Finances & Your Family
[Video] One Big Goal or Many Small Goals
MICHELLE SMALENBERGER, CFP ® We recently took a road trip and along the way it was my turn to drive. I was sitting at the steering wheel thinking about how long the trip was and getting frustrated. I eventually realized that instead of thinking about it in that way, as one BIG goal, I needed…
[Video] Understanding the 529 State Tax Deduction
Here’s an interesting fact about 529 plans: All 50 states have their own plans. Out of those 50, 30 plus states allow for a state tax deduction. Out of those 30 there are 6 that allow you to contribute to any state but take the deduction on your state tax return. Let’s explain this in…
What is a 529 plan?[Video]
What is a 529 plan? And how is it different from most other types of accounts? First of all, anyone can open an account, regardless of your income or age. With an IRA or 401(k) you are limited to the amount you can put into an account. With a 529 plan there is no annual…
[Video] Choose One New Habit And See The Effect
MICHELLE SMALENBERGER, CFP ® Have you ever found yourself with so many things you want to accomplish? Then you have to figure out how to get started to get those things done. I want to share with you something I noticed recently that affected many other things. It felt like I was accomplishing many things…
[Video] Spending Down the Funds You’ve Saved for College
MICHELLE SMALENBERGER, CFP ® Now that you’ve saved for college you’re likely thinking which funds do I use first? You may have money saved in a variety of accounts. Let’s discuss a great order of how to spend the funds down. Scholarships/Grants: Monetary awards that you get from your school or for academic purposes. 529…
Effective Teaching In Honor of Back To School [Video]
Most parents hope their child’s teacher demonstrates effective teaching. In honor of back to school we wanted to share this quote. “The Mediocre Teacher Tells, The Good Teacher Explains, The Superior Teacher Demonstrates, The Great Teacher Inspires.” – William Arthur Ward What’s true effective teaching? We’ve noticed with clients and our daughter is that…
