by Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
The IRS tax code sets forth rules and regulations under which US taxpayers remit monies to the federal government. Our taxes, along with borrowing, supply the US government with its operating funds. The tax code also encourages certain behaviors, and discourages...
by Jonathan G. Cameron, CFP®
As a Millennial, you are in a unique position to start strong when it comes to your money. Financial planning for millennials looks very different than planning done for Baby Boomers, and requires special attention.
Top 3 Financial Priorities for Millennials
- How...
by Jonathan G. Cameron, CFP®
According to CNBC, there is more than $1.2 trillion in outstanding student loan debt, owed by 40 million borrowers, who have an average balance of $29,000. * Do you have student loan stress?
Do You Have Student Loan Stress?
Large student loan balances can be...
by Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
Can I Time the Markets? You can certainly try. But remember the expression: one man's ceiling is another man's floor.
When the stock market becomes volatile, people often wonder, Is this a good time to go in? Or should I sell out? ...
Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
In what should I be invested?
We make no recommendations before completing our due diligence. Only after we have a clear picture of your risk tolerance, income needs, tax situation, time horizon, and cash flow position do we make any investment recommendation.
...
by Jonathan G. Cameron, CFP®
Many of my readers participate in an employer's 401k plan. We get a lot of 401k questions at CameronDowning, so here’s a post with some tips to make the most of this fantastic benefit.
401k Plan Basics
The technical name for the 401k plan is an...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
A flexible spending account (FSA) is an elective benefit offered by many employers. There are generally two types: the FSA for healthcare expenses, and the FSA for dependent care expenses. This is part two of a two-part series. Here I describe the dependent care...
by Jonathan G. Cameron, CFP®
To me an annuity in an IRA is usually a dead giveaway that the client worked with a salesperson and not a financial planner.
Annuities, like any other tool, are not inherently bad. They work best when they do the job they were designed to do – and that job...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
A lot has happened in our regulatory world since I posted the original blog piece, The Advice Industry. The DOL rule is void. The SEC is now working on final new rules for standards of client care.
The government regulates this industry –...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
This is a really good Frequently Asked Question. Instead of taking out a 30-year mortgage, should I take out a 15-year loan? How much more are the payments? How much would I save? Can I afford it? Great questions all.
A Sample 30-Year Mortgage
Let’s use a...
by Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
I know many people reading this blog post have never engaged a professional financial planner before, and may be a bit anxious about what to expect. So let me tell you all about working with a financial planner at CameronDowning.
The First Meeting is Always...
by Jonathan G. Cameron, CFP®
Although there are many similarities these are two very different kinds of insurance. Disability insurance coverage protects wages lost due to an illness or accident. In contrast, long term care insurance is designed to help cover costs of health care services....
