Planning

The personal finance articles in this section cover taxes, retirement planning, the use of financial advisors, and estate planning.

Financial planning and personal finance are undertakings where you adopt habits today so that you are better off in the future. To effectively manage your money, you need to set goals and make the right financial decisions today with regards to your spending, income, and savings so that you are set up for whatever the future holds.

Maintaining a personal financial plan is meant to be a part of your life like eating well and getting exercise. However, managing money is not as well integrated into as many people’s routines as physical fitness – even though the research shows that people with written plans feel more confident and have less stress.

Plans enable you to make better decisions, develop better financial habits, and have improved financial outcomes.

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Most recent on Planning
Retirement Income

What is Consumption Smoothing? And, Why Is It Important if You Want Long Term Financial Stability?

While most people do short term consumption smoothing, you really need it for your future financial security.

April 18, 2024
Planning

Podcast: Rising Above the Money Fog with Mikelann Valterra

Hear from coach Mikelann Valterra about the “money fog,” making better decisions, female-specific financial challenges, money personality types, and more.

April 10, 2024
Planning

Financial Spring Cleaning: 10 Ways to Spruce Up Your Finances

Take a look at 10 things to do now for a financial “spring cleaning.” Ensure your financial plan is on track for the new season. 

April 4, 2024
Planning

12 Reasons to Retire Early: Why You Should Retire at 62 (or Before)

If you’re wondering whether retiring at 62 (or earlier) is the right thing to do, click here for 12 reasons why you really should go for it.

April 4, 2024
Planning

Behavioral Finance: 16 Easy Ways to Outsmart Your Brain for More Wealth and Security

Behavioral finance can show you how to be happier, wealthier and achieve a better retirement. Explore 16 rules of thumb for a better future.

April 2, 2024
Planning

Making Sense of Financial Jargon: 15 Key Financial Terms to Know to Plan a Successful Future

Here are a few commonly misunderstood financial terms across investments, taxes, insurance, retirement, and estate planning.

April 2, 2024
Planning

Financial Problems and Stress: Understand if You Have a “Leaky Ceiling” or a “Muddy Puddle” and Make Better Decisions

Explore how can you make better decisions by categorizing your financial problems as either a muddy puddle or a leaky ceiling.

March 28, 2024
Planning

The Behavioral Finance Revolution: How Daniel Kahneman Redefined Personal Financial Decision-Making

Daniel Kahneman made profound contributions to behavioral finance and likely to how you manage your money.

March 28, 2024
Planning

Stoic Wisdom: 6 Key Insights to Make You Happier Today and Wealthier in the Future

There is surprising buzz around Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy. See how Stoic wisdom can help you achieve financial wellness.

March 21, 2024

Subcategories

roth conversion mistakes

15 Common Roth Conversion and Savings Mistakes People Make

There are a lot of potential Roth IRA mistakes to be made: 1) Not doing it, 2) Not knowing the rules, 3) Timing, 4) Poor planning, 5) Overlooking spouse... and more!

April 11, 2024
social security and taxes

What You Need to Know About Social Security and Taxes

Yes. You might pay taxes on Social Security. Learn what to expect (federal, state and work penalties) and explore ways to reduce the expense.

April 4, 2024
tax season checklist

Tax Season Checklist: 10 Essential Considerations to Review for Your 2023 Return

Are you "lucky" enough to have to worry about #3? Did you remember #5? Explore all 10 tips on this tax season checklist.

March 7, 2024
consumption smoothing

What is Consumption Smoothing? And, Why Is It Important if You Want Long Term Financial Stability?

While most people do short term consumption smoothing, you really need it for your future financial security.

April 18, 2024
Rising Above the Money Fog with Mikelann Valterra

Podcast: Rising Above the Money Fog with Mikelann Valterra

Hear from coach Mikelann Valterra about the "money fog," making better decisions, female-specific financial challenges, money personality types, and more.

April 10, 2024
financial spring cleaning

Financial Spring Cleaning: 10 Ways to Spruce Up Your Finances

Take a look at 10 things to do now for a financial “spring cleaning.” Ensure your financial plan is on track for the new season. 

April 4, 2024
consumption smoothing

What is Consumption Smoothing? And, Why Is It Important if You Want Long Term Financial Stability?

While most people do short term consumption smoothing, you really need it for your future financial security.

April 18, 2024
best retirement investments

The Best Investments to Achieve Your Retirement Goals

The best retirement investments depend entirely on you and your goals. Here are 18 great opportunities for you to consider. Read now!

April 18, 2024
retirement spending

9 Ways to Overcome the Terror of Spending Your Retirement Savings

Uneasy about watching that retirement nest egg get smaller month after month? Don’t worry. Use these 9 tips to overcome your fear of retirement spending.

April 18, 2024
ai and financial planning

AI and Your Money: What Are the Issues with Using Artificial Intelligence to Make Financial Decisions?

Can AI be trusted with your money? Let's explore the role artificial intelligence may play in helping you with financial planning.

August 10, 2023

Podcast: Eric Balchunas, Bloomberg’s ETF Guru, Discusses his Book, “The Bogle Effect”

Bloomberg's Eric Balchunas discusses his new book (The Bogle Effect), ETFs, the future of financial advice, and more.

April 13, 2023

Investment Advice: What Kind of Help Do You Really Need? How Much Should it Cost?

You have options for investment advice at different costs and service levels. But, the most popular option may not be the best. Learn why...

August 11, 2022
average inheritance

Average Inheritance: How Much Are Retirees Leaving to Heirs?

Explore average inheritance numbers. Find out if you can you afford retirement and a financial legacy and get tips regarding what to leave behind.

April 4, 2024
revisiting estate plans

Revisiting Your Estate Plan: Ensuring Your Wishes are Fulfilled

Revisit your estate values and plans annually to make sure everything is up to date and to ensure your long term wishes are fulfilled.

January 25, 2024
sudden wealth event

A Guide to Managing Sudden Wealth: Key Financial Considerations

Inheriting money? Won the lottery? Here is what you need to know for long-term financial security after experiencing a sudden wealth event. 

December 20, 2023

NewRetirement Planner

Take financial wellness into your own hands and do it yourself retirement planning: easy, comprehensive, reliable.