Unfortunately, turning the calendar past 2020 hasn't erased all the problems that we've been facing for the past year. If feelings of uncertainty and anxiety are starting to get between you and your 2021 goals, use this three-step process to plot a better path forward and plan for uncertainty. (Re)Identify your purpose. A big reason that so many New Year's resolutions and goals fail this time of year is that…... Read more
Many people are discovering that their financial journeys are even more fulfilling when they align their financial plan with their values. These investing, spending, and giving strategies could help you grow your nest egg while also putting your values in action. ESG investing These investment funds contain companies that make positive Environmental, Social, and Governance impacts while also creating sustainable returns on investment. Some investors also use ESG as a…... Read more
Make This Your Best Holiday Season Yet The halls are decked, the chestnuts are roasting, and the silver bells are jingling. But many folks still feel like they’re getting a lump of coal for the holidays this year. If adjusting your celebrations to the pandemic has left you short of holiday cheer, remember that different doesn’t have to mean bad. Focus on these three ideas and you might even find…... Read more
Many folks are feeling as much anxiety about the end of this contentious presidential election as they were feeling during the long months of campaigning. It’s impossible to predict with 100% accuracy what a new president and a new Congress are going to do. That feeling of uncertainty can send out ripples through our financial and political systems until we get a clearer picture of the agenda for the next…... Read more
Navigating Life's Transitions By Rewriting Your Story Your plans for the future are really a story that you tell yourself. Some of the chapters are easy to imagine and plan, like buying your first home, sending your kids to college, or picking out dream retirement destinations with your spouse. But life has a way of throwing unexpected plot twists at you, such as, say, a global pandemic that upends how…... Read more
Covid-19 has delayed many dream vacations, family reunions, and road trips this year. But as we all navigate the space between things we can do, things we can’t do, and things we still want to do in the future, there’s an opportunity to reflect on the bucket list goals that are truly important to us. Get your family together and ask yourselves these three questions. Your answers will help you…... Read more
Technology has helped to bridge some of the gaps that Covid-19 opened between us, our loved ones, and our communities. Thanks to video chat you’ve been able to check in on family. We've done drive by birthday celebrations and graduations. You’ve used streaming services to watch movies and listen to music. You’ve used online news services and social media to keep up on current events and important health care developments.…... Read more
The professional skills you’ve honed during your career are still incredibly valuable even though you’re retired. Rarely has there been a greater need for talented and dedicated people with a wide variety of skills to pitch in and give back in retirement to their communities. But giving back is also good for you. Many studies link volunteer work to increased longevity and improved mental health for seniors. Discuss these three…... Read more
What do Netflix, GE, Trader Joe’s, Microsoft, Disney, and FedEx have in common? They all started during economic downturns. Your vision for your own retirement business might not be on the same scale as those giants. But history shows that it’s not only possible to start a great new company during retirement, it might be ideal. That’s especially true if you have an idea and some capital that you’ve earmarked…... Read more
Part 1: Better Habits for a Healthier Mind Since the Covid-19 outbreak we’ve all had to make adjustments so that we could cover our basic needs, care for our loved ones, and remain productive during quarantine. No matter how well you’ve adapted to these extraordinary circumstances, there’s probably a part of you that feels like you’ve been just trying to get through the next day. But it's important that we…... Read more
Summer travel plans are up in the air right now as federal and local governments sort through the best strategies for keeping COVID-19 under control. Although it’s disappointing to put off a vacation or big family party you’ve been planning forever, there are still recreational options right in your backyard that will get your family outside safely. If you’re starting to reschedule your summer, keep these ideas in mind to…... Read more
The coronavirus pandemic has forced many older workers to reassess their careers and how they view retirement. Folks who are fortunate enough to be working from home might be coping with a mix of technological hurdles, while also enjoying more family time and more flexible hours. Too many others nearing retirement are facing real financial worries due to reduced income, job loss, and instability in their investment accounts. Under ideal…... Read more
The coronavirus pandemic has put all our short-term needs front and center, creating a lot of change in it's path. Just getting through one week of virtual work meetings, grade school math lessons, and grocery shopping can be a challenge. And if you’re one of the millions of Americans struggling with income loss or unemployment, those daily to-dos can feel even more pressing. However, as the conversation starts shifting towards…... Read more
We Plan for a Reason We’re still in the early stages of understanding how the coronavirus outbreak will affect global health care and economics for the rest of the year, but it's more important now than ever to stick to a plan. When we look at your most recent life plan, we can see events that we’ve been anticipating for quite some time: children heading off to college, home…... Read more
A vacation home can provide years of enjoyment and fond memories for multiple generations of your family. They can also create an extra layer of headaches and expenses that prove more trouble than they’re worth. Here are 4 reasons to think twice before buying a vacation home, even if doing so won’t break the bank: Full-time bills for part-time enjoyment. Most workers receive around two weeks of vacation time from…... Read more
