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October 24, 2017 in Family Money, Financial Life Planning, Insurance, Risk Management
Sheri’s take: Recently, we shared two guest posts on this fall’s insurance open enrollment period, authored by Mark Maurer, CFP®, MBA, president and CEO of LLIS. Mark’s posts were well-received, so we were delighted when he agreed to share one more interesting idea with us on how to use “layering” to save costs on your life insurance while still ensuring adequate coverage for your loved ones. Good coverage at less...

September 15, 2017 in Credit, Family Money, Identity Theft
It's been hard to escape the news of the Equifax breach. Even though it happened starting in May 2017 we're only just hearing about it. In my opinion, and others', the company's response to this breach has been far from stellar. Huffington Post reports: The Federal Trade Commission announced it is investigating the Equifax incident, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is looking into the company’s response to the breach. Members of the House Judiciary,...

June 6, 2017 in Expenses, Family Money
In my last post, we covered some of the financial trade-offs to consider before you decide to pay off your mortgage on the early side. Still, sooner or later, I hope that payoff day does arrive for you. There are few financial acts more gratifying than ensuring your castle is all your own, free and clear. Before you pop that cork on the bubbly though, it’s important to make sure you...

May 29, 2017 in Expenses, Family Money
We hear this question often: “Should I pay off my mortgage early?” As you’ll hear us say even more often, the answer is, “It depends.” It’s nice to no longer have that monthly mortgage payment, and there’s something satisfying about owning your home outright. That said, if you allocate dollars to paying off your mortgage, you’re essentially ruling out other ways you could be spending, saving or investing that same money. Here...

May 22, 2017 in Family Money, Investing, Young Adult Series
If there’s an investment instrument that has withstood the test of time, it’s the good, old U.S. savings bond. Since their 1935 debut under “New Deal” President Franklin D. Roosevelt, they’ve never been known for their get-rich glamour. But to this day, investors still turn to them when appropriate. When do savings bonds still make sense, and what are best practices for managing them these days? The Enduring U.S. Savings Bond As...

May 15, 2017 in Budgets, Expenses, Family Money, Young Adult Series
Okay, I know budgeting is rarely fun for anyone, but it can be especially hard on young adults. You’ve just wrapped up your formal education and received your first decent paycheck – way more than you’ve been earning between classes. What’s a common reaction? “I deserve a shopping spree!” Meantime, the necessary expenses add up too: food, clothing and shelter for today and tomorrow. You get to the end of...

May 8, 2017 in Family Money
Ah, there’s nothing quite like that new-car smell? It’s so popular, you can even buy it in a can. To me, I’m not sure that’s worth it unless I get an actual new car along with it. That said, given the costs, when it does come time to replace your classic clunker with a shiny (and fragrant) new edition, you may be wondering if it makes more sense to buy...

December 20, 2016 in Family Money, Mindful living
Mindful living, including spending money where it will be most meaningful, is certainly a regular theme here at SAGEbroadview. To search for that meaning, there’s ample academic evidence suggesting that we tend to find more happiness spending money on experiences than things. For example, a Wall Street Journal article, “Can Money Buy You Happiness,” cites several studies that have explored the lasting effect of spending. “What we find is that there’s...

October 4, 2016 in Family Money, Financial Life Planning, SageBroadview News
In last week’s post, “And Then There Was Avery Grace,” our Wealth Manager and new father Chris Annello shared some of the wealth planning initiatives he and his wife are prioritizing during their first year as new parents to their daughter Avery Grace. This week, we bring you “Grampy” Larry Annello’s perspective on the same. The Doting Grandfather: Larry When Chris and Lindsay first told us about the expected arrival of Avery...

September 28, 2016 in Family Money, Financial Life Planning, SageBroadview News
What better way to continue our back-to-school blogging season than by introducing our newest (and most precious) student of life and SAGEbroadview star, Avery Grace Annello? Born last May to our Wealth Manager Chris Annello and his wife Lindsay, Avery fast became the light of their life, as well as “Grampy” Larry Annello’s favorite photographic study. (Sorry, Colbie, you’re still cute too.) That said, tiny babies represent big changes to any family’s...