We are all familiar with the point of sale transaction vernacular: will this be debit or credit. What’s the difference, and how does it impact you? Most folks really don’t understand the difference, but the difference can be vital.
Unfortunately, in today’s world of ID theft and financial fraud the decision of debit versus credit matters. Many people feel that our banks will help to protect us in the case of a stolen card. While this true in most instances, it’s not guaranteed. Making the wrong choice between debit …

Last fall, after years as a “do-it-yourselfer” in the area of fitness, I surprised myself and decided to hire a personal trainer, Laura Creagan of New England Endurance Training. No, I’m not a Hollywood starlet trying to get her pre-baby, red carpet-ready body back or an elite athlete trying to win Olympic gold. I’m not even trying to compete in, much less win, any races at the local, “age group” level.
I’m just someone who loves the same activities Laura loves – cycling, cross-country skiing, running, etc. Someone who gets a …

It’s not to late to get 2010 off to a great start. Plenty of people make resolutions to lose weight, get a new job or make other things happen in their personal life, but relatively few make solid resolutions about money. Make 2010 the year you’ll live a better life financially. Here are a few resolutions to think about:

Write down the things you really want in life: Have you ever written down the big things you want in life?

As a financial planner, I work with clients of all ages and income levels. The basis of good financial planning is great communication between the clients and the planner. Clients are always encouraged to ask any question that pops into their mind. Recently, a young newlywed who is expecting her first baby was in the office and said: I have a very basic question: What is the difference between “saving” and “investing”?[...]

Does anyone know how the average time it takes to abandon a New Year’s Resolution? I’m guessing two weeks, a month at most. By February 1 I should be able to get a parking space again at the gym…If you, too want to feel fabulous this year because you actually accomplished your resolutions (note I did not say LOOK fabulous – hey, I’m a financial planner, not a personal trainer), here are my suggested New Year’s Resolutions for the first 6 months of 2010.[...]

It’s hard to believe that it’s 2010. Has it really been ten years since the Y2K scare? While the world has changed over the last ten years, there are financial planning strategies that can help position ourselves for success. If you’re looking for a few things to implement as we turn the corner into another decade, read on![...]