Raising financially responsible children starts with having age-appropriate and open dialogues concerning money and family values at a young age. In addition to talking freely within the family, encouraging and demonstrating good money habits is critical. Children pattern their attitudes toward spending and saving after the grown-ups in their lives. To ensure financial responsibility when they are adults, let them catch you in the act of being responsible, early and often. Here are some suggestions for how you can teach and reinforce good financial habits. When discussing money, as much as possible, talk to them as if they are adults…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy, and the global financial markets. Global Economy: To paraphrase, the month of May came “in like a lamb” but went “out like a lion.” It was a month offering little to calm investor nerves, given continued concern over tariffs and the relationship between the US and China, potential new tariffs with Mexico tied to immigration, conflict between the US and Iran, no resolution of Brexit amid the resignation of Prime Minister May, and economic news that…

Having a new addition to the family is life-changing, exciting and overwhelming. It is also another essential time to take a hard look at your financial goals and planning needs. Here are some of the things we recommend new parents should do to help prepare for this amazing added responsibility. New Addition Financial Planning To-Do List: Re-establish financial goals to ensure both parents are on the same page. Determine how income will be impacted should one spouse reduce their hours at work or take time away from their career to stay at home. Obviously, babies come with many new expenses…

Please find the next blog in our monthly series that provides a review of the prior month’s market data, the state of the economy and the global financial markets. Global Economy: With optimism continuing to reign in April, investors bid risk assets higher and markets maintained the “great start to 2019.” Sentiment indicators have been resilient, even as we can cite continuing conflicts on various global fronts. Little has actually been settled between the US and China, between the US and North Korea, between the Democratic-controlled House and the Trump administration, or between the UK and the rest of the…

Uniting in marriage also means the joining of financial futures. Suddenly, decision-making is done by a team of two. Often, spouses are not of the same mindset when it comes to how to spend, save and plan for their future. For instance, it isn’t unusual for one spouse to be more of a spender and the other a saver. Typically, however, it isn’t the difference in personalities or priorities that leads to money issues within a marriage. Rather, it’s a lack of communication and an absence of agreed-upon ground rules. Below are some tips to help with communication and planning…