Money and You

Market Volatility & Tariffs - Lakeside Chat 4-9-25
Christina Ubl: April 16, 2025
Recent market ups and downs can be unsettling - especially when headlines seem to shift by the hour. During times like these, it’s natural to have questions about how market changes might affect your financial goals.
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Avoiding Family Burden: How Estate Planning Brings Peace After a Loss
Adam Robert: March 26, 2025
Family relationships are so fundamental to our personal identity and so often they are complicated. During a time of grieving and mourning over the death of a loved one, family relations can become even more emotionally charged. Although none of us can avoid death, it is possible to minimize any potential burdens on your family through advanced, careful...
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Uh Oh! I’m Suddenly Rich. Now What Do I Do?
Heidi Clute: February 26, 2025
Surprisingly, dealing with sudden wealth can become a nightmare. Learn the five steps you can take immediately to successfully manage the financial and emotional crises that can come with sudden wealth. People come into financial windfalls in a number of ways: Lottery Sale of Business Stock options Inheritance
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Solo Agers: How to Chart Your Course to Avoid 5 Common Perils
Christina Ubl: January 22, 2025
Let’s face the truth. If you’re reading this, you’re breathing. And if you’re breathing, you’re getting older. And for an increasing number of us, that may mean you’re a solo ager. Navigating life as a solo ager means you are aging independently without a built-in safety net of immediate family support.
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Financial Planning Steps to Take at the First Signs of Memory Loss
Christina Ubl: December 26, 2024
Facing the early signs of memory loss can be unsettling, but it’s also a critical time to act. Creating a strong financial and legal foundation as soon as you can ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. Whether for yourself or a loved one, addressing these steps early can bring clarity, peace of mind, and security for the future.
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How to Find the Best Financial Advisor for Where You Are Now
Christina Ubl: December 18, 2024
You have probably seen the articles. Some are long. Some are short. The common thread is that the writer claims there is one perfect and absolute set of questions to ask (and corresponding answers) whenever you interview a potential financial advisor. I don’t think so.
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Don't Let Ignoring Financial Decisions Overwhelm Your Business Success
Christina Ubl: July 24, 2024
Back in second grade, it didn’t really matter much if you failed to make a decision. If one of your parents called out into the back yard to ask if you wanted a PB&J or grilled cheese sandwich for lunch and you were intent on climbing the tree and didn’t answer, you suffered no lasting harm from being served your second-choice lunch option that day. But...
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Cyber Security: Reduce Your Risk (Lakeside Chat 5-15-24)
Christina Ubl: May 16, 2024
In today's digital world, protecting your personal information online is more critical than ever. It's essential to be proactive in protecting your online presence and reducing risks of falling prey to scams or other risks. In our latest Lakeside Chat we explore practical tips and strategies to help you be safer in the digital world.
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Why Having Disability Insurance Actually Protects Your Most Valuable Assets
Adam Robert: April 24, 2024
Wouldn’t you love to have a very accurate, high-definition crystal ball? One that gives you a clear view of what might come in the days, months, and years ahead? Of course there’s little use in wishing to see the future. All we can do is work with the facts and statistics of what we know today, to help prepare for tomorrow.
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Second Opinion? Six reasons you may want fresh financial advice
Adam Robert: January 24, 2024
You leave your financial advisor’s office with a nagging doubt. They’re the one with the credentials, of course. But something’s not right. Should you get a second financial opinion? Yes, say those who have done so, and don’t think twice. A fresh perspective can make all the difference for your financial health and confidence. Here are a few good reasons to...
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Medicare: Health Care in Retirement (10-18-23 Lakeside Chat)
Adam Robert: October 25, 2023
Choosing the right Medicare plan is an important part of retirement planning but due to its complexity, it can often leave people wondering if they are making the best choices for their health care in retirement. That's why we wanted to bring in an expert to help.
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Simplifying the FAFSA® Process (Lakeside Chat 9/13/23)
Adam Robert: September 13, 2023
Every fall, securing financial aid for your current or prospective college student can be one of the most stressful times of the new school year. Especially with changes to the process and definitions being phased in this year, it can feel as daunting as ever. We want to help!
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Do you Know Who's Managing the Family Money? You may be surprised.
Heidi Clute: April 20, 2023
For many families, this is a question getting new answers today because of changing family dynamics and the growing number of aging parents or family members. Long gone are the days when it could be assumed that managing family finances defaulted to “the man of the house.” At the same time, the Sandwich Generation is coming to terms with their aging parents...
