We are excited to feature a guest post from Donna Skeels Cygan! One of many financial strategies mentioned in The Joy of Financial Security is to avoid the pressure of “keeping up with the Joneses.” This dynamic is very pervasive in our society, and it is toxic to attaining … [Read more...]
Life Insurance for the Stay-at-Home Parent
Have you ever wondered what a stay-at-home parent is worth financially? I was recently reading this article from InsWeb and it really struck a chord with me. According to Salary.com, the average stay-at-home mom is worth a yearly salary of $113,568! As a stay-at-home dad, I … [Read more...]
Creating a Long Term Care Strategy
Our parents are getting old. They won't admit it, but we can see it. Getting up in the morning is a little slower; moving around the house is a little tougher. As I look at them, I see my future. Sure, I attempt to maintain my perpetual youth by running half-marathons and … [Read more...]
Becoming Financial Partners
I have a degree in Finance. I think in terms of returns, present vs. future value of money, APR, etc. I say that putting your money into a fund that pays 7% APR is much smarter than paying off your mortgage with a 3% APR. Your money is 4% ahead by saving it! That makes great … [Read more...]
Caring for Caregivers
My grandmother is a saint. For over 20 years, she has taken care of my uncle who has some severe limitations to living on his own and caring for himself. For a little while, she had some help from my grandfather, but, at some point, he developed some pretty big limitations … [Read more...]
Start Planning Your Retirement Now
Do you know the best time to start planning your retirement? Now! Whatever your age, if you haven't started planning your retirement, there is no time like the present. The earlier you start, the less stress you will have and the less you will have to set aside each pay … [Read more...]
Life Insurance Options During Open Season
At many companies, it is open season for employee benefits. Every year, Beth and I have a discussion about how much life insurance we should have for each of us. The real discussion has less to do with each of us than it has to do with taking care of the kids. At the end of … [Read more...]