Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing, reminds us to "forget about what the stock market is going to do. Instead, focus on what you, as an investor, ought to do…" So what do we really know about the financial markets? First, what we don't know: The full...
financial planning
Financial Changes To Consider When You Have Kids
Expecting a new child is certainly a life-changing event. Along with the excitement and blessings of family, that new life has important financial implications. Certified financial planner Suzanne Himes, with Asset Planning Corporation, is here to discuss some of the...
What You Need To Know To Keep Savings on Track
This past week was designated as America Saves Week, which is an annual call to action for everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully. In honor of this event, which is now in its 13th year, certified financial planner Suzanne Himes is here with some tips and...
When Finances Weigh On The Mind, Relax and Focus
What is “mindful financial planning?” What do terms like “mindfulness” or “being present” really mean? Is this column about to go “woo-woo” into emotions and feelings? Hang with me. What space does your head typically occupy? The past, the present, or the future? Are...
How to Choose An Executor For Your Will
According to surveys, more than half of American adults don’t have a Last Will and Testament. While the reasons for this vary, one stumbling block can be choosing an executor. Suzanne Himes, lead financial planner at Asset Planning Corporation, joins us with what to...
Retirement Planning Earthquake
Just when you thought you had a good grasp of retirement planning rules, the government changes them! A new federal law took effect January 1, 2020, that affects many different parts of retirement planning. The SECURE Act of 2020 (Setting Every Community Up for...
What You Need To Know About FICO Scores
Fair Isaac Corp, commonly known as FICO, recently announced that a new version of their credit scoring model will be available later this year. FICO scores are used by 90% of lenders to assess an individual’s credit risk. Certified financial planner Suzanne Himes,...
Financial Planning After A Pay Raise
It’s a popular time of year for annual job performance reviews and corresponding pay raises. Along with celebrating this good news, it’s wise to think about how that increase in income can impact multiple financial decisions. Certified financial planner Suzanne Himes,...
What To Consider When Choosing A Bank
According to surveys, adults in the U.S. have used the same checking account for 16 years on average and 40% of all Americans have never switched banks at all. But is that loyalty really what’s best for you and your money? Certified financial planner Suzanne Himes,...
Hear Out Market Pundits, But Proceed With Caution
Over the past month, the market pundits have been proffering their 2020 forecasts for stocks, bonds, interest rates, real estate, gold, oil and basically anything investors might buy or sell. But before I put much weight in reading this year’s tea leaves and crystal...