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Your Digital Assets and Accounts: What Happens After You're Gone?
Heidi Clute: February 16, 2023
These days, it’s likely that most of your important financial information is stored digitally through a combination of online accounts, saved documents on your personal computer, and your smartphone. Chances are you keep a lot of other important information stored digitally too. If you’re a small business owner with registered domain names, a thriving...
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Big Life Change? Helpful Financial Strategies for Women in Transition
Heidi Clute: January 13, 2023
Are you a woman in transition? If you’re facing a big life change — as a successful owner or manager of a rapidly growing business, someone with a recent inheritance, or perhaps recently widowed, divorced, engaged, married, or dealing with illness — then you’re a woman in transition, and you have special financial needs.
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What is a Daily Money Manager? (Lakeside Chat 12-7-22)
Christina Ubl: December 7, 2022
This month we were joined by Robyn Young, Certified Daily Money Manager®, a professional who collaborates to help with bill paying and more. Robyn is the founder and owner of Money Care, LLC. She is also currently Vice President of the American Association of Daily Money Managers (AADMM) and is a member of the Vermont Elder Resource Group.
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Understanding the FAFSA® (Lakeside Chats 10-5-22)
Christina Ubl: October 6, 2022
The FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is available each academic year beginning October 1st and is one of the most important parts of receiving financial aid for college or university. Stephen Jagard, a 529 College Savings Plan Specialist with John Hancock Investment Management, will share what to expect with the FAFSA® process in the...
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Medicare 101 (Lakeside Chats 9-14-22)
Christina Ubl: September 14, 2022
Back by popular demand, folks joined us in September for a Lakeside Chat on the topic of Medicare. We were joined by Roberta Eckert who is the Vice President of the Nationwide Retirement Institute and our guest expert to discuss some important things to know when you're looking at Medicare, including who's eligible, when you can apply, and how much you...
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Small Business Entities Explained (Lakeside Chats 5-11-22)
Christina Ubl: May 11, 2022
In honor of National Small Business Week, we were joined by our host Mark Perkell, Esq., who specializes in working with small business owners; he’ll share with us information on different entity options, the pros & cons for each, and why changing from one entity to another might make sense (and what the process would be).
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Aging in Place (Lakeside Chats 3-2-22)
Christina Ubl: March 2, 2022
This month's Lakeside Chat topic was about "Aging in Place". When a senior or older adult chooses to live at home rather than move into an assisted living or skilled nursing facility, it's known as "aging in place". It's a decision that is gaining popularity and is a question that often comes up for folks as they plan their retirement.
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Outlook 2022 (Lakeside Chat 2-1-22)
Christina Ubl: February 1, 2022
For our February Lakeside Chat, we were joined by guest host Brian Levitt from Invesco sharing their 2022 Outlook. Brian is a Global Market Strategist, and is responsible for the development and communication of the firm’s investment outlooks and insights. He earned a BA degree in economics from the University of Michigan and an MBA with honors in finance...
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The Importance of Having an Estate Plan (Lakeside Chat 12-1-21)
Christina Ubl: December 1, 2021
This month we will be discussing the importance of having an estate plan; our host will be Attorney Adam Bartsch. Hewill be talking to us about the importance of having a plan in the event you become incapacitated or die.
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What is Hybrid Long-Term Care Insurance? (And When to Consider it)
Adam Robert: November 11, 2021
If you’re re-evaluating how much, and what types, of insurance you need in 2022 and beyond, you are not alone. The global pandemic brought many topics to the foreground that were often being pushed aside in the past and finding the right insurance coverage was a big one. While you may be focusing on healthcare insurance options, don’t forget to evaluate...
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Healthcare in Retirement (Lakeside Chat 10-6-21)
Christina Ubl: October 6, 2021
Our October Lakeside Chat featured guest expert Valerie Mariani from Fidelity Institutional. She is a Sr. Regional Investment Consultant, and has been with Fidelity for 17 years. She provided insight on Medicare and healthcare in general during retirement.
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Gardening Pt. 3: Putting Your Garden to Bed (Lakeside Chat 9-15-21)
Christina Ubl: September 15, 2021
We were excited to invite back our very first ever Lakeside Chat guest Amy Ivy, to give us tips and answer questions about the best way to put your gardens to bed this fall.
