2012 tax facts is posted
click over to the main website and download the new 2012 tax facts: www.theadvisoryfirm.net
figuide.com post this week
http://www.figuide.com/does-asset-allocation-still-work-in-todays-economy.html
A New Year and New Resolutions!
I have never been the resolution type, however for the benefit of those that need a little motivation here is a list I published last year for folks:
http://www.theadvisoryfirm.net/newsltr/advisoryfirmnews_01-11.html
It’s pretty simple. Save more, spend less and do some planning this year!
does money make you happy
Interesting article this month in Kiplinger Personal Finance. It is about a study as to how much “income” we need to feel happy. I don’t know if having a larger income makes folks happy, but would have to say it probably reduces some financial stress on folks. I guess it boils down to whether you had a large income and lost it or if you’ve never had a high income to begin with.
http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/yourmindyourmoney/archives/can-money-make-you-happy.html?si=1
interesting read on Mark Cuban’s blog
The owner of the Dallas Mavericks and former internet tycoon has an interesting take on the tax debate and politics. It’s worth a read: http://blogmaverick.com/2011/09/20/my-top-10-things-our-federal-government-should-do-and-more/
random thoughts and iPads
Another recent case of writers block as I just could not come up with any non-serious musings. This blog is supposed to be a bit light hearted regarding financial topics, I save the more “serious” discussion topics for my monthly e-newsletter (http://www.theadvisoryfirm.net/afnews.html) along with some posts that I do for Fi Guide (http://www.figuide.com). The problem I often face is that sometimes it is just plain tough to post items that don’t dwell on the more serious financial side. With so much going on in the world economy these days and the constant newsflow about debt issues, housing issues, 200 point market swings and how to help folks make sense of it and still save for retirement, it becomes an issue when trying to come up with funny rants about my personal finances. Well, that was until this past weekend……..
So how exactly do you explain to a 7 year old that Santa does not deliver iPads from his sleigh? My wife made sure to point out that my daughter had already begun working on her Christmas list this weekend. In addition to the pet turtle, Taylor Swift CD (and autograph?), there was a top request for an iPad! Really? an iPad? Why on earth my 7 year old needs or wants an iPad is something I can’t quite figure out. She saved her own money and bought a used apple iTouch earlier this year. (it basically looks like an iPhone but only allows the user to download and play games when connected to a wifi system). The problem is this thing now sits uncharged for weeks laying around the house, she does not use it at all! Now she wants a $400 iPad? For what? We already have 2 home computers (which the kids already complain are to slow). My only rationale explanation is that she must be getting influenced from some of the TV shows she watches on Nick or Disney Channel and feels like if the “older” kids in those shows have one then she must as well. Oh well, I guess somehow we will have to break the news to her that Santa doesn’t deliver iPads. She can check back when she gets to be a teenager and maybe he will have started delivering them by then.
what do you think?
Came across this article on the Marketwatch website. It discusses a study of how our financial smarts erodes after age 60 (well after 49 based on the article).
article on figuide.com site
Recently contributed a blog about investing psychology to the figuide.com website. You can find the post under my profile: James Daniel
Clark Howard and Fee-Only Planners
An article Consumer Guru Clark Howard wrote regarding us fee-only planners this past summer: Clark Howard
investment scams on the rise
Just sent out a new monthly e-newsletter on investment scams. click here to read further: The Advisory Firm Sept newsletter