Credit Card Debt & Finding Your Way to Financial Freedom

by Riley Saunders, CFP® Credit cards are great for establishing your credit, getting cash back, and offering more protection than your standard debit card. However, credit card debt is a situation that captivates hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. According to Experian, overall U.S. credit card debt has eclipsed $800 billion (as of Q1…

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Long-Term Care: Get the Facts and Plan Ahead

Did you know that most Americans who are 65 and older will require long-term care services at some point in their lives? Long-term care is defined as the services and supports needed when one can no longer perform the basic activities of daily living without personal assistance. These basic activities are defined as the “6…

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Teaching Your Children About Money: Tips for Affluent Families

By Chris Cassaday, CMFC® It’s natural for parents to want to provide their children with a comfortable life; one that sets them up for success. Affluent parents, however, are capable of providing an unparalleled level of comfort for their children. While the intention is not negative, these circumstances could lead to negative consequences for children…

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Is This Type of Property Ownership Right For You?

By Steven Ulrich, CFP®, ChFEBC℠ The homeownership rate in the United States is about 64 percent, of which married couples make up the majority (United States Census Bureau). A home is typically a couples’ most significant investment, so ensuring proper asset protection should be a priority. Some states allow for a type of property ownership…

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A Checklist for Establishing Florida Residency

by Christian Hansen, FPQP™ In addition to great weather and thousands of miles of waterfront, one of Florida’s most attractive features is the lack of a state income tax. As one of only seven states with no income tax, Florida is a top choice for those who are interested in establishing residency and saving on…

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Downsizing Doesn’t Have to be Daunting Thanks to These 5 Steps

by Sarah Mouser, CFP®, CTS™, CES™ When people begin to think about retirement, they often start contemplating moving to an active retirement community or “downsizing” to a smaller, more manageable home. However, making the move is a decision that many people tend to delay. The reality of having to deal with material possessions accumulated over the…

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PLANNING CONCERNS OF DIVORCING COUPLES

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND THE BASICS OF DIVORCE LAW? While divorce is certainly a time of emotional turmoil, it’s a time of financial upheaval as well. The financial change brought about by divorce can be particularly devastating to families with children and to older couples who have assigned the career duties…

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Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Whether they’re snatching your purse, diving into your dumpster, stealing your mail, or hacking into your computer, they’re out to get you. Who are they? Identity thieves. Identity thieves can empty your bank account, max out your credit cards, open new accounts in your name, and purchase furniture, cars, and even homes on the basis…

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Buying A Home – Part II

There’s no doubt about it–owning a home is an exciting prospect. After all, you’ve always dreamed of having a place that you could truly call your own. But buying a home can be stressful, especially when you’re buying one for the first time. Fortunately, knowing what to expect can make it a lot easier. HOW…

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