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3 Year-End Tax Strategies for 2021 to Keep Your Financial Plan on Track
Adam Robert: September 9, 2021
The year 2021 is fast coming to an end, but there is still time to make smart moves to maximize your savings and minimize your tax bill next spring. While your situation at this point in time will vary from your neighbor’s or colleagues', here are three year-end tax strategies that can help you no matter what your life stage or current situation.
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2021 Midyear Outlook (Lakeside Chat 7-14-21)
Adam Robert: July 14, 2021
For our next Lakeside Chat, we're proudly presenting LPL ResearchMidyear Outlook 2021with investment insights and market guidance for the rest of 2021. Adam walks through the Midyear Outlook 2021 publicationfor a comprehensive presentation on the markets and the global economy – and the opportunities and challenges that may lie ahead.
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Small Business Owners: How to Chart Your Course to a Spectacular Retirement
Heidi Clute: June 10, 2021
There’s a myth out there that most owners of small businesses and startups are younger people. In fact, the opposite is true: Most business owners are age 55 and over. That reality can turn what are usually the peak earning and retirement savings years from your late 40s to late 50s into something more akin to watching " The Perils of Pauline." But it...
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Safe Traveling (Lakeside Chats 6-2-21)
Christina Ubl: June 2, 2021
After over a year of sticking close to home, some (if not all) of us, are wondering if it’s finally time to get away again. And more importantly, how can we do that in a safe manner with so many places following different guidelines?
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Is Now the Right Time to Make a Major Financial Move?
Christina Ubl: May 13, 2021
You take comfort in knowing your financial plan is designed to help you advance steadily toward your long-term goals — and to flex as your situation and goals change. But during 2020 and 2021, everything changed. So, let’s look at how to decide whether now is the right time for you to make a major financial move.
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The Dark Web (Lakeside Chats 5-5-21)
Christina Ubl: May 5, 2021
The Dark Web is an interesting place with a ton of potential, and a ton of risk. This month, we were joined by Twinstate Technologies as we go into the dark web, so you don’t have to.
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Celebrating Financial Literacy Month (Lakeside Chats 4-7-21)
Christina Ubl: April 7, 2021
April is Financial Literacy Month! To celebrate, Adam hosted a Financial Literacy Jeopardy-like Trivia game for this month's Lakeside Chat!
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Why a Family Meeting on Finances is a Good Idea
Christina Ubl: March 11, 2021
Planning a conversation with your loved ones about your financial plans and goals may not be easy, but it can help you feel more confident about your family’s financial health and your peace of mind.
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Empowering Women (Lakeside Chat 3-3-21)
Christina Ubl: March 3, 2021
March marks Women’s History Month again, but many of us are not celebrating. Stories and images of courageous women of the past are everywhere. These women deserve recognition — they fought hard to advance equal rights and access for the majority of the U.S. population who happen to have been born female. Yet in 2021, it can feel increasingly difficult to...
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Discover Your Perfect Practical Financial Plan at Any Age
Heidi Clute: February 11, 2021
Having a solid handle on your financial well-being makes for one less stressor – and better sleep at night. But then you probably know that. Let’s explore some of the stereotypes and misperceptions that can get in the way of building your financial confidence and reducing stress through planning — and practical ways to get started or move ahead with your...
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How to Love Yourself (Lakeside Chat 2-3-21)
Christina Ubl: February 3, 2021
People are experiencing so many things over the last year: feelings of isolation, anxiety over something as simple as shopping in public, the frustration of trying to adopt new technology, the list goes on & on. We could all use a few tips on how to take better care of ourselves so we’re better equipped to face whatever challenges come next.
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Outlook 2021: Powering Forward (Lakeside Chats 1-6-21)
Christina Ubl: January 6, 2021
Powering ForwardJoin us this week as Adam takes us through the LPL Research Outlook 2021: Powering Forward which covers post-election policy, the economy, stocks and bonds, and LPL Research’s economic and market forecasts for 2021.
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Cyber Safety (Lakeside Chats 12-1-20)
Christina Ubl: December 1, 2020
Many of us, regardless of age or technical skill, find our daily lives intertwined with technology more often than we’d like. With that, comes vulnerability to computer viruses, scams & potentially identity theft. As in most cases, knowledge is power: therefore, we invite you to gain insight & knowledge from local tech company Twinstate.
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Gifting and Your Legacy: When is the best time to give?
Christina Ubl: November 12, 2020
Seriously considering the timing and focus of your gifting and legacy for the first time — or perhaps reconsidering it — was among the countless tough questions stimulated by the global coronavirus pandemic. For many, widespread death and uncertainty raised the perennial question: How do I want to be remembered?
