4 Financial Planning Tips For Irregular Income Earners

June 17, 2015

Both my wife and I earn irregular income as freelance writers. Our yearly income can vary significantly depending on what type of projects, contracts, or gigs we land. Many of our friends in Los Angeles earn their living in a similar fashion in fields like editing, sound design, acting, post-production, or line producing. Salespeople, farmers, contractors, small business owners, and artists will all recognize the challenges of financial planning while earning variable income. Continue reading “4 Financial Planning Tips For Irregular Income Earners”

What A Lost Cell Phone Can Teach Us About Investing

February 25, 2015

Earlier this year, my boss shared with us her story of how she dropped her phone behind her bed. Her first thought since the bed was basically against the wall was to move the bed…in her words “bad idea.” After some time (and a little pain medicine), she took a second approach: use a hanger from the side to pull it out….again, “No dice.” (She thinks she actually made it worse by pushing it further out of reach.) Continue reading “What A Lost Cell Phone Can Teach Us About Investing”

In Defense of the 401(k)

December 04, 2013

I began my career in 1994 as an enroller for a large 401(k) provider. From the moment I started, I was indoctrinated in the virtues of this particular savings vehicle. Things like “tax-deductible savings” and “payroll deduction” became everyday vernacular, and before you knew it, I was out there evangelizing the masses on the greatness of this extremely important part of the tax code. So imagine my chagrin when I learned that my beloved 401(k) has come under attack recently by some who are calling for its demise. Continue reading “In Defense of the 401(k)”

Can This Retirement Be Saved? Case Study Age 40

December 17, 2012

When I was a kid, I used to love to read the Redbook magazines my mother had lying around the house. My favorite column was “Can this marriage be saved?” since it gave the wife’s point of view, the husband’s point of view and then finally the therapist’s point of view of the marriage and what could be done to improve it. I realize I am like that therapist now but for finances. Continue reading “Can This Retirement Be Saved? Case Study Age 40”

Retirement Preparedness: What Employees Need to Know About Investing

February 07, 2011

There is information that is nice to know and information that you need to know but what you really need to know is — the difference. For example, my husband is a history buff with an avid interest in politics. When we have friends over and we are discussing politics or world affairs, he often pops up with not just the year a politician won a race but who ran against him. I am always amazed at his memory and wonder, “How does he remember that?” It’s crazy! Even though I am always impressed, I do know that is the kind of information that is nice to know but in our work and in our lives, this is not vital information that we need to know. Continue reading “Retirement Preparedness: What Employees Need to Know About Investing”