The stock market experienced quite a few drops in January, causing a frantic debate in the media over whether or not another recession is coming. You might have been in college during the 2008 recession, or recently graduated and struggling to find a job. Or maybe you were a few years into your career and watched your 401(k) get cut in half. The recession was poorly-timed for Millennials like me … [Read more...] about Are You Prepared to Ride Out the Next Recession?
Life and Money
Why Mom And Dad Aren’t Your Financial Planners
When I meet with potential clients, I get a sense of what’s on Millennials’ minds when it comes to their money. Many of you have the same concerns -- things like saving, paying off debt or saving for retirement. But I’ve noticed a trend that I didn’t anticipate: potential clients who want to get permission from their parents before working with a financial planner. Not advice. Permission. This is … [Read more...] about Why Mom And Dad Aren’t Your Financial Planners
The Importance of Investing in Yourself (and How to Do It)
As a financial planner, I talk a lot about investing your money wisely. You might want to invest in a new home, in grad school, or in the stock market. But we can expand this conversation to include other types of investing, too — like investing in yourself. Happiness comes from investing your money, time, and effort in the things that matter most to you. A new purse will make you happy for a … [Read more...] about The Importance of Investing in Yourself (and How to Do It)
You’re Doing Really Well Financially: Now What?
When you’re first getting your financial act together, the advice you’ll get pretty much boils down to: Create a budget Build up emergency savings Pay down debt Contribute enough to your 401(k) to get a company match, and fund a Roth IRA as well if you can You built up a solid career, got out of debt, started saving for retirement...in short, you’re doing everything right. … [Read more...] about You’re Doing Really Well Financially: Now What?
Travel Hack Your Way Through Wedding Season
Ah, wedding season. You’ve probably had a year or two when you have more Save the Dates than refrigerator magnets (and if you haven't yet, you probably will). As much as you'll enjoy witnessing your good friends get married, you can’t not think about how much attending all those weddings will cost you. The plane tickets, the hotel room, the clothes, the manicures, the gifts — and that’s just … [Read more...] about Travel Hack Your Way Through Wedding Season
Buying vs. Renting: Which One Is Right for You?
Like getting a job, buying a car, getting married, or having a child, home ownership is viewed as one of the markers of becoming a “real” adult. Despite hitting those milestones at a later age than their Baby Boomer parents, and dealing with the blow of a tough economy right as they entered the job market, the majority of Millennials still believe in home ownership — even though it’s not the best … [Read more...] about Buying vs. Renting: Which One Is Right for You?