Michael on October 31st, 2007
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Moments ago, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point to 4.5%.
You: Is this a big deal?
Sure, to some people.
You: I don’t care about “some people.” Is this a big deal for me?
Nope.
You: How do you know?
Because if you have to ask, it’s not a big deal for you. Truth is, [...]

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Michael on October 30th, 2007
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“What do you think about private savings accounts for Social Security? Will they happen?”
Recently, I was asked those questions, both in an environment where it was smart to remain apolitical (kind of like this blog). Still, after explaining that such a topic was inherently political, I shared my thoughts:
I have no idea what will [...]

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Michael on October 26th, 2007
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You: Okay now I know you’re crazy.
No, it’s not a joke – financial planning can absolutely be an enjoyable experience. When you are confident with the plan you have in place, you get to enjoy the results. The sense of ownership and control over your own financial destiny can become mildly addictive.
You: Since right [...]

Continue reading about Strategy # 39: Financial planning can be fun

Michael on October 24th, 2007
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Jonathan Clements wrote a column two days ago that remains one of the most popular at WSJ.com. The column, “You’re Not Super Rich? You Lucked Out,” is Mr. Clement’s reflection on his children’s reaction to seeing the material display of wealth by others. Like most children, they are impressed at the big house and [...]

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Michael on October 22nd, 2007
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Last Friday’s The Wall Street Journal featured an article titled “How Another Seinfeld Scored Her Own Big Hit.” Although Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck sold an entire print run in just three months, we’re always looking to learn.
So what is Jessica Seinfeld’s secret? Let’s just say it has a lot to do [...]

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Michael on October 18th, 2007
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Doesn’t it seem like most life insurance conversations are related to the motivation of the accused killer in a syndicated Law and Order episode? Yet life insurance is a critical concern deserving of your limited time. Given an unfortunate circumstance, missing just this one element of an otherwise solid financial plan can [...]

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Michael on October 16th, 2007
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If you’re like most people, your financial inactivity is somewhat driven by the fear that personal finance is complicated. As I see it, this fear is primarily caused by two factors:

You were never taught the basics about money during school.
So far, the financial professionals you have been exposed to have been more interested in [...]

Continue reading about Strategy # 38: You can do this

Michael on October 11th, 2007
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To further spread the availability of a truly unbiased financial planning education, Total Candor recently began to provide content to Divine Caroline. (DivineCaroline is the flagship site of Real Girls Media Network, Inc, which combines real voices with guided editorial and the dynamism of an online community.)
If you’re a parent (or even if you’re [...]

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Michael on October 10th, 2007
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Many people are unable to invest because they are intimidated by the prospect of making investment choices. Whether they have an exceptionally low risk tolerance or a general fear of making a mistake, their emotions prevent them from either saving in the first place or properly investing the savings they have.
Yet nothing–not your specific [...]

Continue reading about Strategy # 37: How much matters more

Michael on October 8th, 2007
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SmartMoney.com and AOL recently posted their Top 5 Ways to Save. I was quoted in Saving Tip # 3. Here’s their complete list:

Open an Online Savings Account
Use Debit Card Programs
Make the Most of Your 401(k)
Save with a 529 Plan
Cut Your Tax Bill

All good suggestions, of course. Remember a critical ingredient is not so [...]

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