Financial Planning Archive

Diminishing Returns for University Endowments

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Even elite educational institutions struggle to beat the stock market. This is a reminder of why Rebalance champions low-cost, diversified investing and cautions against alternative investments. Diminishing Returns for University Endowments By Burton G. Malkiel, July 6, 2025 David Swensen left a lucrative Wall Street career in 1985 to manage the Yale endowment. He introduced a… Continue reading

 

Three Financial Planning Strategies for When Markets Fall

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With the right strategies, stock market downturns can become opportunities to strengthen your financial plan. Three Financial Planning Strategies for When Markets Fall By Matthew Sommer, Ph.D. CFA®, May 1, 2025 The market volatility experienced in early April may have left some investors feeling a bit unnerved. While many tried-and-true strategies such as “stay the course”… Continue reading

 

529 Plan Contribution Limits for 2025

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Thinking About College Costs? Here’s What You Should Know About 529 Plan Contributions in 2025.   529 Plan Contribution Limits for 2025 By Kathryn Pomroy, April 4, 2025 A 529 plan is a state-sponsored account that offers tax-advantaged savings to cover college, trade and vocational courses and qualified K-12 expenses. It can be a powerful… Continue reading

 

A Three-Step Income Plan for Those Nearing Retirement

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  As a financial advisor, increasingly I find myself in a ticklish situation: Trying to convince people that taking an easy yield on cash is not a long-term investment strategy.  Here is what typically happens, in my experience. Imagine a couple in their early 60s. They have diligently saved for retirement.  As they approach the… Continue reading

 

What Is Financial Planning and How Does It Help Me in This Stock Market?

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Financial Planning in a Volatile Market Volatile investment markets highlight the importance of proactive financial planning. Part of building a plan is ensuring proper investment allocation so you can build resilience against market fluctuations. To prepare for this, it’s essential to understand your complete financial picture, something a comprehensive plan can help you achieve. The… Continue reading

 

Recommended Reading: Rethinking Investing by Charley Ellis

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As a financial advisor, a common question I get from friends and family is “Can you recommend a book that will help me understand how to invest?” I always hesitate with this question, not because I do not know what to suggest, but because there are too many good choices! For some folks, the clear… Continue reading

 

Meeting Vanguard’s John Bogle: A Reflection

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“Legacy” is a loaded word. It suggests principles and ideals that will outlive one generation and guide the next. For parents, even those who are engaged, the journey often requires letting go and allowing children to make mistakes and learn. When reflecting on legacy and the knowledge that fosters success and happiness, one figure comes… Continue reading

 

How to Use a 529 Plan to Finance Your Kid’s College Costs

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You may have heard about a type of tax-advantaged college savings plan known as a 529 plan. Similar to an IRA or 401(k), money put into a 529 is “qualified,” meaning it grows tax-free and can be used tax-free in the future. You will find 529 plans sponsored by all 50 states and the District… Continue reading

 

Medicare plan options are confusing. This book may help.

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Medicare Made Simple? Not Quite: Decoding the Alphabet Soup to Maximize Your Coverage.   Medicare plan options are confusing. This book may help. By Michelle Singletary, November 22, 2024 For all its pluses, Medicare can be a hellish system that befuddles and frustrates so many beneficiaries. Medicare provides health insurance for millions of Americans 65… Continue reading