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Election Impacts (Lakeside Chats 10-27-20)
Christina Ubl: October 27, 2020
This chat covered the timely topic of the possible long-term impact of an election on the stock market (hint – historically, it really doesn’t matter). Our host, David Keib, a wholesaler at Capital Group, home of American Funds, has 12 years of investment industry experience and has been with Capital Group for six years.
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Making Mason Jar Cheesecake (Lakeside Chat 10-14-20)
Christina Ubl: October 14, 2020
This week we had cake artist Janina Kotulich as our guest to show us how to bake delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake in mini mason jars! See ingredients and supplies below if you'd like to follow along.
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Medicare: Open Enrollment (Lakeside Chat 10-8-20)
Christina Ubl: October 8, 2020
This week we will have guest speaker, Ronald Gist, discuss Medicare and the open enrollment period coming up. Ronald is a Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) Counselor with the Clinton County Office for the Aging, and has been working with them for 10 years to help people get the most out of their Medicare benefits. And don’t worry if...
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SRI, ESG, or Impact Investing: How to decide which is best for you
Adam Robert: October 8, 2020
By whatever its name, the options for putting your money where your personal values are have never been greater. But the array of terms can be overwhelming. Whether you are just beginning as an investor or have been investing for years, a recap of your choices can be useful to make sure you aren’t simply chasing after the latest shiny object — or missing...
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How to Thrive During Volatile Markets (Lakeside Chats 9-30-20)
Christina Ubl: September 30, 2020
We discussed how to thrive during volatile markets to help you better understand what’s happening and what the future could hold.
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Financial Elder Abuse (Lakeside Chats 9-8-20)
Christina Ubl: September 8, 2020
Our guest hosts, Attorney Heather West and Doctor Kasey Stewart, joined us this week to discuss financial elder abuse this week at our Lakeside Chat.
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Social Security (Lakeside Chats 9-1-20)
Christina Ubl: September 1, 2020
We revisited a topic of high interest, Social Security. Our host will be Matt Sperazzo. Matt is an External Business Consultant with John Hancock Investments and has been with the company for 13 years. Matt also has his NSSA designation through the National Social Security Advisors Association.
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Looking Beyond Your Student Loans: What Young Professionals Need to Know
Adam Robert: August 13, 2020
Imagine you have been out in the work world for nearly a decade and are doing well in your career. As your salary increased, you prioritized reducing your student debt by increasing your student loan payments each year. Suddenly, you realize your short-term future includes what once seemed nearly impossible — in a year or so your student loans will be paid...
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LPL Research Midyear Outlook 2020: The Trail to Recovery (Lakeside Chats 7-29-20)
Christina Ubl: July 29, 2020
We're presenting LPL ResearchMidyear Outlook 2020: The Trail to Recovery, with investment insights and market guidance for the rest of 2020, plus a special elections section.
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Making Homemade Ice Cream (Lakeside Chats 7-22-20)
Christina Ubl: July 22, 2020
We are already in the midst of summer – it’s hard to believe! Since it was National Ice Cream Day on July 19th, we figured we would have a little fun and make some ourselves!
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Basics of Trust and Estate Planning (Lakeside Chats 7-9-20)
Christina Ubl: July 9, 2020
Ever wonder about the difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust? Or do you have questions about estate planning (and what that even means)? If yes, then you’ll be happy to know that our next Lakeside Chat covers the Basics of Trust Planning/Estate Planning. Our guest host will be Heather West from the Rural Law Center of New York.
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Gardening pt. 2 (Lakeside Chats 6-17-20)
Christina Ubl: June 17, 2020
With our first Lakeside Chat behind us, we are excited to inform you that Amy Ivy has agreed to join us again for Part 2 - tips and tricks for gardening with the focus on raised beds! Amy is a retired horticulturist with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
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How to Know the Financial Metrics that Matter During a Crisis
Heidi Clute: June 11, 2020
In 2020, the pandemic presented many small business owners with a crash course on financial metrics and why they matter. You may be one. I imagine you’ve owned your business for a few years or more, endured some ups and downs but overall enjoyed steady growth, watched your cash flow and know your bottom line. Why was selecting, applying for, and tracking...
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Gardening pt. 1 (Lakeside Chats 6-10-20)
Christina Ubl: June 10, 2020
To kick-off our first week’s chat, our guest host will be Amy Ivy; she will provide some timely tips and tricks for gardening! Amy is a retired horticulturist with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
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Covid-19 and the Stock Market: What Should You Do?
