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[Video] Calculate Your Spending Without A Budget
MICHELLE SMALENBERGER, CFP ® Let’s talk about something that most people like to do – Spend money. Let’s also talk about something not everyone wants to do – keep a budget… If I were to ask you this question, “How much do you spend?” Would you be able to answer it? And how you answer…
Are Interest Rates the Only Story in Town?
We’ve been discussing market factors we are watching, recently. The recent items have included global trade with China, corporate earnings season, and interest rates. This week the Federal Reserve Chair, Jerome Powell, spoke again about direction for interest rates. The market pulled back for a couple days after his speech. I want to consider whether…
[Video] Big vs. Little Financial Decisions
MICHELLE SMALENBERGER, CFP ® Do you ever catch yourself thinking about expenses in a sense that, “I’m spending so much”. Or, “This is going to cost me a lot, I’m not keeping much”. If so, you might categorize your expenses in your mind “Big Versus Little”. I often think with these big decisions we’re really…
Still Strong Earnings
It was a week of earnings data releases! This week we have received several pieces of data that can provide some guidance as to how the economy performed in the first quarter. Even with the good news, the market is not soaring to new highs. It is awaiting many other company results before deciding to…
[Video] Why Fund An HSA?
STEPHEN SMALENBERGER, EA ® So we talked about the overview of a Health Savings Account an HSA. But now let’s continue on that, or build on that. Why would you want to fund it? What’s the advantages of funding it, versus paying out of pocket? Let’s look at those right now. So to make the…
*Mueller Report* Are We In The Clear For Investing Again?
This week has brought some big news! Should we sound the all clear for investors to be buying stocks without any hesitation again? The Mueller Report was released Thursday morning which has kept many glued to their screens to review for anything important. Remember a week ago we shared how there are data being released…
[Video] What Is An HSA?
STEPHEN SMALENBERGER, EA ® Sometimes our clients ask us, “How do we take advantage of different tax benefits?” Or, “My employer is offering this, should I take it?” One account that’s really helpful is an HSA: Health Savings Account. Let’s talk through it, explain what it is, some of the rules, and why you would…
Earnings & A Trade Deal: We’ve Been Waiting
Earnings and a Trade Deal. These are two things that we are waiting on right now. It can be a painful process to wait and depending on the result of what or when these things happen, we will have different actions or decisions to make. 1. 2019 1st Quarter Earnings We await the results that…
[Video] Explaining Employer Benefits
STEPHEN SMALENBERGER, EA ® So as we’re entering the new year, it’s a great time to review the employer benefits that your company offers you. Especially if it’s a larger company. What do you have? What should you have? And what changes can you make now in a fresh new year? So there’s three main…
What Is An Employer Stock Purchase Plan [Video]
One question I hear often is should I participate in my Employer Stock Purchase Plan. So let’s first talk about what it is and then some considerations around it. Employer Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) What is it? Often times this is a company that is publicly traded allowing you to buy into or have ownership…











