By now, you might have completed your tax returns for 2016 … and for some of you, the joy of getting your taxes out of the way is lessened by how much you owe the IRS. If it makes you feel any better, a big tax bill is a sign you made a lot of money last year! But I know that coughing up a few thousand bucks in the next few weeks is a pretty crappy way to celebrate your success. What if I told … [Read more...] about 4 Legal Ways to Lower Your Tax Bill
Retirement Planning
The Ultimate Guide to Roth IRAs
One of the best things young investors can do to ensure their future financial freedom is begin saving for retirement as early as possible. I recommend Roth IRAs to many of my clients and friends, because the way they work can be especially beneficial to young professionals. You might have a Roth IRA account set up (and even contribute to it!) without understanding its importance. Or maybe you’ve … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Guide to Roth IRAs
17 Quick & Dirty Money Moves You Can Make in 2017
It’s a new year, and you are pumped to make some changes to your finances. Only you don’t know where to start and you’re afraid to make a mistake. You’ll totally get around to it, though … once you’re done with a bunch of other chores you just remembered you had to do right now. I know. It’s easier to wrap your head around a to-do list item like “mop bathroom floor” than the one that says “start … [Read more...] about 17 Quick & Dirty Money Moves You Can Make in 2017
Your Guide to Roth IRA Conversions
If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you’re one of my clients, or you took my course, Smart & Easy Retirement Planning for Millennials, you know I talk about Roth IRAs a lot. With a Roth, you contribute up to $5,500 post-tax dollars per year, hopefully it grows for a few decades, and then you can withdraw that money in retirement tax-free. I recommend them often, especially to people who … [Read more...] about Your Guide to Roth IRA Conversions
Why Millennial Women Need to Invest, Even If We Don’t Think We’re Ready
When it comes to investing, women still lag behind men in terms of getting started and that means we miss out on years of compound interest. Investing is important because it allows your savings to grow considerably more than they would if you kept all of your money in a savings account. A recent survey by the investing app Stash found that a whopping 85% of Millennial women don’t invest! Why not? … [Read more...] about Why Millennial Women Need to Invest, Even If We Don’t Think We’re Ready
What To Do with an Inheritance or Settlement
If you receive a large windfall from an inheritance or lump sum settlement, you’re suddenly faced with financial decisions you weren’t expecting. Getting a lot of money at once can be a blessing and a curse. You’re not only dealing with the emotions of receiving this money (maybe from a loved one who passed away, or a lawsuit resulting from an accident), you’re also dealing with the logistics of … [Read more...] about What To Do with an Inheritance or Settlement