Adam Robert: May 14, 2020
If you are like many investors, the wild swings in the markets since the coronavirus pandemic began have made you wonder what, if anything, you should be doing. While every investor's situation is different, CFP® professionals Christina Ubl and Adam Robert sat down for their inaugural audiocast to answer the most common questions asked about Covid-19, the...
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How to Balance Your Off-Kilter Business and Personal Finances Today
Heidi Clute: April 9, 2020
Just about anyone can start a business. Get an idea. Fill out some forms. Register with the necessary local and state agencies. Tell the world about your fantastic new service or product. But following your dreams is never easy — it’s hard work, fear of failure, loneliness, and mistakes. Running a successful business over time takes a lot more than starting...
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Changing Gears from Saving to Spending in Retirement: What You Need to Know
Adam Robert: February 13, 2020
Changing gears from earning and saving your money to spending your savings is a major challenge for most of us. It’s not that sudden massive shopping sprees or a lavish lifestyle are planned by most retirees — the spending usually involves buying routine things. The challenge is in adjusting to where the money comes from during your retirement.
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5 Myths about Getting Your Affairs in Order
Christina Ubl: January 9, 2020
No, It's not only for the wealthy. You know it. I know it. Just about everyone knows it. Setting up a will and other “in case of emergency” documents is important. But procrastination and misperceptions make it easy to put off getting your affairs in order. One 2019 survey found that 76% know a will is important, but only 40% have one. Let’s look at 5...
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How to Finance Your Second Career as Business Owner
Heidi Clute: November 21, 2019
Buying or starting a business used to be unusual if you were considering a second career. But encore careers as a business owner become more popular each year despite the wide-spread perception of risk. Let's explore what is driving the trend and your options for transitioning in a way that can help safeguard your business dream and your financial...
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College Education Funding
Adam Robert: July 15, 2019
Three Numbers to Remember: 5 – 2 – 9. Every year we hear that private and public college education costs are rising. And now we hear that college graduates’ debt loads are climbing right along with tuition prices. (According to the 2019 student loan debt statistics the average undergraduate who borrows leaves school with about $30,000 in debt.) The COVID-19...
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Buyer or Seller: You Need the Right Business Transition Plan
Heidi Clute: April 10, 2018
Whether you are a member of the baby-boom generation born between 1946 and 1964, or a member of the generations of younger people that follow, you may be surprised to learn boomers are as likely to buy a business as to sell one.
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How to Have the Best Financial Date Night Ever!
Christina Ubl: December 18, 2017
How to Have the Best Financial Date Night Ever! Flowers…chocolate…401k? Let’s face it — talking money and financial planning with your significant other on a “date” may not be your first choice for spending quality time together. Even in the best of relationships, discussing money and finances can send two people running in opposite directions. Yet...
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How to live well today (towards a loan free tomorrow)
Christina Ubl: July 18, 2017
After the grueling pace of graduate school, obtaining that advanced degree, and finding a great course for your professional career – you can finally turn your attention to other life choices. One choice that you’ll be faced with is what to do with the substantial student loan debt. More importantly is, how do you balance enjoying life while starting to...
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Financial Tips for the Sandwich Generation
Heidi Clute: April 13, 2017
Are you caught in the middle between supporting children and caring for aging parents? At a time when your career is reaching a peak and you are looking ahead to your own retirement, you may find yourself having to help your children with college expenses or supporting them during a job search while also looking after the needs of your aging parents....
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Surviving Family Business Transition Nightmares
Heidi Clute: March 13, 2017
There are times when imagining the worst-case scenario helps you prepare most effectively for the best case. The transition of a family or closely-held business is one of those times. Ask yourself, why is it that while Harvard Business School reports at least half of all companies in the US are family businesses - and just over half of all publicly listed...
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Is an Amicable Divorce Possible?
Christina Ubl: January 9, 2017
Your marriage isn’t working - you respect each other but have drifted apart over the years for whatever reason. Now you and your spouse have decided to divorce and close this chapter of your lives. You’ve heard the stories and perhaps witnessed a few horrors through friends or family who have divorced; that doesn’t mean you need to have the same experience.
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Is Your Money Invested Where Your Values Are?
Christina Ubl: November 14, 2016
If you have ever recycled at home, avoided products made overseas by sweatshop labor, grown your own vegetables, supported gender and racial diversity, or owned a fuel-efficient car, then you may be surprised to discover your investments can be working against your values. Do you know what’s in your portfolio? How can you find out what your money is...
