Wisdom on Wealth

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, May 3, 2014.

Question: We’re trying to get our budget re-worked for when we retire in a few years. I know we’ll have Medicare and our costs for medical insurance will go away and that we’ll have Social Security coming in. Our debts should all be paid off. What else do we need to be thinking about?

Answer: Hold your horses, Roy Rogers. You need to check your assumptions.

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, April 26, 2014.

Question: With my retirement coming up I did what everyone says to do - I interviewed three advisors that I'd either read about or heard about from friends. My problem is that they all tell a different story. One guy is a super big believer in the stock market and says everything will go up in the end. Another guy tells all kinds of scary stories about losing all your money in the stock market. And another seems kind of in between. How do I pick?

Answer: So you've interviewed three advisors - good. Now, interview yourself.

The following column was published in The News Star on Monday, April 21, 2014.

Question: My wife and I work together and she’s great at so many things. But when it comes to money, she can be so emotional. About everything really, not just money. How can I get her to see that?

Answer: See what? That she’s emotional?

By Mike Jones, posted April 17th, 2014

"Where are we now?"

That may be the most common question I get asked when clients want to know about the economy.

By Byron Moore, posted April 17th, 2014

Question: Recently my wife and I have been arguing a lot about money. When I try to explain things to her, she just clams up. But honestly we are spending too much money and she has to be part of the solution. How do other people deal with their marital conflicts over money?

Answer:  Not too well, I'm afraid. Approximately half of all divorces can be traced to money problems.   

The following segment first aired on KEDM 90.3 on Wednesday, April 9, 2014.

     

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, April 12, 2014.

Question: I’ve worked for the same company for most of my career. Now they are offering me a retirement pension check or a lump sum of money instead. Which is usually better?

Answer: The question you need to ask is, “Which option is better for me?”

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, April 5, 2014.

Question: I’ve been hearing advertisements on the radio for annuities for retirement. What are these and do I need one?

Answer: Annuities may be a useful tool in your retirement income toolkit. But they are no substitute for a plan.