Latest from The Spokesman-Review

• Ask a Planner: Practical steps following death in family

  September 28, 2010 in Business on Page A8 The death of a loved one is a difficult time for everyone close to that individual. During this emotional time, it can be difficult to know what steps are necessary …

• Ask a Planner: Define your retirement holistically

  September 14, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Q. How can I make my retirement income last as long as I live? A.Financial planners hear this question more often today with the first wave of baby boomers reaching …

• Stick to necessary decisions following a death

  September 8, 2010 in Business on Page A8 When a relative dies, you and your family will need time to grieve. It is important you do not make any long-term decisions about finances for at least six months. …

• Ask a Planner: Save taxes, confusion with estate plan

  August 31, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Q.Why is it important to have an estate plan? A.There are basically only three places your money can go: heirs, charity or the government. And unless Congress changes current estate … 2

• Simple preparation can ease filing for Social Security benefits

  August 17, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Q.How do I apply for Social Security benefits? A.When you are ready to apply for retirement, disability or spousal benefits, you can do so online, over the phone, or in …

• Special level of expertise is needed to venture into alternative investments

  August 10, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Q. What are alternative investments? A. Alternative investments are loosely defined as investments in assets other than traditional stocks and bonds. Hence the name. Generally, alternatives encompass a broad range …

• Do the math before tapping into Social Security benefits

  August 3, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Q.When should I begin collecting retirement benefits? A.People are tempted to take Social Security early, but it is important to really think through the long-term ramifications that such a decision … 1

• Mortgage vs. savings a personal as well as financial decision

  July 13, 2010 in Business on Page A7 I’m 28, single, and just received an $86,000 inheritance. I don’t know if I should pay off my mortgage ($79,836) or invest for retirement. If I pay off my mortgage, …

• After divorce, finances need a fresh look

  July 6, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Divorce can be one of the most challenging and difficult periods that a person can experience in life. Once an agreement has been reached with the former spouse, and even … 1

• Securities protected from inflation are attractive to some

  June 22, 2010 in Business on Page A7 Q. I’ve heard about Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, or TIPS. What are they? Are they safe investments with a healthy rate of return? What are their advantages, disadvantages and restrictions? How … 1

• Lead by example when teaching kids about money

  June 15, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Q.How do I train my kids to use money wisely? They just don’t get it. A.There are many tools parents can use to teach kids principles and skills in money …

• Expenses are a big factor in having kids

  June 8, 2010 in Business on Page A7 Becoming a parent is a magical milestone for many couples that begins a path of learning and new adventures. There is little instruction as to how to prepare to be …

• Bankruptcy’s stain can last 10 years, but being responsible can soften blow

  June 2, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Q.If a bankruptcy is to last seven years on my credit report, why is it still there if my bankruptcy was in April 2002? Do bankruptcies stay on reports for …

• Choose Guaranteed Education Tuition today for college tomorrow

  May 25, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Q. With the recent birth of our first child we were wondering about saving for college and heard that there was a program to lock in tuition prices. Sounds good, … 1

• Include fun in your funding goals

  May 18, 2010 in Business on Page A9 Q.I make a good living but just can’t seem to figure out where the money goes each month. How do I get back in control? A.There is no silver bullet …

• Group policy lays foundation for long-term disability plans

  May 11, 2010 in Business on Page A7 Q. Our employer is signing us up for long-term disability insurance. He’s increasing our pay, then deducting the premiums from our paychecks. Most of us are young and healthy, and … 1

• Keep close watch on credit score

  May 4, 2010 in Business on Page A7 What’s your credit score and, more importantly, why does it matter? More than ever, credit scores are a big deal. Lenders use your score to understand what type of risk …

• Factor age in your Social Security plan

  April 27, 2010 in Business on Page A7 Q.My wife and I are in our late 50s. Our house is paid off and our youngest child finishes college in June. We are starting to plan for retirement, but …

• E-statements ease impact on the planet

  April 20, 2010 in Business on Page A7 There’s no better time than spring to go green with your financial life. If you have investments in mutual funds or securities, I bet you are amazed at how much …

• Lay financial base before buying home

  April 13, 2010 in Business on Page A7 Q.My husband and I have been married three years. We earn $63,000 a year ($5,250 a month) and are saving to buy a house. We pay $523 a month for …

• SRI, faith-based choices let you invest in your values, issues

  April 6, 2010 in Business, City on Page A8 Q.What is Socially-Responsible Investing? A.Socially responsible investing (SRI), also known as socially-conscious or ethical investing, describes an investment strategy which seeks to maximize financial returns while also promoting the social … 1

• What to do when bonds are called

  March 30, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Q. My wife and I are retired and have a municipal bond portfolio. A lot of bonds have been called lately and we don’t know how to replace the income. …

• Monthly bill organizers ease procrastination at tax time

  March 23, 2010 in Business on Page A7 This is the time of the year we gather documents to file our taxes. If you are like the rest of us, the exercise is a chore. Some people would …

• Money values should be taught early

  March 16, 2010 in Business on Page A7 Here is a bucket list, of sorts – the financial teachings I would like to impart to my children. I had excellent role models – my grandparents and my parents … 2

• Save now for kids’ college with CESAs

  March 9, 2010 in Business on Page A7 Q. My husband and I just had our first child. My parents invested $1,400 in a CESA mutual fund for him. They’ve promised to do it every year if my …

• Get rid of credit cards, thus debt

  March 2, 2010 in Business on Page A8 On your next credit card statement, you are going notice some changes that give you additional information that could help you understand all of the particulars on your credit card. …

• Plan your retirement for life’s surprises

  February 23, 2010 in Business on Page A8 Q: I have heard that if I only spend 4 percent of my retirement savings yearly I will never run out of money and it could possibly even grow. Sounds …

• Work with partner to thrive

  February 16, 2010 in Business on Page A10 Money can be a topic of tension for all couples, especially when so many people have been laid off and discretionary money is tight. In working with couples to navigate …

• The right insurance depends on needs

  February 9, 2010 in Business on Page A7 Q.My wife and I are 32 and have an 8-month-old daughter. We bought a house two years ago, and the payments fit comfortably into our budget. I earn $42,000 and …

• Ask a planner: Watch for hidden costs on funds

  February 2, 2010 in Business on Page A6 Q.I just retired with $397,000 in my 401(k). My broker recommends rolling it to an IRA and buying mutual funds. He likes C shares because there’s no commission. What do …

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