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Your Financial Health Checkup
Christina Ubl: October 1, 2016
Your annual physical checkup and health screenings are scheduled. Your dental checkups, and perhaps those for your spouse and children, are on your calendar or smartphone. Yet many people fail to schedule time for a regular financial health checkup. Whether you prefer to block out some time each month or review your financial goals annually, here is what...
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Your Retirement Spending AND Income: Two Plans are Better than One
Heidi Clute: July 10, 2016
Retirement plans demonstrate the wisdom of the proverb “two heads are better than one” — a proverb that always brings to mind the music from the classic Sesame Street video. Now the “two heads” can be you and your spouse, or you and your financial advisor, but you can also benefit from encouraging a dialogue between the income-you and the spending-you.
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Five Ways to Help Avoid Sleepless Nights in Retirement
Heidi Clute: June 14, 2016
Financial headlines can be hazardous to your sleep health in retirement. It is easy to get the jitters and start worrying that you should do something, anything but stay on your current financial course. Yet it rarely makes sense to panic and sell your holdings. Over the years I have developed a list of five ways to help you avoid the sleepless nights in...
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You didn't expect a divorce: Now what?
Christina Ubl: February 15, 2016
At the wedding, who thinks those two little words ”I do” might suddenly lead to the four words “I want a divorce.”? No one expects to get divorced. But now that you’ve heard (or uttered) those four words, what do you do?
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Financial Planning Tips for Your 30s and 40s
Christina Ubl: December 8, 2015
Planning for retirement is typically something we think about when we approach our 50s and 60s. However, if you haven't done much (or any) financial planning by your 30s and 40s for your future, it's time for you to get your financial house in order. Remember, when building a house, you must first start with a solid foundation. The same is true for...
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Worried about Outliving your Money?
Christina Ubl: November 6, 2015
If you asked earlier generations what their biggest fear was – they might have answered, “dying too young.” Asking that question today would probably get you the exact opposite answer: “I’m worried about outliving my money.” It’s a fear that is shared by many – even wealthy individuals. According to the 2019 AICPA Going Broke Remains Top Concern in...
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Business transition and succession: why you need a plan
Heidi Clute: May 18, 2015
Businesses start with the best of intentions. While beginnings are an exciting time, a strong business foundation needs to include planning for multiple future scenarios and potential “what-ifs,” including business transition and succession. Unfortunately, many business owners don’t plan for their end game.
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Talking with your adult children about money
Heidi Clute: March 11, 2015
Talking with your kids about money changes as they get older and as you get younger (of course). If this has been a conversation you have shared since they were young, it’s natural to continue to discuss financial matters as the years go on. In a perfect world this would be the way it is all the time. Unfortunately, the opposite is often true.
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Talking with Your Kids About Money
Christina Ubl: January 9, 2015
While everyone has different views about money, it’s important to have “money talks” with your kids about the basic concepts at an early age. You don’t want these conversations to be heavy-handed or hour-long lectures, but aim for brief observations whenever opportunities come up. My husband and I are regularly on the lookout for teachable moments to talk...
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What Keeps You Up at Night? (Part 2)
Heidi Clute: October 1, 2014
Know that you are not alone if you toss and turn as you try to fall asleep. In 'Part 1', we focused on the financial concerns of a married couple with young children, but noted that the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index shows 61 percent of Americans worry about how to manage their economic life to reduce stress and increase security. That’s a lot of...
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What Keeps You Up at Night?
Christina Ubl: August 4, 2014
Are you tossing and turning as you try to fall asleep? Is there a lot of mind chatter running through your head about your financial future? For many of us, finances are what keep us up at night (at least prior to the pandemic). According to the Capital One CreditWise survey, 73% of Americans rank their finances as the No. 1 stress in life.
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7 Tips for Financial Planning in your 70s
Heidi Clute: June 5, 2014
Many people in their 70s are retired. Whether you're one of them or not, it doesn't mean you should stop your financial planning – in fact it means you should pay even more attention as finances in your 70s offer more opportunities (and risks) now than ever before. Here are seven tips to help make sure you're well prepared for your 70s and beyond.
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Six Steps for Financial Planning in Your 60s
Heidi Clute: April 5, 2014
Surprise, your 60s have arrived! If you’re someone who hasn’t paid much attention to your financial future before, the 60s are the years to buckle down and get serious. If you have carefully planned your finances throughout your working life, then your 60s is the time to take a second look. Retirement is just around the corner for most people, so whatever...
