http://www.figuide.com/napfa View contributions of NAPFA members across the country about everything from financial planning basics to the need for a fiduciary standard in the financial services industry. en Copyright 2012, FiGuide.com http://www.figuide.com/its-not-the-economy-heres-why-your-investments-are-failing.html When the financial markets experience volatility and the economy tightens, as it is today, many people point to these circumstances as the reasons their investment plans are failing. But the reality is that volatility is a natural occurrence. History has shown that financial markets and the economy move in cycles. http://www.figuide.com/its-not-the-economy-heres-why-your-investments-are-failing.html 2012-02-01T22:21:28+00:00 Bob Burger, CFP®, CDFA™ Investing Strategies FiGuide.com http://www.figuide.com/heres-how-much-your-net-worth-should-really-be.html Everyone knows the term "net worth", but what exactly should your net worth be? By analyzing your age and spending, we've devised simple way to check your net worth against what your net worth should be. Continue reading to see how... http://www.figuide.com/heres-how-much-your-net-worth-should-really-be.html 2012-02-01T16:47:05+00:00 David John Marotta, CFP®, AIF® Banking & Budgeting FiGuide.com http://www.figuide.com/when-should-you-file-for-social-security-benefits.html When you apply for your social security benefits can have a big impact on the total social security you receive in your retirement. Apply too early and you risk receiving a lower monthly payment. Apply too late and you risk missing out on getting Social Security earlier in your retirement. We analyze when the perfect time to apply for social security is. http://www.figuide.com/when-should-you-file-for-social-security-benefits.html 2012-01-28T12:36:10+00:00 Jim Blankenship, CFP®, EA Retirement FiGuide.com http://www.figuide.com/the-4-questions-you-need-to-ask-yourself-in-todays-economy.html The ups and downs of today's economy have left just about every investor wondering, what if? What if I don't have enough for retirement? What if I don't get my social security? The following 4 questions are something every investor needs to ask themselves, especially in today's unpredictable environment. http://www.figuide.com/the-4-questions-you-need-to-ask-yourself-in-todays-economy.html 2012-01-28T12:08:00+00:00 Bert Whitehead Investing Strategies FiGuide.com http://www.figuide.com/why-you-shouldnt-invest-your-self-directed-ira-in-real-estate.html You might ask yourself, “With housing prices and interest rates so low, isn’t it a good time to invest my IRA in real estate?” Think twice before you do. There are a lot of disadvantages when purchasing real estate with your IRA funds even if you think property prices have bottomed out and you feel [...] http://www.figuide.com/why-you-shouldnt-invest-your-self-directed-ira-in-real-estate.html 2012-01-26T11:17:57+00:00 Russell D. Francis, CPA, CFP® Real Estate FiGuide.com http://www.figuide.com/the-best-options-for-paying-for-a-funeral.html After recently attending a funeral of a close family friend, I started thinking about end of life planning. Clearly there are steps we should take to lessen, even a little, the hardship facing loved ones at the time of one’s death. http://www.figuide.com/the-best-options-for-paying-for-a-funeral.html 2012-01-24T21:44:33+00:00 Tom Orecchio, CFA, CFP® Family Finances FiGuide.com http://www.figuide.com/the-6-worst-pieces-of-financial-advice.html There's financial advice, and their there is really bad financial advice. These 6 common pieces of advice may be the worst we've heard yet. Here's why... http://www.figuide.com/the-6-worst-pieces-of-financial-advice.html 2012-01-23T12:16:55+00:00 Fern Alix LaRocca CFP® EA Investing Strategies FiGuide.com