Here are some things that I read recently that I wanted to share my thoughts on: France Just Won the World Cup. Here’s How Much Their Players Get (Time.com, by Julia Glum) How many of us dream big (me!) and aspire to play in the World Cup? Or if you are already past your prime (like me)…
Q2 – 2018: Brandon’s Quarterly Market Commentary
Q2 – 2018: Brandon’s Quarterly Market Commentary Markets improved in Q2 and finished modestly higher by most measures. This volatility in 2018 has ticked higher and we’ve heard rumblings such as “trade war”, “rising interest rates”, and “North Korea nuclear situation”. Since we appear to be in the alter stages of a long bull market, it’s…
Your Money or Your Life
Here’s something that I read recently that I wanted to share/discuss: Your Money or Your Life (NY Times Best Seller, by Vicki Robin) Some people say this book Your Money or Your Life is one of the most influential books that exist in the realm of financial self-improvement. Vicki Robin co-authored the original book back in 1992, and she’s since made several updates to…
Lessons Learned from Dads, Planning When Couples Have Signficant Age Gap, and What are TIPS?
In no particular order, here’s a few interesting things I read recently that I wanted to share: 5 money — and life — lessons learned from dads (Marketwatch’s Outside the Box, by Ben Luthi) Because I am a father of two young girls, I am more observant to articles written that pertain to Father’s Day weekend than I…
529 Plans, The Bucket Approach in Retirement, and Emergency Fund Lessons
In no particular order, here’s a few interesting things I read recently that I wanted to share: Saving in a 529 is great, for those who can afford it (CNBC, by Jessica Dickler and Sharon Eperson) Since the IRS created Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code in 2006, this qualified tuition program (better known as…
Use Your Tax Return to Plan, Planning for Child with Special Needs, Retiree Trends
In no particular order, here’s a few interesting things I heard and read recently that I wanted to share: Use Your Tax Return to Map Out a Better Financial Future (Liz Weston, NerdWallet) This past week, I reviewed my 2017 tax return and played around with an online tax calculator to see what the 2018 tax…
Between Me and Stupid, Disability Awareness Month, and Into the Fire
In no particular order, here’s a few interesting things I heard and read recently that I wanted to share: Between Me and Stupid (Medium, by Carl Richards) As I have mentioned previously, I listen a dozen podcasts weekly…and hundreds annually. Carl Richards is one that I listen to (called “Behavior Gap Radio”), and many people know…
Q1 – 2018: Brandon’s Quarterly Market Commentary
Well, it was bound to happen: a negative quarter. We’ve all been told that markets just don’t go up, up, up! And after January roared higher, markets pulled back in February/March and most indexes finished flat to slightly lower by end of the quarter. The end results weren’t necessarily bad, but it never feels good to experience a…
RMD Timing, Credit Card Points, and Couples Monthly Allowance
In no particular order, here’s a few interesting things I heard and read recently that I wanted to share: It pays to take RMDs early in the year (Financial Planning, by Ed Slott) I just love coming across something that seems counter-intuitive. Typically investors are given advice to take their RMDs as late in the game…
Get The Best Car Loan, Reasons to Not Do a Roth, and The 1% Rule
In no particular order, here’s a few interesting things I heard and read recently that I wanted to share: 5 ways to get best car loan deal, especially as interest rates rise (USA Today, by Susan Tompor) I remember being 23 years old and negotiating my first car purchase: I didn’t really know what I was…