Financial planning

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, March 29, 2014.

Question: My husband and I were talking about the economy and the business environment and we were both wondering when things would ever get back to normal again. Then we laughed, because we can’t even remember what normal is supposed to be like. We just know this isn’t it! What do you think?

Answer: Isn’t it funny - things are always getting back to normal. But they are rarely normal. What’s that all about?

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, March 22, 2014.

Question: I know everybody’s talking happy talk about how good the economy is getting, but I am still very much afraid we’re not out of the woods yet. Makes me afraid to take chances with my money. I’d rather put it in land. I know farm land prices are up, but at least you’ve got something. 

Answer: Funny thing about fear – it often tricks us into exchanging one perceived problem for a much larger one.

The following segment first aired on KEDM 90.3 on Wednesday, March 19, 2014.

Sometimes simple wills can create complex problems. Listen to my most recent KEDM Public Radio segment to hear how a little attention to detail now could alleviate a lot of tension in the family later.

     

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, March 15, 2014.

Question: My wife and I are planning to build a house soon. It will be a luxury home and fortunately we can afford it. We are at odds over what kind of mortgage to get. She wants a shorter mortgage because she doesn’t like being in debt. I lean towards a longer mortgage to hang on to my money longer. Who’s right? 

Answer: Economically, you are. Emotionally, she is.

The following segment first aired on KEDM 90.3 on Wednesday, February 26, 2014.

Short of winning the lottery or getting Bill Gates to adopt you, there are only four ways you can move from financial dependence (in which work is necessary) to financial independence (in which work is optional). Listen to my most recent KEDM Public Radio segment to hear your four options.

     

By Byron Moore, posted February 20th, 2014

Question:  I just started a new job and the HR guy says I should put as much as I can into our 401K plan. He says I won't miss the money out of my paycheck, but I've got some debts I need to get paid off. Besides I really don't know anything about investing. I like the idea of getting it automatically done so I don't have to think about it. What do you think?

Answer: We love it when things are convenient.  

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, Februrary 15, 2014.

Question: I really want to get financially organized and planned out. How do I do that and where do I start?

Answer: In order for priorities to be profitable, they must first be planned and then be practiced.

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, Februrary 8, 2014.

Question: Is it possible for someone to be just out of control when it comes to spending? I’m talking about myself. I am very impulsive and just can’t control myself when it comes to spending.

Answer: Yes, it is possible to be all of those things – out of control, impulsive and just plain messed up when it comes to spending habits.

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, Februrary 1, 2014.

Question: When we were growing up my father constantly reminded us to be responsible with money. But I always got the feeling with him it was about much more than being responsible. He seemed to get a lot of validation out of how much money we had, which I think went too far. As a result, I find myself shy about teaching my own kids financial responsibility for fear they’ll get the same message from me. Suggestions?

Answer: Most of the time we communicate our messages very clearly, despite what we say. Your father’s words said one thing, but his life said quite another, didn’t it?

The following column was published in The News Star on Saturday, January 25, 2014.

Question: I decided I need a financial person so I’ve started talking to a few individuals. Frankly I’ve been less than impressed. I just get the feeling they want to sell me their thing, whatever it happens to be. It is always like this?

Answer: Slimy types will always be drawn to any profession offering access to people’s money.