information and advice offered by a financial planner. Knowing how the financial planner is being paid can help you make the best…
Picking the Right Financial Advisor: Questions to Ask
It takes a lifetime of planning and investing to prepare for retirement. Even in the best of times, it’s confusing to navigate the many investment choices available. Creating the right mix of assets and knowing when to buy and sell can be challenging. Throw in a little economic uncertainty and some emotion, and the process…
5 Steps to Getting Your Finances in Order After Your Divorce
Regardless of the circumstances leading to your divorce, now that it’s final, you have to think about your future. First and foremost, you need to take time to deal with the emotions you may be facing. Be patient. It will take time for your family and other relationships to adjust to your new situation. At…
How Do You Find A Financial Planner You Can Trust?
The idea of choosing someone who you don’t know to trust with your personal finances can feel overwhelming. Don’t let the fear of choosing the wrong financial planner keep you from finding one at all. A skilled planner can be the key to maintaining financial peace of mind leading up to and during your retirement…
How to Hire an Investment Manager Who’s Right for You
Investment advisors are, simply put, professionals who recommend investments and conduct investment analysis. Unlike a financial planner, investment advisors specifically focus on how best to invest your savings and investments. Financial planners create plans and strategies based around life events like like retirement, college, or taxes. Investment advisors often take a plan into consideration before…