Michael on April 24th, 2009
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Gary: Finally, a topic I can talk about!
Wow, it’s been a while, Gary.
Gary: You’ve been off-topic for a while with all this tax-related advice, education on saving strategies, and so on. I’ve been trying to talk product for a while!
Thrilling.
When my youngest daughter was born last year, we received the opportunity to purchase $5,000 of [...]

Continue reading about Is Gerber Life Insurance a good idea?

Michael on September 19th, 2008
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It’s Friday, so it’s time for this week’s reader-submitted Q & A. If you’d like to submit a question, click here for more information or simply email a question.
I just received a significant raise and now I can afford to save more.  I already max out my 401(k) and a friend of mine said [...]

Continue reading about Friday Q & A: What should I do with my raise?

Michael on April 10th, 2008
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I just stumbled on this not so recent but still accurate summary of how life insurance companies hawk their wares to the Gary’s of the world. None of this should shock you, yet the extent of the commission-first culture may startle you. It’s unfortunate, but Gary only exists thanks to these companies’ marketing [...]

Continue reading about Where Gary gets his ammunition, money, and leads

You: I just bought this whole life insurance policy yesterday. Was that a good idea?
It might have been, but I don’t know.
You: How come?
Well, I’d have a lot of questions to ask you before I could comment on what’s appropriate for your situation.
You: What kind of questions?
As in your income, assets, marital status, [...]

Continue reading about Strategy # 33: Understand the implications of every financial decision you make

You: Can I trust a financial professional?
Yes, but always verify.
You: What?
Trust, but verify. No matter the quality of a financial professional, no one ever will care about your financial well-being as much as you will.
You: Even the good advisors?
Yes, even the good ones. A quick aside: Previously, I worked for a [...]

Continue reading about Strategy # 27: No one cares about your financial well-being as much as you do

Michael on August 13th, 2007
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You: What should I invest in?
No financial advisor worth the time you invest in a free meeting could possibly answer that question without first getting to know you and your financial situation intimately.
You: Intimately?
The financial advisor/client relationship is a close one.
You: Okay, then say “close.” The idea of having an intimate relationship with anyone who [...]

Continue reading about Strategy # 26: Have a good time with mutual fun(ds)

Michael on July 10th, 2007
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In her Friends With Much More column posted yesterday to WSJ-online, Diana Ransom discusses a difficult adjustment many recent (and not-so-recent) college graduates face upon transitioning into the “real world.” These twenty and thirty-somethings quickly realize that there are plenty of people, many of them otherwise their peers, with more money than they have. [...]

Continue reading about Enjoy Being With People You Like

Well, it looks like Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck has struck a cord. Since just last Friday, the book has been profiled on radio (WHEB), TV (WMUR) and print (El Paso Times)! You can always check out the latest media coverage by visiting the Total Candor media room.
You: Why do all these people suddenly [...]

Continue reading about Who cares about Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck? Gary, for one.