Here’s a question for you, ladies. You’re out on a first date at a restaurant with someone new. You’re interested . . . not sure, but interested. It’s just a date . . . let’s see how the evening goes, you think to yourself. When it comes time...
by Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
Everyone at some time or another needs some cash - and quickly! The question is, have you anticipated this need and saved into it? Or do you need to scramble? What follows is a list of ten helpful suggestions.
Here are 10 places to...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
I can now pay for a Tesla with Bitcoin. And the Mayor of Miami wants to pay City employees in Bitcoin and allow tax payments in the same cryptocurrency. Honestly, until I can go into Bloomingdale's and buy a shirt with Bitcoin, it doesn't much...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
Some of the biggest fortunes made in the United States have been made in real estate. Think about it: you use someone else’s money (via a mortgage) to make a purchase. It is a passive investment in that you collect the rents, pay the...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
I get a lot of questions on this topic, particularly for people thinking of real estate investing as sort of a retirement pastime. So I thought I’d go into a little bit. Here in Part I I’ll address cash flow issues, and how to determine...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
This is a really personal list. It is complied from years of observing the human condition and reading good novels. It is intended to be humorous, yet I’m fully aware that it might hit some raw nerves. So for the intrepid souls out there,...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
As many of my readers know, I have been teaching the CFP® curriculum to those preparing for the exam for many years now. Most are experienced professionals; all must have at least a bachelor’s degree; many have advanced degrees or are practicing...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
This blog post builds upon a previous one: No, Darling, because we can’t afford that. I’m sharing some thoughts about teaching children to be financially responsible.
What Was the First Trip?
My second trip? What was the...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
A friend recently suggested that I write a piece about children and money. At first I thought myself unqualified, as I have no formal education in this area. But then I got to thinking that, as a father and now grandfather, that I might have...
By Glenn J. Downing, MBA, CFP®
The SIMPLE IRA is the Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees. The SIMPLE allows for both employer contributions and employee deferrals. The plan is deal for employers who want to contribute something – but not a lot – to employee retirement...
by Jonathan G. Cameron, CFP®
Young professionals are expected to accomplish a lot early in life. You’re beginning to make real money. Time to get sound financial advice to establish a good foundation from someone you trust. The problem is most financial advisors focus primarily on...
by Jonathan G. Cameron, CFP®
1. Create a budget.
If this sounds too obvious, I’ll say it again for reinforcement – are you maintaining a budget? Seriously. Miami is one of the flashiest cities in the world. If you don’t have a budget I’ll put it another way...