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Second Home Ownership
Heidi Clute: April 3, 2014
Should you or shouldn't you? Have you been daydreaming of owning a second, seasonal home? A vacation home situated on a mountainside with a fireplace or two, ski-in access and powdery slopes nearby – or perhaps a lakefront property with a front porch and a sweeping view of the sunlight on the water…sure sounds enticing.
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Succession Planning
Heidi Clute: March 3, 2014
Key to a smooth business ownership transfer. From the outside looking in, it may appear that transferring a business (through a sale to an outside party or succeeding control/ownership to an employee and/or family member) is an easy, if bureaucratic, process. But the tiniest of scratches to the surface reveals all sorts of issues that require careful...
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Financial planning tips for your 50s
Heidi Clute: February 13, 2014
Here they come: the golden years. This decade could be the most critical when it comes to retirement planning. You have a career, a good income, and a plan in place for sending your children to college. However, chances are there are still things you need to do to strengthen your finances in order to retire.
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You did WHAT!? Common Financial Pitfalls
Heidi Clute: July 3, 2013
Avoid common financial pitfalls for a more secure future. In life and matters of the wallet, rest assured that we all make mistakes. Mistakes are a critical part of our education process – but when it comes to your finances, some lessons and consequences can be quite lasting. In an effort to help you learn from others, and potentially save a great deal of...
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The Power of a Plan
Heidi Clute: June 11, 2013
Women, Money & Life’s Transitions When it comes to finances, that old cliché holds true: “hope for the best, but plan for the worst.” This is especially true for women. Why? On average, over the course of our lifetimes, women:
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Roth Accounts: Another Retirement Savings Vehicle
Adam Robert: May 2, 2013
While saving for retirement, many focus on the advantages of traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and employer sponsored retirement plans. The advantages of these accounts include a regular savings method that reduces your current, overall taxable income – since your savings contribution comes “right off the top” of your paycheck; and the...
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Collaborative Divorce
Heidi Clute: February 25, 2013
A different approach to a difficult transition. It may seem a bit ironic to use the words “collaborate” and “divorce” together, but it is an alternative approach to dissolving a marriage that’s worth a close look if you are facing this major life transition.
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2012 Year-End Financial Tips
Heidi Clute: November 9, 2012
'Tis the Season! Just when it seems things can’t get any busier – December arrives. This month is typically loaded with family obligations, year-end business deadlines, and increased spending. This potent mix can wreak havoc on your budget and ultimately your ability to meet your own financial goals. To sleep a little easier this month and next, it may help...
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Fiscal Cliff? It's Possible to Scale it and Climb Higher.
Heidi Clute: October 25, 2012
There's been talk about the possibility of the U.S. economy "going off a cliff" at the end of this calendar year. What is this "cliff" pundits are referring to? It's actually a possible culmination of a number of government tax and benefits changes scheduled to impact our economy simultaneously. Specifically, the Bush tax cuts and payroll tax cuts are due...
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Long-Term Care Insurance
Heidi Clute: July 7, 2012
Does Long-Term Care Insurance break or protect the nest egg? It may seem a bit unusual to be examining insurance with a financial advisor, but looking at long term care insurance is a critical step in the retirement plan process. It is much easier discussing the risks potential health problems can pose to your retirement plan now, while you’re healthy,...
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Women & Money
Heidi Clute: June 7, 2012
Learning to meet fiscal responsibility head on. It's hard to accumulate wealth when you shy away from the responsibility of making fiscal decisions or if the idea of money scares you. Unfortunately, this emotional attitude toward money stops many women in their financial tracks and keeps them from reaching their long-term goals.
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Concentrated Stock Positions
Heidi Clute: April 8, 2012
What to do with too many eggs in one basket. What is a concentrated stock position? It is defined as holding one particular stock that comprises 30% or more of your overall investments or portfolio. You may wonder why this is an issue, particularly if you are saving for retirement or the long term.
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Why Your Credit Score Matters
Heidi Clute: February 8, 2012
The ABCs of FICO Credit Score Have you ever wondered why financial professionals make a fuss about credit/FICO scores? You may not think your credit score is a big deal, especially if your income is healthy; however, your income has nothing to do with your credit score. You can make a king’s ransom and have a poor credit score – or have a small income and a...
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Starting a New Job?
Heidi Clute: January 8, 2012
Don’t leave any assets behind. With the region experiencing an uptick in employment recently, you may be exploring new job opportunities or beginning a new job. It’s important to remember to pack up your finances along with the personal items from your desk. You don’t want to leave assets behind unintentionally.