According to AARP, baby boomers expected to take 4-5 trips during 2019 (1). Retired boomers who plan to travel more might even exceed that pace once they’re no longer working. Over the course of a typical 20-30-year retirement, that’s an awful lot of beaches, an awful lot of athletic resorts, and an awful lot of bucket list landmarks getting crossed off. Many retirees are exploring new types of travel to…... Read more
Housing is a large item on any person’s budget. But folks about to enter or leave the workforce have to be especially thoughtful about how their living situation is going to impact their financial plan – especially if they’re contemplating the thought of relocating. Could leaving behind the hustle and bustle of a big city improve your Return on Life? Before you start packing up, ask yourself these four important…... Read more
Your legacy isn’t just about your assets. Of course, as part of our Life-Centered Planning process, we will help you coordinate with attorneys and tax experts to create an estate plan that will provide for your heirs in accordance with your last wishes. But hopefully, after years of planning for a better Return on Life, you’ve come to appreciate what your money can and cannot buy. That’s why…... Read more
It might sound a little crazy but there are many benefits to working even though you no longer need the money for your living or retirement needs. These “retirement workers” have discovered that part-time jobs or volunteer positions allow them to keep a nice pace in life and find a balance among using their talents, enjoying recreation, traveling, and spending time with family. Some of our most ambitious clients even…... Read more
Longevity can be both a gift, and a curse. This generation of retirees is going to live longer than any in history. Today’s seniors are healthier, more active, and receiving better preventative care. And on top of that, a growing group of scientists is trying to harness technology and modern medicine to slow down the aging process. Experts call the cumulative effect of these changes to life expectancy “the longevity…... Read more
As part of our Life-Centered Planning process, we’ve talked about how market volatility is a normal part of investing. We’ve also discussed how we’ve structured your investments to “weather the storm” and maintain a comfortable level of income for you and your family during turbulent times so you can avoid knee jerk reactions. But we also understand that even folks who are armed with this knowledge can get nervous during…... Read more
How are you going to get the best, most fulfilling life possible with the money you have once you retire? Generosity is key, but it can be costly. Study after study has shown that retirees who spend their time and money on experiences are much happier than those who just buy stuff. Charitable giving can be a particularly meaningful way to keep yourself active and put your assets to good…... Read more
Ever wonder how you can improve your relationship with money? Many people have a complicated relationship with money. Hang-ups carried over from childhood experiences get mixed together with positive and negative experiences from adulthood. Few people ever take the time to reflect on what money really means to them and how they can “get right” with money to make smarter decisions. Take time to answer these 5 questions and you’ll…... Read more
Get Your Financial House in Order “Does this spark joy?” Marie Kondo Millions of people are asking themselves this question about their homes and possessions thanks to Marie Kondo and her wildly popular decluttering philosophy. Once the kids are moved out, it’s just you, your spouse, and whatever is still boxed up in extra bedrooms and the basement. Whether you’re looking for joy or just a little less space and…... Read more
“How am I doing?”-Every Investor.....ever Ever wonder how your retirement savings stack up against other people your age? That’s a big question that most people have when it comes to their money. One way we tend to look for answers is by comparing what we have to what our neighbors, friends, and family, have. Even though we know deep down that “the grass is always greener on the other side,”…... Read more
Many folks who have just begun working with us are surprised by how our planning process starts. We don’t begin by talking about IRAs, 401(k)s, or how much you’re saving. Instead, we begin by talking about you, not your money. Putting your life before your financial plan. As Life-Centered Planners, our process begins with understanding your life plan. We start by asking you about your family, your work, your home,…... Read more
Want to Retire? Take It for a Test Drive There are many reasons why people who could retire are hesitant to do so. Some people think they need to wait until they’re 65 or older. Some are worried about running out of money. Many parents want to keep supporting their children through some major life transition, like college, marriage, or buying a first home. Maybe the most common reason we…... Read more
One of the reasons that divorce is such a challenging life transition is its public nature. A couple might keep their problems private as they try to work through them. But if a rift opens that can’t be mended, the couple will have to share some very difficult news with friends and family as they separate from one another. Few of us will have to reveal emotional personal issues to…... Read more
How to Make Your Empty Nest Time a Prime Time in Your Life Time flies when you’re a parent. Just when you’ve wrapped your head around the demands and responsibilities of raising a child, you turn around and your little bundle of joy is ready to head out into the world. This empty nest transition can be very emotional. And in some cases, like children who stay on your health…... Read more
Is How You Use Your Money Aligned With Your Values? By Mike Desepoli, Heritage A hamster in a wheel. Have you ever watched a hamster running in a wheel? All that running, all that effort, day after day after day … But the poor little critter never really gets anywhere, does he? Many of us feel the same way about our money. More specifically, we feel that way about the…... Read more
