First Financial Insights
Best Dividend Stocks For Retirement
When creating an investment plan, look no further than dividend stocks for retirement. Dividend stocks can provide a great way to build up retirement income.
Economic Commentary During Crazy Times
Crazy is probably the best word to use in describing 2020 and the first couple of weeks of 2021. One year ago, nobody would have
Building an Investment Portfolio from Scratch
Building an investment portfolio from scratch usually means you have little or no, experience. Perhaps this is your first foray into the world of investments;
Thanksgiving Commentary – Gratitude In Difficult Times
These are difficult times. Nobody surveying the scene in January and February of this year could have predicted what we’ve all just experienced. In fact,
The True “Crash Proof” Retirement
“Crash Proof” Retirement Several financial advisors offer “crash proof” retirement programs, and understandably it is an enticing offer. Who wouldn’t want a “crash proof” retirement?
What Happens to 401k When You Quit?
Summary: When you quit your job, you have options for your 401k: leave it, roll it over, or cash out. Managing it wisely is crucial
Economic Commentary – Where Are We Going
Any economic forecasts of where we are going must be prefaced by acknowledging where we were and where we are now. Where We Were We
Which Pension Option Should You Choose
Which Pension Option Should You Choose If you have a pension and are retiring or changing jobs, you have a very important decision to make.
How To Attain Real Wealth
Real Wealth There’s a lot of talk about wealth – how to create it, grow it, keep it – but we often wonder if people
Can You Trust Your Financial Advisor?
Can You Really Trust Your Financial Advisor? Life is getting busier and more complicated, so it’s not surprising to learn that more and more people
Economic Commentary – Coronavirus Truths
Coronavirus Truths Concern over the Coronavirus continues to hit financial markets. The decreases in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 indexes are
Working With a Financial Planner
Working with a Financial Planner: It’s Not just Business, It’s Personal What do you picture when you think of financial planning? Spreadsheets? Graphs? Investment management
Understanding Your 401(k)
412 This BenchTalk is all about understanding your 401(k) plan. At its core, a 401(k) is a type of retirement savings plan that companies will
Best Financial Investments in 2020
What were the best financial investments in 2019? This is the question that many people ask in the hopes of finding that secret formula for
Can A Financial Advisor Really Help?
Can A Financial Advisor Help You? Can a financial advisor help you in a meaningful way? The short answer is yes but, we do in
How To Avoid Running Out of Money In Retirement
Avoid Running Out of Money In Retirement Life is full of things to worry about, and a recent survey showed that two-thirds of people are
How to Achieve Financial Security in 7 Straightforward Steps
How Do You Achieve Financial Security? The short answer is you need a solid financial plan to achieve financial security, which is true at any
How To Design Your Investment Portfolio
Long-term Bedrock Principles How do you successfully build and manage an investment portfolio to accomplish long-term goals? This is a critical question that too often
A Step-by-Step Guide to the Financial Planning Process
Americans today have more ways to start investing and saving than ever before. From registering with online brokerages to investing in new financial products, there
19 Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor About Retirement
Choosing the right financial advisor for retirement planning is one of the most critical decisions an investor can make. The right advisor can help navigate
How Much Do You Need To Retire In California? | Retiring in California Made Easy
Where you retire matters. Consider this: Successful retirement requires a comfortable standard of living, which hinges on your expenses. The cost of living and retiring
The Eight Biggest Mistakes Investors Make
Investing can be a powerful tool for building wealth, but it comes with its pitfalls—especially for new or casual investors. We’ve seen many investors fall
Is $2 Million Enough to Retire at 60?
How much is enough to retire? In the past, $1 million appeared to be sufficient for many Americans, but over the years, $2 million has
Strategic vs Tactical Asset Allocation | Guide to Investing Success
Your investing strategy likely includes more than purchasing only stocks or index funds. You may also be looking at bonds or cash investments. This approach