Financial Blog For Busy Families & Impact Investors
PWR's Bay Area Experts: Real Estate Love Letters with Robert Parker
My fiance and I wrote a love letter when we bought our home and we heard from the sellers agent that it was a big factor in why they chose us. I wanted to learn more so I reached out to Robert to help explain how Love Letters can be a powerful tool in today's tight real estate market.
PWR's San Diego Experts: Aging Life Care Manager with Betsy Evatt
Welcome to “PWR’s San Diego Experts” column. Betsy is an Aging Life Care Manager and is a great resource for elder care living options and creating a safe space for individuals to age in their homes.
Should you invest in Bitcoin? You may be surprised by my answer.
Google is the leading search engine today, but before Google, there was Excite, Lycos, and many more that did not catch on. Given that perspective, it is reasonable to assume that many of today's cryptocurrencies will not last another 10 years, falling by the wayside to a single cryptocurrency that hasn't been invented yet.
Current Economic Outlook and Your Portfolio: It is Time for a Check-Up
We are staying on top of some key economic developments this quarter. While shifts are being made constantly in this ever changing landscape of the economy, here is a review of the current economic outlook and interest rates.
Separate from your financial plan, you need a "care plan"
If your care plan isn't in writing yet, this will help you get started. Someone turning age 65 today has a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services. Costs average $80K per year and can last for 3 years or more. How are you planning to pay for this?
Advice for All Stages
Advice for what you should be doing financially at all stages in your life.
If you are invested in Schwab Intelligent Portfolios®, consider this alternative.
The debate is no longer about active versus passive - passive is taking over. Instead, it's about which type of indexing methodology is best.
My Largest Unexpected Expense as a First-Time Home Buyer
What I have learned since being an owner is that there are other costs of homeownership that aren't often discussed or known. I have now realized I didn't account for the one thing, that as of today, has been my biggest homeownership expense.
The Right and Wrong Way to Leave Wells Fargo
You're frustrated with Wells Fargo and looking for a change. For those that are ready to leave but not sure how to get started, we outline the steps.
Why We Reduce Social Security Benefits in Our Financial Plans
Social Security estimates are essential for our planning, but the system needs a change in order to continue to pay 100% of its payouts indefinitely.
When Target-Date Funds Aren't the Best Solution
We really like target-date funds. They are a simple and convenient solution for those that want an all-in-one investment strategy and don't want to worry about rebalancing. However, there are two situations where they aren't the best choice.
Haven't explored ESG-investing yet? This will help you get started.
You're busy - and you haven't explored ESG-investing yet. Here are some reasons why you may be hesitating.
I bought my house at the top of the market, and I am still happy with my decision.
I am a financial planner. I am educated on the laws of supply and demand, on interest rates, saving and the value of a dollar. I still bought my house at the peak of the housing market in 2018 and...I don't care.
We are not Robo-Advisors
Robo-advisors fill a need. They are serving people with a small amount of money who haven't traditionally been served by advisors. That being said, PWR is not a robo-advisor and we have no plans to become one.
Ask Linda: We're Getting Divorced. Now what?
Linda Answers: My spouse and I recently decided to get a divorce. What should we expect with regards to the divorce process and its financial implications? I am particularly concerned about how my retirement plan will be affected.
Ask Linda: Pre-tax versus Post-tax savings
Linda Answers: Should I save to my pre-tax 401k at work or my Roth IRA? I cannot fully fund both.
What is the difference between a Credit Lock and Freeze?
A credit freeze and a credit lock are two separate services. They are very similar but do have distinct differences.
Can't get yourself FIREd? You can still have a LIFE.
FIRE stands for financially independent, retire early. The movement continues to grow, with retirees in their 20's through 40's. It has caught on because it is unexpected - we don't picture retirees being so young.
Ask Linda: I moved to consulting status - now what?
I moved to consulting status - now what? This transition can be confusing, but as long as you stay organized you will be fine. Here are some recommendations to help get you started.
How to Recognize a Ponzi Scheme
We are even seeing a new wave of Ponzi schemes involving virtual currencies, such as Bitcoin. Here is a summary of what to look for to protect yourself against Ponzi schemes.