Did You Inherit Your Beliefs About Money From Your Parents? Lou Desepoli, Heritage Financial Advisory Group Parents know that children hear, see, and pick up on everything that is going on with the adults in their lives. And when you were a child, you were no different. Our attitudes about money are formed at an early age, as we absorb how people around us deal with money. Some of these…... Read more
3 Ways to Know When You Are Ready to Retire Mike Desepoli, Heritage There’s a pretty good chance that your parents and grandparents retired just because they turned 65. Today’s retirement is a bit more complicated than that. While age is still an important factor, your ability to connect your financial resources to your lifestyle goals is what will truly determine if you’re ready to retire. Here are three important…... Read more
5 Next Steps When You Are Concerned About Aging Parents As your aging parents begin to settle into their final phase of life, their health, residence, and finances could become a factor in your retirement planning. This is especially true if you are the person your parents have tasked with settling their estates. There’s no simple way to tackle all the logistical and emotional challenges associated with caring for an…... Read more
4 Things to Consider Before Financially Bailing Out Your Adult Children Mike Desepoli, Heritage Financial Advisory Group According to a recent study by TD Ameritrade, 25% of baby boomers are supporting their family members financially (1). Support to adult children averages out to $10,000 per year. That’s $10,000 that boomers aren’t saving, contributing to retirement accounts, or investing. Can your retirement afford that kind of generosity? If you fall short…... Read more
How to Have More Fun and Meaning After You Retire Lou Desepoli, Heritage Financial Advisory Group A blank calendar filled with nothing but free time can be every bit as stressful as a packed work week. That’s the surprising fact that many people who retire confront after a few days of hitting the snooze button and puttering around the house. This is usually when the reality of retirement sets in.…... Read more
Empower Yourself by Recognizing Your Freedom to Choose By Mike Desepoli, Heritage “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Viktor Frankl We may not always be able to control the circumstances of a given situation we find ourselves in. But we always have the freedom to choose how we respond. The choice we make – and how we make it –…... Read more
What Did You Learn Today? “In a world of change, the learners shall inherit the earth, while the learned shall find themselves perfectly suited for a world that no longer exists.” ― Eric Hoffer It’s never been easier for adults to continue to learn after completing their formal education. Online universities, TED talks, “master classes,” podcasts, and even curated YouTube playlists put world-class professionals, teachers, and thinkers literally at our…... Read more
A Simple Plan to Achieve More in Life and Feel Good About the Results Mike Desepoli, Heritage We tend to overestimate what we can accomplish in the short-term and underestimate what we can accomplish in the long-term. The frustration that results is one big reason why so many New Year’s resolutions die before Spring. But if you use these key strategies that are supported by deeply-held values – and science! …... Read more
4 Ways to Feel More "At Home" in Your Home Lou Desepoli, President & Founder of Heritage Do you feel “at home” in your home? Your home is often the biggest financial purchase you’ll ever make. But is it also giving you the emotional payoffs you hope for? Your home is an important part of your financial plan because we have to consider your rent or mortgage, utility bills, maintenance,…... Read more
Don’t Just Work for Money, Work for Meaning Mike Desepoli, Heritage In a recent survey of 12,000 workers worldwide conducted by the Energy Project, only 50% of respondents found meaning in their work (1). Imagine spending 40 hours a week doing meaningless work. It’s soul-sucking, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We understand why so many people stick with jobs that don’t provide meaning—it’s the money. And working…... Read more
Why Delay? You Can Start Improving Your Health Right Now! Mike Desepoli, Heritage A Common Scenario. A busy 40- to 50-hour work week, kids that need shuttling to and from school and extracurriculars … and a gradually decreasing metabolism. Sound familiar? Young, working couples with no kids may have more time to be active and healthy. Long morning walks. Three trips to the gym every week. Playing organized sports with…... Read more
Are You Financially and Emotionally Prepared for Life's Big Transitions? Mike Desepoli, Heritage Financial planning is more than just a series of savings and investments you lock away and forget about. Your money doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Your financial needs are going to fluctuate in response to the transitions that we all go through as we work, raise our families, and look ahead to retirement. Managing these transitions is…... Read more
Are You Living Your Life On Purpose? Lou Desepoli, Heritage Why, day in and day out, do you do the things that you do? Because you have to? Is it because you want to? Or is it because you’ve had the same routine for years and you’re used to it? If you feel like your life is something that just happens to you, it’s time to reassess how you’re spending…... Read more
Debt: What’s Your Story and How Do You Feel About It? By Mike Desepoli, Heritage In a recent study, half of Americans said their debt and expenses is equal to or greater than their income. 1 Revolving credit, particularly credit cards, is an increasingly significant part of the equation. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Household Debt and Credit report data, Americans’ total credit card debt hit…... Read more
Giving: How To Do The Most Good Without Disrupting Your Financial Plan Lou Desepoli, Heritage Many studies have shown that charitable giving provides greater happiness than buying more stuff. Eventually, you get used to your fancy new car, and the enjoyment it provides goes down. But giving forges feelings of connectedness and community that don’t fade away. Incorporating charitable giving into your financial plan is a great way to make…... Read more