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Year-End Financial Tips
Heidi Clute: November 8, 2011
For many of us, the last page of the calendar is usually filled with professional and social obligations. The month of December is quickly approaching and signals the end of one year and the pending arrival of a new one; so it makes sense to set aside a few hours to firmly position your finances for the coming New Year and "tax season". Here are some...
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The Golden Rules of 401(k)'s and Retirement Savings
Heidi Clute: October 5, 2011
Save early and often. At a time when so many of our basic long-held beliefs regarding personal finance and the economy are shaken, there is one piece of advice still worth passing on to offspring and grandchildren, particularly recent and soon-to-be college graduates: save and contribute to 401(k)'s, Roth's, IRA's, and retirement plans at every opportunity.
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Is Economic Volatility Here to Stay?
Heidi Clute: September 12, 2011
There are ways to manage it. Natural disasters, European and US debt concerns, corporate personnel turnovers, credit downgrades, political turmoil in the Middle East, ever-changing domestic employment and housing figures – all of these factors have created a yo-yo effect on stock markets worldwide. It seems we need to continue to expect the unexpected when...
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Preparing to Cope with Health Issues in a Time of Uncertainty
Heidi Clute: July 11, 2011
When a medical crisis hits you or a family member, you are faced with often daunting financial and emotional challenges. While health issues can be overwhelming in their magnitude and unpredictability, preparing for unpleasant contingencies can eliminate some of the problems you might face. Planning ahead may seem all the more daunting with health care and...
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Spring Cleaning Your Portfolio
Heidi Clute: May 5, 2011
As you spruce up your house and garden this spring, don't forget that your investments may have gotten a little dusty too. Taking time to spruce up your personal finances can reap both immediate and long-term benefits. With summer right around the corner, you'll want to be outdoors. So in the interest of time, here is a quick checklist of things to...
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Have You Had "The Talk" With Your Kids? It's Recommended You Speak Early and Often About Money
Heidi Clute: March 10, 2011
As parents, you have probably often heard that you should speak openly and often with your children about all kinds of tough issues – bullying, alcohol, and drug use to name a few. You may wish to add another topic to the list: money. Like other important conversation subjects, learning about and developing sensible financial habits is a long-term goal for...
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Negotiating the Rapids of Business Transitions
Heidi Clute: September 10, 2010
For many business owners – especially women – their businesses and their lives are practically interchangeable. Two-thirds of small business owners say their business is their greatest personal asset and primary source of family income. If you are one of these owners, protecting your company and ensuring your financial security are often the same thing.
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What to Do With Your Tax Refund
Heidi Clute: February 10, 2010
Getting a tax refund this year? Think twice.
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401K, Pension, IRAs: To Convert or Not to Convert?
Heidi Clute: January 10, 2010
Gaining a thorough understanding of all the options available for retirement saving and planning is no small task. Whether you’re considering moving your 401k, your pension savings, or converting to a Roth IRA; it is important to make sound decisions – today’s choices often determine your future retirement income. Converting a traditional Individual...
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Tax Benefits of Going Green with Your Business & Home
Heidi Clute: October 10, 2009
Going green is a smart choice both for the planet, and more than ever in these days of federal and state tax incentives, for your wallet. Here are a few of the many opportunities available. (As always, consult a qualified financial advisor and tax professional before making a major financial decision.)
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Changing Jobs? Protect your Assets.
Heidi Clute: October 10, 2009
Whether you are embarking on a new career or relocating due to shifts in the job market, keeping on top of your options regarding your existing insurance policies and pension or retirement plan is critical. You don’t want to leave assets behind unintentionally. There are often time-limited opportunities, strict guidelines and tax penalties to watch for so...
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What to Do When Your Paychecks Stop: Attend to your head and your heart before you deal with your wallet
Heidi Clute: October 10, 2009
Whether you are expecting it or not, and whatever its cause, job loss can be devastating. You may think you have prepared yourself as best you can, but job loss can hit like a death in the family. It represents more than a loss of a paycheck. It's a loss of a way of life as well. The first step in getting back on track is to recognize the emotional blow...
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Seven Pitfalls On Your Way To Retirement
Heidi Clute: May 10, 2009
Is it time to check up on your retirement plan? The biggest fear among investors is that they will not have enough money for retirement. You can make sure your own plan does not fall short by steering clear of the following pitfalls. These are the most common comments I hear in my professional practice:
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