One of the first questions I always ask potential clients looking for financial planning advice is, “Do you keep a budget?” The reason being that your budget is a big part of the foundation of your financial plan, whether you are just starting out or in retirement...

I heard the following interview recently on NPR’s “Marketplace” program and wanted to share it. I know many people who, when just thinking about even trying to organize their financial life, feel completely overwhelmed by the task and thus avoid doing anything. As a financial planner, my job is to help clients make the task less daunting by providing a streamlined, organized way to view their holistic picture. Thus the interview’s main theme strongly resonated with me...

Just as retirement planning should start well before you actually retire, estate planning should be an ongoing process. Here are five important questions we often discuss with our clients to ensure their estate plans are on track...

According to Sallie Mae’s annual report, “How Americans pay for college”, Americans say they spent 16% more on college expenses during the 2014-15 school year than the year before. Families shelled out an average of $24,164 to cover college costs during the 2014-15 school year, compared to $20,882 the year prior. It’s the first time in five years that families have increased college spending year over year, according to Sallie Mae...