Should I Sacrifice My Retirement to Support My Children? Mike Desepoli, Heritage Most parents will say that they want to help their children as much as they can and give them every advantage. But what if “every advantage” comes at the expense of the parents’ retirement savings and investments? According to a survey by NerdWallet, 80% of parents are covering or have covered an adult child’s expenses after the child…... Read more
Spending: What to Do When You and Your Spouse are NOT on the Same Page? Mike Desepoli, Heritage Most married couples take a “divide and conquer” approach to household tasks and chores. One spouse might handle weekly shopping, the other might handle garbage and recycling. Or one spouse might handle laundry and cleaning, the other might handle yardwork and maintenance. One spouse might drive the kids to school, the other…... Read more
Savings: Does Your Desire to Save Match Your Reality? Mike Desepoli, Heritage Financial Advisory Group “The only money that’s really yours is the money you spend. Everything else goes to somebody else.” -Teddy Chafolious That piggy bank we remember from childhood wasn’t just a place to store our birthday money and spare change: it was a lesson, a way our parents encouraged us to get into the habit of saving.…... Read more
Three Overlooked Keys to Being a Successful Investor Mike Desepoli, Heritage Does investing strike “fear” in you? We once heard somebody say the word “fear” stands for “False Evidence Appearing Real.” That seems to apply to investing. Here’s why. The stock market makes some people nervous. This can be especially true for young people who grew up during the Great Recession. Not only did these folks see market volatility at…... Read more
WHY WE LOVE MONEY (AND YOU SHOULD, TOO!) Mike Desepoli, Heritage “Money can’t buy happiness but somehow it is better to cry in a BMW than on a bicycle.” We often end up listening to the endless arguments upon whether to be materialistic or not. While spiritually we should not really become materialistic because world’s greatest joys are not hidden in materialistic items at the same time living in a…... Read more
Facebook data scandal: Here's everything you need to know Mike Desepoli, Heritage Cambridge Analytica is in the midst of a media firestorm. This came after an undercover sting operation caught senior executives boasting about psychological manipulation, entrapment techniques and fake news campaigns. Alongside social media giant Facebook, the London-based elections consultancy is at the center of an ongoing dispute over the alleged harvesting and use of personal data. What happened It…... Read more
Tariffs & Trade Wars By Emmet Sullivan , Guest Blogger Many consumers, investors, and ordinary citizens often worry when the word “tariff” is thrown around. Instantly signaling an increase in price in imported goods, the word is almost synonymous with a negative economic impact. Thinking in terms of the big picture, we need not jump to such hasty, and often misguided conclusions. What is a Tariff? First, it is important…... Read more
5 steps to raise your credit score by Mike Desepoli If you need to boost your credit score, it won’t happen overnight. Credit scores take into account years of past behavior you can findon your credit report, and not just your present actions. But there are some steps you can take now to start on the path to better credit. 1. Watch those credit card balances One major factor in…... Read more
The Biggest Blunder Investors are Making Right Now Mike Desepoli, Heritage It’s not all their fault, though, as information is often dumbed down in the interest of simplicity. As Einstein said: “Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler.” Unfortunately, often the information provided to average investors has been simplified below the bare minimum. To avoid the blunder, average investors need a bit of sophistication. To…... Read more
7 Simple Tips to Curb Your Spending By Mike Desepoli, Heritage Create a 30-day list Make a new rule: you can’t buy anything (except necessities) until a 30-day waiting period has passed. Put a 30-day list on your refrigerator, and when you have the urge to buy something, put it on the list with today’s date. After a month has passed, you can buy the item. Many times the…... Read more
What is a stock market correction? And a few other facts you need to know It's been a crazy few days on Wall Street. On Tuesday, the Dow plunged 567 points at the opening bell and briefly sank into correction territory before roaring back. On Monday, the Dow took its biggest single day point plunge in history. Here’s what you need to know about what’s going on in the…... Read more
Managing Investment Risk By Mike Desepoli, Heritage If we know one thing about stock market investors it’s that the better the market performs, the less and less they think about risk. The first thing every investor should know and accept is that there is no such thing as a surefire investment. Risk is a part of the process. No matter what you invest in, there is always a possibility that…... Read more
The 2018 Personal Finance Roadmap By Mike Desepoli, Heritage Ah Spring time. Warm weather and longer days. People also tend to be more motivated in the Spring to organize, clean, and go through their stuff. While it’s always good to get rid of old stuff and clean your house or apartment, I think it’s also a perfect time to leverage your motivation to give your personal finances a good deep…... Read more
What To Do With Your 401k When Changing Jobs By Mike Desepoli, Heritage Last year, millennials were nicknamed the ‘job-hopping generation’ after a Gallup report revealed that 6 in 10 millennials are open to new job opportunities. According to this report, millennials have a reputation for job-hopping and are said to move freely from company to company, more so than any other generation. That being said, I don’t think switching…... Read more
