It’s no secret the housing market is hot and low rates are part of what’s fueling the fire. According to Bankrate, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is currently at 3.33%, while the average 30-year fixed mortgage refinance rate is just behind that at 3.35%. Before rushing into a new loan, here are a few… Read more »
The term “overview effect” was coined in 1987 by author Frank White to describe the intense awe astronauts feel when viewing the earth from space. Astronauts report viewing the earth as incredibly “fragile” and have been documented to see the earth (and life itself) differently upon their return, wanting to protect the earth (and all… Read more »
Preparing your family for what will happen upon your passing is a crucial and often overlooked part of the estate planning process. Along with drafting your estate plan, you may have neglected an important part of the process- communicating your plans. It’s important to communicate your intentions to the implementers of your documents. Typically… Read more »
Is a financial check-up on this year’s spring cleaning list? You’ve tidied the house and put the finishing touches on the landscaping, but don’t forget to review your finances. Add these five items to your list this year: Pay Yourself First Small adjustments can go a long way toward helping to build wealth…. Read more »
President Biden has just announced his proposal for increasing long-term capital gains tax rates (as part of his American Families Plan). The long-term capital gains rate applies to realized gains on stocks held for at least one year, and is currently lower than the tax rate for ordinary income (or wages). For instance, the… Read more »
Have you ever experienced playing with the “house’s money” at a casino? You’re on a hot streak and are willing to take on more risk because you view your winnings as not your money, but the house’s money. Psychologically, it doesn’t feel like it’s yours to lose! The “house money effect,” or “mental accounting”… Read more »
The national debt is now at $27 trillion, or about $190,000 per household. This amounts to nearly 130% of gross domestic product (GDP), the highest level we’ve ever had (debt to GDP reached 112% in World War II, but would soon fall to under 30% in the decades after). Despite this massive amount of… Read more »
A financial plan should be about more than accumulating assets. It should also reflect your values. Here are some areas of your plan that you may wish to examine to ensure that they reflect your values. If they need tweaking, there is no time like the present to make needed changes. Helping Causes You… Read more »
While many of us have been Zooming away the days throughout the pandemic, employees and owners alike are attempting to gauge the likelihood of maintaining a work from home (WFH) setting, post pandemic. If you are considering making your home office your permanent work space, there are a few questions you should be asking. … Read more »