Forbes Home buying Interest rates Mortgages

Putting A Lump Sum Towards Your Mortgage Won’t Lower Your Payment

Putting extra cash towards your mortgage doesn't lower your payment If you have extra cash and are considering putting it towards paying down your mortgage early, you should be aware that it won’t automatically reduce your payment. Putting extra cash towards your mortgage doesn’t change your payment unless you ask…

Kristin McKennaSeptember 14, 2020

Estate Planning Inheritance Tax & Estate Planning Trusts Updated for 2021 Wealth and Family

Inheriting a Trust Fund: Distributions to Beneficiaries

If you're inheriting a trust fund, you likely have questions about how the distribution payouts to beneficiaries work and the tax implications. While general information about how trust funds work is useful, there are limitations. Trusts can be complex, highly customizable tools, so what applies to one situation may not…

Kristin McKennaAugust 31, 2020

Asset Management Current events Forbes Investing

How The Stock Market Has Performed Before, During, And After Presidential Elections

How The Stock Market Has Performed Before, During, And After Presidential Elections There’s a lot going on during any normal election year, but fittingly, this time seems different. Of course, when it comes to investing, unless you have a crystal ball, it’s not worth trying to predict the future. Indulging…

Kristin McKennaAugust 24, 2020

Choosing a financial advisor Forbes

Do I Need A Financial Advisor Or Should I Do It Myself? Here’s When It’s Worth It To Get A Financial Advisor.

The age-old question: are financial advisors worth it? Deciding whether to get a financial advisor or manage your own investments is a big decision. Not everyone needs an ongoing relationship with a financial planner or investment advisor. But many investors who would benefit from working with a wealth advisor don't…

Kristin McKennaAugust 17, 2020

Asset Management Current events Investing

Stock Market Performance by President (in Charts)

As the next U.S. presidential election nears, investors may be wondering what the implications are for their investments. How will the stock market react if the incumbent (President Trump) wins? What will markets do if the current Republican administration is replaced by a Democratic one? How does the stock market…

Kristin McKennaAugust 12, 2020

Early Retirement Forbes

Is 55 Too Early To Retire? What You Need To Retire Early

Having the option to take an early retirement is a really nice thing to have. But is 55 too early to retire? If you want to retire early, you'll need a solid plan, masterful control over your expenses, and savings outside of retirement accounts. Here's how you'll know if 55…

Kristin McKennaJuly 27, 2020

Current events Investing During a Crisis Video

What’s Going on in the Stock Market and the Economy in 5 Charts

What's happening in the stock market today? Is the recession over? Here are 5 charts to help explain what's going on in the stock market and the economy these days. (more…)

Kristin McKennaJuly 21, 2020

Early Retirement Retirement Planning Updated for 2021

Should You Take an Early Retirement Package? What to Look for in a Buyout Offer

Deciding whether or not to take the offer of a voluntary early retirement package or buyout from an employer is a big decision. Taking an early retirement, perhaps at 55 or 60 years old, can have a lasting impact on your finances, even when it's the right choice. If you've…

Kristin McKennaJuly 20, 2020

401(k) Plans 403(b) Plans Asset Management Diversification Forbes Investing Retirement Planning

Are Target-Date Funds A Good Choice For Your 401(k)?

Nearly every retirement plan offers target-date funds as investment options. But are target-date funds a good choice? The age-based method of setting your asset allocation makes sense in some cases, but investors can also stay in a target-date fund too long. Put another way, if your financial situation has evolved…

Kristin McKennaJuly 13, 2020

Wealth Management Insights