4 Ways to ACTUALLY Keep Your Resolutions By Mike Desepoli, Heritage You might know that 41% of Americans make New Year's resolutions annually. But did you know that out of those, more than 42% never actually succeed, yet continue to make new resolutions every year? As the saying goes, if change were easy, more people would do it. Fortunately, there are some simple ways for you to set yourself…... Read more
3 Financial Resolutions for 2018 by Mike Desepoli, VP of Heritage With 2017 coming to a close and 2018 in our sights, it's time once again to make that list of new year's resolutions. Each and every year, we sit down in late December and hammer out a list of things we hope to accomplish next year. While we all certainly have good intentions, studies show that most resolutions have…... Read more
Senate Tax Reform Highlights by Kristi Desepoli, Heritage Tax reform, a campaign promise as old as the walls of congress. This weekend, a 51-49 vote occurred on Saturday by the U.S. Senate to pass a tax reform worth about $1.4 trillion. Although the bill is not yet finalized, this brings many Americans much closer to a tax cut. Here is how the latest tax reform legislation would affect you: Deductions The bill allows…... Read more
2 Helpful Tax Strategies For Year End By Kristi Desepoli, Heritage If you’re like most taxpayers, you have no clue about the most effective tax strategies for these financial vehicles - especially if you lack access to expensive accountants and attorneys. Here’s some guidance. Here are two common situations and innovative solutions that might help. You are self-employed and want to save tax. You feel you pay too much in…... Read more
Social Security Finally Gets a Boost by Kristi Desepoli, Heritage The cost of living adjustment announced by the Social Security Administration will be impacting seniors collecting monthly checks in 2018. With a 2% increase, this is the largest adjustment since a 3.6% increase in 2012. In comparison to 2016 where seniors only got a 0.3% increase, and none at all in 2015, 2% can make quite the difference. In 2017,…... Read more
Negotiate Salary with These 3 Tips By Kristi Desepoli, Heritage Negotiating a job-offer is rarely an easy task. Although every situation is unique, there are some strategies the can help address many of the obstacles people face when it comes to negotiating with prospective employers. Here are some rules to help you navigate these discussions: Do not undervalue the importance of your likability Although this may seem…... Read more
The Equifax Data Breach Here's what to do if you have been affected by Kristi Desepoli, Heritage 143 million Americans were affected by the Equifax data breach earlier this week. If you were one of the millions affected by the incident, it’s time to figure out what to do next. Here are a few steps that you can take if you were affected by the breach. Enroll yourself in Trusted ID…... Read more
The Importance of an Annual Financial Check Up By Kristi Desepoli, Heritage It’s crazy to sit back and think about everything that can happen in a year. With all of the curveballs that life throws your way, it’s important to adjust accordingly. When it comes to financial success, it’s critical to have a plan in place and make adjustments as things change. What may have been important last year,…... Read more
Majority of Americans Living Paycheck to Paycheck By Kristi Desepoli, Heritage Financial Advisory Group Making ends meet seems to be a struggle for most people these days, no matter how much they seem to be earning. According to a recent report from CareerBuilder, seventy-eight percent of full-time workers said they live paycheck to paycheck, which is up from seventy-five percent just last year. From a debt perspective, last year sixty-eight…... Read more
Backdoor IRA's - The Dirty Little Secret By this point in the year, most of us have filed our taxes and the 2016 tax year is behind us. Not many people have taxes on the mind and they will probably put off re-visiting the topic until next year, however; there is no time like the present to plan for how you can save on your future tax payments. If you…... Read more
5 Cost Saving Tips for Business Owners Every small business owner is concerned about retaining profit, and how to make their bottom line grow. One of the ways that small business owners are able to run their business in a profitable manner is by strategically apply cost-saving practices. Here are five cost-saving tips for small business owners: Seek Used Equipment One of the big ways that businesses can save money…... Read more
6 Steps to Get Out of Debt Unfortunately there are no classes in high school or college that teach you how to pay off a loan or credit card, but there are plenty of companies out there willing to lend you the money you need for your next big purchase. Knowing that a portion of your hard earned money will be going towards digging yourself out of a hole instead of…... Read more
Trump Tax Reform Plan Released Just days before the 100-day mark of the Trump administration, we were presented the outline of what is being called “the biggest tax cut” in US history. Trump’s tax reform calls for big cuts in federal taxes for businesses and a simplified basis for individuals. But what exactly does this big news mean for investors? Even a minor decrease in tax rates on businesses…... Read more
7 Reasons a Roth IRA May Be a Good Idea for You By Mike Desepoli, VP of Heritage It’s almost the tax filing deadline. During April, many people take advantage of the opportunity to reduce taxes by funding a Traditional IRA. While that makes sense for some Americans, others may benefit by contributing to a Roth IRA that offers no immediate tax break, but has other tax advantages, such…... Read more
8 Federal Tax Credits to Get More from Uncle Sam By Jackie Waters, Guest Contributor from Hyper-Tidy.com Every year, federal tax credits can change. Some get added, others are taken away, and changes may occur within the ones that have been around for ages. Tax credits are one way to maximize how much of your money you get to keep. In some cases, they feel a bit like a…... Read more
Trump Agenda in Doubt After Healthcare Fail? By Mike Desepoli, Heritage Financial Advisory Group It was supposed to the first step in the Trump administrations plan to make America great again. While nothing on the Hill comes easy, with a congressional majority a victory was expected. After 7 years of publically campaigning for a shot to fix healthcare, the republicans failed spectacularly to do just that. Unable to gather the…... Read more
