I don't respond much to online ads. I did have an intriguing one yesterday that advertised a 2.32% APR on savings with no minimum and no hassle access, along with $1,000,000 FDIC insurance. I figured it couldn't hurt to check out. I was skeptical how they could offer such a high rate of interest without locking me into a holding period or without requiring a large balance. Five minutes later my account information was collected, the bank account used to fund the initial balance was linked, … [Read more...]

This article is a contribution by my Medicare expert colleague, Paul Davis. He is a wealth of information and would welcome your questions. He can be contacted through his email address,paul@pdinsure.com, ,  or by phone at 818-888-0880 ____________________ Confused by Medicare health plan options?  You’re not alone. Every person I meet with or speak with has some level of confusion or misunderstanding about Medicare Health plan options. Medicare is designed for people 65 … [Read more...]

If you have an older permanent life insurance contract, it's important that you review it at least every three years in order to monitor its financial health and to keep it from lapsing. Older life insurance contracts were many times designed initially based upon higher interest rate assumptions. Illustrated rates of 7% – 10% were not uncommon in the 80’s and 90’s.  Unfortunately subsequent decades have produced lower interest rates and, as a result, permanent life policies may not be … [Read more...]

I recently began including another step in my financial plans. Previously, I always discussed with clients the wisdom of having 3 to 6 month’s worth of expenses in cash reserves. That is still an integral part of any financial plan. More recently, what I realized is that after ceasing work, each blueprint needs a way to replenish reserves as they get spent down due to unforeseen expenses or emergencies. In other words, we can't say that the need to save money stops at … [Read more...]

What's the best way to buy a car? Everyone has their own style. Some always buy new. Some swear by buying used and keeping it until it turns into dust, then sweeping up the dust and flying on it for a few more months. Some choose to lease rather than to buy, but which is the "right" way? Over the years I think I have formed the conviction that it depends on what you value most. And I think the two commodities that are at the heart of the issue are "money" and "time and energy". Those … [Read more...]