TOPICS
Life events create unique financial questions that require individualized answers. Are you getting married, going through a divorce, widowed, starting a family, experiencing a job loss, or retiring? Sometimes, your questions are not due to a life event, but are the result of wanting to move towards your financial goals; however, you don’t know where to begin. You might feel anxious or fearful because your situation seems overwhelming, or you simply need help making smart financial decisions. Financial topics and questions are rarely as simple as they seem and can be interconnected in a manner people don’t realize. I can provide answers, create workable plans, help calm your anxiety, and walk you step-by-step through your financial intricacies.
Below is a list of some of the topics I have knowledge and experience in and can provide solutions. While this is not a comprehensive list, it provides a starting point for you to think about when looking at your overall financial health.
EXPENSES
Are my expenses reasonable?
How can I get control over my expenses?
Can I reduce my expenses?
Should I treat my expenses the same in my budget, financial plan, etc.?
Spending
Am I spending too much?
Are there ways I can cut my spending?
How can I spend my money smarter?
Is there a percentage of my income I should allocate toward spending for my situation?
saving
Am I saving enough?
How can I increase my savings?
What should I be doing with my savings?
Where should I put my savings?
BUDGETS
Do I need a budget?
How do I determine what should be in my budget?
How do I make a budget that works for me?
How often should I redo my budget?
investments / INVESTMENT opportunities
What framework do I use to make an investment decision?
What type of account should I use for investing?
What is the difference between a short-term and long-term investment?
How much of my money should I allocate for investments?
I have money saved, but I will not need it for a year, should I invest it?
DEBT & DEBT MANAGEMENT
Do I have too much debt?
How does my debt affect my ability to do things financially?
Should I use financing and if so, when?
How do I manage my debt?
How can I lower my debt?
Can I reduce the cost of my debt?
MORTGAGES
Can you explain my choices?
Is one option better for me?
How much can I really afford? (Not how much I can borrow.)
When should I look at refinancing my mortgage?
Should I pay off my mortgage?
Should I take equity out of my house?
CREDIT CARDS
Am I paying too much?
What option might be best for me?
Am I using all my benefits?
Does it make sense to pay an annual fee?
Should I use my credit card to pay my expenses so I can earn the points?
How can my use of credit cards affect my credit?
HOME & AUTO INSURANCE
Do I have enough coverage?
Do I have the right type of coverage?
Do I need any extra riders?
Is there something missing in my coverage?
LIFE & DISABILITY INSURANCE
Do I have the right amount of coverage?
Do I have the right type of coverage?
Are there better options for me?
What does disability insurance cover?
Is my insurance permanent?
MEDICAL INSURANCE
What is the difference between Bronze, Silver, and Gold?
What are the best options for me?
Why might I not want to pick the lowest deductible?
Should I consider the medicines I take when looking at plans?
Is there a difference between a FSA and a HSA?
What is COBRA and do I have a choice?
AUTO PURCHASES
What is a good price for this car?
Should I finance this purchase?
Should I buy or lease this automobile?
Can someone explain the financing terms?
What do the lease terms mean?
Why should I not shop for an automobile based off a monthly payment?
LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
Do I need it?
Do I want it?
Can I afford it?
Can you explain my existing policy?
My premium just increased, what could I do?
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Why do I want a plan?
Can you help me outline my goals?
Are my goals attainable?
Can you create a plan specific to my needs and me?
What are the items I need in my plan?
How is a financial plan different from my budget?
EDUCATION PLANNING
Can I afford to send my children to college?
How do I make a funding plan?
What are the best saving vehicles for me?
Why might I not want to borrow money for my children’s education?
FINANCIAL LIFE CHANGES
What adjustments do I need to make as my life changes?
What do I need to think about if I am getting a divorce?
My spouse recently passed away, can you help me go through all the finances?
I lost my job, what should I do with my finances?
How does marriage affect my finances?
I want to retire soon, what are the things I should consider besides investments?
I’m getting an inheritance; can you help me with my options?
SMALL BUSINESS ISSUES
Can I get help with expense management?
What ROI framework should I use to make an investment decision?
How can I make better pricing decisions?
I have different financing options, which one is best for me?
Can you be a sounding board for my ideas?
Disclosure: Investment and tax advice is not given. Investment products, insurance, and mortgages are not offered.
Opinions are my own and information provided is for educational purposes.