Financial Blog For Busy Families & Impact Investors
Investing During an Election Year [video]
Feeling nervous about investing this election year? This video will put things in perspective and help you focus on what you can control.
The TSP’s I Fund is Changing [video]
The TSP is changing the benchmark for its I Fund. Here are the details. Non-participants may also find the content relevant if you have an international fund or want to get exposure to that space.
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [video]
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) are becoming more and more popular. Many people are confused about how to best handle them and feel paralyzed. You just need to understand the tax consequences and have a plan for when they vest. Here’s what you need to know.
Asset Location - Why are My Accounts Performing Differently? [video]
Once you start having different types of accounts, we need to be aware of the tax piece and this concept called asset location. There's different types of accounts that we can use to hold and invest our money. Each of those types of accounts have different tax characteristics, and we can use those differences to our advantage.
The #1 Thing I Wish Every CalSTRS Employee Knew [video]
The #1 Thing I Wish Every CalSTRS Employee Knew
Ask Linda: What should I do with this unexpected bonus?
I will be receiving an unexpected bonus shortly. I want to do something smart with the money - any ideas?
Don't understand your annuity? This video will help. [video]
I don’t sell annuities. I don’t recommend them for the vast majority of my clients although there can be cases where it makes sense.
That being said, I have reviewed a lot of annuities over the years. Most people don’t understand what they have and how to begin evaluating them.
This video will help.
Everything you need to know about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
Everything you need to know about Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs).
Ask Linda: Gifting Stock to my Child
I want to gift some of the concentrated stock in my brokerage account to my adult child. I am tired of managing the stock and feeling like I need to stay on top of the earnings reports, news, etc. I would rather gift it to him and have the rest of my portfolio in low-cost, diversified positions. The stock has a very low basis and will incur a large amount of long-term capital gains upon selling. What are your thoughts?
How to Title your Assets
How should you title your assets? This guide will help you understand your options,
Ask Linda: Is it safe to have all of my money at one Brokerage firm?
I remember being told that I shouldn't keep more than $250,000 at one bank since that is the FDIC insurance limit. What about my money at a brokerage institution, such as Schwab, Vanguard, or Fidelity? Should I spread my money out across brokerage firms as well? Should I spread my money out across brokerage firms as well? How do I best keep my money safe?
The Stock Market and the Economy are Related, but not the Same
The stock market had a rough 2022 with the S&P losing close to 20%. While the stock market and the economy are related and often discussed together, they are not the same thing.
What to do with your Old Employer Plans [video]
So you've moved jobs a few times, you have a bunch of old employer plans, and you don't know what to do with them. Here are your options.
4 Pictures for when Markets Start Swinging
The stock market is cyclical and subject to periods of volatility. While being told to ‘stick with your long-term investment strategy’ is simple advice, it isn’t always easy. I love incorporating these 4 pictures into meetings – here’s why.
Rules Have Changed for Children Inheriting IRAs
If you inherit an IRA or Roth IRA from a non-spouse (such as a parent), the rules have changed. Here is what you need to know.
What is unique about the TSP's "G Fund"?
The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is the retirement plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services. The G Fund is specifically issued by the Treasury Department for TSP participants and it offers a unique benefit. This is how it works.
When to add TIPS to your portfolio
Even though inflation has been low recently and high inflation rates are a distant memory, there is always the possibility that it will spike again, even if it is due to unjustified market fears. Thankfully, there are ways to hedge against the negative effects of inflation.
Why do stocks split?
Apple (AAPL) and Tesla (TSLA) were recently in the news as two companies that are splitting their stock. Why would a company choose to do that and how does it affect you?
What to expect during the Discovery Meeting
We just finished our initial call and you decide to move forward. This is what happens next.