The 1 Question Investors Should Ask: Is My Financial Advisor a Fiduciary? By Mike Desepoli AIF®, Vice President of Heritage Financial Advisory Group Financial advisors will have a new regulation to deal with starting in April, and it’s the biggest change the financial advice industry has seen since the great recession. It’s called the “Fiduciary Rule”, and it will have a significant impact on how financial advice is delivered. It is…... Read more
The Added Value of Financial Advisors By Mike Desepoli, VP of Heritage Financial Advisory Group As financial advisors we are often asked whether it is worth the cost to hire a financial advisor. I know, very ironic. After all, there is a cost to make you money. People say they can listen to the news to find out where and how to invest, so, “Wouldn’t I be better off just keeping that fee…... Read more
Saving for a Rainy Day: Unusual Expenses that Add Up Quickly By Jackie Waters, Guest Contributor from Hyper-Tidy.com When you’re living independently as an adult, it’s easy to budget for everyday costs--grocery shopping, mortgage or rent, gas for your car, etc. However, most people end up spending a significant portion of their income on emergency situations that are not expected. The big fault here is not having a disaster,…... Read more
Teaching Your Children Good Money Values Mike Desepoli, Heritage Financial Advisory Group The book The Financially Intelligent Parent: 8 Steps to Raising Successful, Generous, Responsible Children, by Eileen and Jon Gallo, focuses on the idea that the way in which parents spend money sends messages to their children about their money values and priorities. It helps you become more aware of the values communicated to children through your spending.…... Read more
6 Easy Steps to Ruin Your Retirement Many people I know have concluded that retirement was worth waiting for and worth planning for. Those who planned well (and who are lucky enough to have good health) are generally finding this to be a very satisfying time in their lives. But those who didn't plan well or who couldn't save enough are finding that retirement can be difficult. My commitment…... Read more
A 5-step plan to Retire Early Cut spending, invest carefully, live simply — and comfortably Wish you could retire right now? Give up the rat race, embrace a life of independence, reduce your stress, and have more time for what you value most — your family, education, travel? That might seem like a fantasy but to retire early is within reach of most Americans, if they would only take the steps…... Read more
Retirement Income - Do You Have Enough? Here’s a million dollar question: How will you transform your savings into income that will last throughout your retirement? There are probably as many answers to that question as there are retirees. However, all retirees may rely on some of the same income sources and strategies. For instance, we all hope Social Security benefits will provide a portion of our income…... Read more
Many Investors are not aware of the different between fiduciary and suitability standards President Obama’s recent endorsement of fiduciary standards for financial advisors could have significant implications for the investment industry. In other words, the president is pushing to require financial advisors to put the client’s needs before their own. While this may come as a surprise, your advisor may not have your best interests in mind. As the law…... Read more
Investing Resolutions for a Better 2017 When you sit down this week to write out your New Year's resolutions, make sure you leave room for your 401k. Many new investors max out their IRA every year, but that’s about all they do. There is no other strategy or alternative to that process. Many investors cheat themselves out of good opportunities by simply not exploring the options available to them. Young Professionals…... Read more
Tips to Save Hundreds on Your Holiday Shopping Overwhelmed by the length of your holiday shopping list and the amount of cash you’ll need to complete it this year? You’re not alone. A recent study found that 39% of Americans feel pressured to spend more than they can afford during the holiday season. That’s no wonder, with the average U.S. adult planning to drop $830 on Christmas gifts this…... Read more
Signs You're Spending Too much In Retirement How can you tell that you’re spending more than your savings will support? If any of these five signs describe you, it’s time to make some changes. You don’t know how much you should be spending. If you don’t have a budget, you’re probably spending too much. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College found that 53% of households risk falling…... Read more
4 Important Qualities When Hiring A Financial Advisor Honesty When it comes to choosing someone to help handle your finances, it can be somewhat terrifying. Providing insights into your funds, investments and needs requires the right professional.. While any professional will identify himself or herself as trustworthy and honest, here is something to consider…are they making guarantees? While financial advisors are skilled professionals with a background in this industry, no financial…... Read more
4 Things You Can Control In Retirement Retirement is supposed to be an exciting new chapter in our lives. We’d like to think we can live well within our means once we stop working. But when we hear that most Americans will never be able to retire, our alarm bells go off – even when the rational side of our brain tells us to stay calm, that things will work…... Read more
Best Tips to For the First Time Home Buyer Buying a home has always been the biggest and most consequential financial move that most people make in their lives. The 2016 environment can make it especially challenging, leaving little margin for error. The biggest mistake prospective homebuyers can make is to embark on a pursuit of their dream home without having a well-conceived plan in place. Every buyer and seller…... Read more
