A Supplement to Grant’s Smart Money Trilogy. How to Budget, Save, Spend and Invest (Book 1). (Downloadable PDF included below). The following checklist is intended to be used annually by an individual, a couple or a family in the areas of budgeting, savings, spending and investing. If each member of a couple has…
Reverse Mortgage: Who Qualifies?
Reverse mortgage popularity grew slowly from the start of the Federal Housing Authority’s (FHA) insured program in 1988 until the early 2000’s. The growth of reverse mortgages accelerated from 2006 through 2009 with the increase in home values. During the recession, the number of new Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) issued under the FHA reverse…
Reverse Mortgages: A Historical Perspective
Reverse mortgages are being promoted on television by Henry Winkler, (The Fonz), the star of “Happy Days” and Fred Thompson, a politician and the Manhattan District Attorney in “Law and Order”. We have all seen their tv commercials. So What is a Reverse Mortgage? A reverse mortgage is a home loan for older homeowners that…
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…
Financial Planner: Do You Need One?
The world of finance has become quite complex. As if investing is not difficult enough, it’s only part of what goes into your financial planning. With so many components, financial planning can be daunting and overwhelming — and that’s where your planner comes in. What’s financial planning? Financial planning includes budgeting and saving your money,…
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…