The Economy Will Survive This Presidential Election Americans see a threat in the election that doesn’t exist — except in the headlines The Election. Many Americans are concerned about how the presidential election will turn out. But nowadays people’s gloom about the post-election economy and the financial markets is being unduly influenced by headlines. Six of every 10 Americans say the outcome of the presidential election represents the biggest threat…... Read more
10 Tips for Starting a Business What Should New Businesses Focus On? Do what you love Running businesses takes a lot of time, energy and effort. Building it into a successful enterprise would require even more. Since you need to put a lot into your business, you better make sure that you love what you do to make it easier and more fulfilling. Besides, doing something you love means you already…... Read more
10 Best Cities for Retirement Prescott, Arizona If you love the outdoors and a vibrant cultural scene, one of the cities you should consider retiring in is Prescott, Arizona. Located in the north of Arizona, this old mining town experiences a cooler summer than southern Arizona. As a result, this helps you steer clear of sweltering summer temperatures. A booming economy, rich history, and low housing prices make this city a…... Read more
#AskTheAdvisor YouTube Blog Hey Guys, Coming to you with some exciting news today about our YouTube. Many of you know by now that we are constantly striving to produce relevant and insightful content for our clients, readers, and social media followers. We put a lot of time and effort into our content, so we genuinely hope you enjoy it. In an effort to take our communication to the next level, we…... Read more
What Does the Brexit Mean to You? And What Does it Mean for Britain Voters in the United Kingdom chose to Brexit from the European Union (EU) late Thursday, June 23. The “Brexiters” (those who voted in favor of leaving the EU) were victorious, snatching 52 percent of the vote and setting Britain on a historic path to be the first country ever to do so. Stock markets reacted swiftly…... Read more
Terror Attacks in Orlando Today we mourn the loss of our fellow Americans in the attack that is the Orlando Nightclub massacre. There are a lot more questions than answers at this point. We will continue to pray for those involved and hope they can find peace in this difficult time. To this point the impact on the financial markets has been minimal We will continue to monitor developments and…... Read more
Can Presidential Election Years Forecast Stock Market Movement? Stock Markets and election years go together like oil and water. Super Bowl winners, Triple Crown Winners, and Sports Illustrated covers. All of these have been used to develop theories about the direction in which stock markets may be headed. Presidential elections and terms have also inspired a significant number of theories. Rational and not-so-rational decision making Historically, economists believed…... Read more
Pink Tie 1000 This Monday May 9th we attended the annual Pink Tie Gala event. The Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, NY played host to this year's gala. It was truly an incredible event. There were over 2500 professionals in attendance, as well as numerous local sports heroes. Consequently, the event featured numerous auctions and opportunities to purchase memorabilia. As a result, it was a great place to raise…... Read more
Financial Advisor Magazine: A Potential New Client Base April 4, 2016 Financial Advisor Magazine May Issue: Entrepreneurial firms are alive and well in the United States, although the kinds of people who start them are changing. That’s because more and more “grayhairs” are passing up the golf course or sitting in front of the tube all day in favor of starting a new business. Their efforts are pushing up the…... Read more
Mike Desepoli in Money Magazine Heritage Financial Advisory Group's Director of Portfolio Management, Mike Desepoli, is in Money Magazine this month in the article “The Death of Cool Equities”. The article was written by Taylor Tepper, and discusses some of the recent trends in the equity market. The article speaks about how in a fickle stock market, betting on what’s trendy has suddenly become risky business. Give it a read for some…... Read more
March Jobs Report This mornings release of the monthly Non Farm Payrolls reports has financial analysts far and wide perplexed. On the headline number, things look pretty good. The number of jobs created came in above expectations at 215k, but the numbers are worth giving a second look. While we did add to the work force, a large portion of those jobs are part time and on the lower end…... Read more
Prayers for Brussels My heart is breaking for the injured and dead and their families of the Brussels Bombing this morning. Two separate bombing incidents took place, one at a subway station and the other at the airport. It is fairly obvious that this is an act of terror as Isis has already claimed responsibility for the attack. This will only add more fuel to the fire of the anti…... Read more
Can I Retire? A very popular question in our line of work, and a question we certainly love answering in the affirmative. But before we can even attempt to answer that question, there is a lot of work that needs to occur. Sometimes this can be done in the weeks, months, and years leading up to that question. Our clients experience a variety of motivations throughout their lives. These motivations…... Read more
How to know what you're really paying your financial advisor Mike Desepoli, Daily News Contributor March 1, 2016 Looking for a financial advisor? Wondering how you'll pay him or her — and just how much? There are three types of advisers you can work with. The first will charge you commission; the second, a management fee on the assets handled; and the third, a hybrid of the first two approaches.…... Read more
10 Tips to Boost Your Savings Looking to boost your savings? Here are a few strategies to focus on to get on the right track. 1. Focus on starting today! Time is your best friend when it comes to growing your savings so don’t wait any longer and get to it! 2. Contribute to your 401(k) If your employer offers a 401k plan that allows you to contribute pre tax…... Read more
4th Quarter GDP 4th quarter GDP was reported this morning, coming in at 1%.This number was higher than the expectation of 0.7%, but it is still not a very impressive number for an economy that is projected to grow (according to the white house) at 2.5 – 3% for the full year. A majority of the increase in GDP was due to an increase in inventories on the balance sheet.…... Read more
Are markets worrying too much? Last week, markets headed south because investors were concerned about the possibility of negative interest rates in the United States, even though the Federal reserve just began raising interest rates. The worries appear to have taken root after the Fed chair Janet Yellen was called before the house financial services committee to testify about the current path of monetary policy. What Should Investors do if we…... Read more
Our years as financial advisors have given us unique insight into the complex relationships between investors and the ever-changing financial markets. While we do not present the following principles as immutable laws, we want to share them with you as you savor a cup of coffee this morning. They have guided us well. People don’t invest to become rich. They invest so they don’t become poor. Individuals invest in stocks…... Read more
Does the Stock Market Overreact? In short……you bet it does! Professors, philosophers, psychologists, academics…..you name it, have all done studies on behavioral finance to determine if the market overreacts, and why. If one thing is certain, it’s that psychology affects investor behavior. Classic economic theory assumes all people make rational decisions all the time and always act in ways that optimize their benefits. Well, wouldn’t that be nice if it…... Read more
What does Wealth mean to you? When I think about wealth, a lot of things come to mind. I think about a time in my golden years where I hope to be at peace. My hope is that I am proud with all I have done and accomplished in my life. I picture a day where I can say with certainty that I provided for my family. Through the years…... Read more
Stay Disciplined With Your Investment Approach One of the most challenging aspects of investing is not what many may think. Digging through the multitude of options available to put your money to work can be a daunting task. However, keeping your cool when things move in the wrong direction can make or break your portfolio returns. Sometimes stock prices move based on economic facts, other times they move based on…... Read more
When China Sneezes... The quote above has been circulated around for years…..but how much truth does it hold? Well, if the start to 2016 is any indicator… global markets are paying close attention to China. Chinese stock markets got off to a horrific start in 2016. As a result, the negative sentiment is spreading quickly. The US markets are off to their worst 5 day start in……HISTORY. Consequently, we are…... Read more
No emergency savings? Americans are starting 2016 with more job security, but most are still theoretically only ONE paycheck away from living on the street, due to a lack of emergency savings! According to bankrate.com, 63% of Americans have NO emergency savings for things such as a $1,000 emergency room visit, or a $500 car repair. That represents an increase over 2014! How in the world did we get to…... Read more
“Do not put all eggs in one basket.” -Warren Buffet... Read more
Weekly Focus – Think About It “I never blame myself when I’m not hitting. I just blame the bat and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn’t my fault that I’m not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?” –Yogi Berra... Read more
September is Life Insurance Awareness Month! More than 40% of Americans have no life insurance. Give us a call today to find out why it is so important for you and your family to be covered. (631) 878-5117... Read more
Happy September 1st! As a new school year begins, here are some inspirational quotes for Teachers: “Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students.” ~ Charles Kuralt “I touch the future. I teach.” ~ Christa McAuliffe… “Nine-tenths of education is encouragement.” ~ Anatole France... Read more
Weekly Focus from this weeks Market Commentary: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” –Arthur C. Clarke, British science fiction write... Read more
Weekly focus from this weeks Market Commentary! “In the 20th century, the United States endured two world wars and other traumatic and expensive military conflicts; the Depression; a dozen or so recessions and financial panics; oil shocks; a flu epidemic; and the resignation of a disgraced president. Yet the Dow rose from 66 to 11,497.” –Warren Buffett... Read more
Monday Morning Motivation! “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” –William Arthur Ward... Read more
Mike Desepoli Named Accredited Investment Fiduciary A huge congratulations to our Financial Advisor and head of portfolio management, Mike Desepoli. Mike achieved the accredited AIF® designation, for Accredited Investment Fiduciaries. What is the AIF? Being awarded the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation comes with the highest standard of knowledge of client management. Advisors with this designation have chosen a business model that is free of conflicts of interest. As a result, they…... Read more
“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.”... Read more
Financial Fitness Friday! “Whether we’re talking about socks or stocks, I like buying quality merchandise when it is marked down.” -Warren Buffett... Read more
1) Not Starting Early Enough 2) Hidden Fees 3) Withdrawing Too Much… 4) Major Unexpected Expenses 5) Inflation 6) Not Saving Enough 7) Outliving Your Money Give us a call today to see how we can add value to your financial plan and create a stress-free retirement. (631) 878-5117... Read more
Desepoli Wealth Weekly April 20, 2015 The Markets It’s a topsy-turvy world. In the United States, during the last quarter of 2014, about seven million (13 percent) of all mortgaged residential properties were underwater, meaning the mortgage loan amount was at least 25 percent higher than the estimated market value of the property, according to RealtyTrac.com. That’s a significantly lower number than the 12.8 million that were underwater early in…... Read more
