Latest articles by Brian Skrobonja, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)
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Eight Steps to Take When Settling an Estate as the Executor
Being the executor of an estate can be overwhelming, but breaking the process down into individual steps can help make it much less daunting.
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Should You Invest in CDs? What to Consider
Before putting your money in a certificate of deposit (CD), you should know why banks issue them, how they are used and how they are priced.
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From Tax-Deferred to Tax-Free: Navigating Taxes in Retirement
Here are some considerations to keep in mind to help you spend less of your retirement savings and Social Security benefits on taxes.
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Are You Prepared for the Evolution of Retirement?
Retirement in the past was a much shorter period, but it could potentially be a full half of your life in the future. How do you plan for that?
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How to Measure the Health of Your Retirement Plan
These five key indicators can help you make decisions based on the overall performance of your retirement plan rather than individual variables.
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Three Factors to Consider Before Taking Social Security
There’s a lot to think about, including the break-even point on your Social Security benefits, your own health and longevity and your other retirement income.
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How Do You Build Wealth? Seven Critical Steps
Rules of thumb, one-size-fits-all ideas and trendy tips don’t build wealth, but a strategy tailored for you can help ensure you’re well prepared for the future.
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Being Rich in Retirement vs. Being Happy: There’s a Difference
Money obviously plays a role, but how much you have isn’t as important as the quality of your life when it comes to health, relationships and activities.
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How Business Owners Can Avoid Four Big Financial Planning Mistakes
Lax financial planning when it comes to taxes, risk management, exit plans and cash flow can hinder the growth and success of your business.
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How Specially Designed Life Insurance Can Provide Flexibility for High-Income Earners
Life Insurance A high cash value life insurance policy can facilitate tax-advantaged growth that standard retirement accounts may not be able to match. Here’s how it works.
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Five Common Retirement Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Is your view of wealth distorted? Is all your money in tax-deferred accounts? Are you hoping for unrealistic market returns? Don’t let these and other errors cost you in the long run.
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Retirement Requires a Shift in Mindset: Are You Ready for That?
When you're saving for retirement, your focus is on growth, but once you retire, the focus needs to shift to income, which is a tough adjustment for many. What to do?
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Longevity: The Retirement Problem No One Is Discussing
Many people saving for retirement fail to take into account how living longer will affect how much they’ll need once they stop working. What should they do?
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In Financial Planning, Consider Your ‘Fuel Tank of Capability’
Trying to do too much at the same time can actually thwart your financial planning efforts. Delegating to a professional can free you up to expend your energy on something you love.
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Different Approach to Financial Planning Addresses ‘the Missing Middle’
Nontraditional financial planning model allows you to pay for the expenses you incur between now and retirement — the middle of your life — without losing the ability to build wealth.
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Pension Lump Sum Option vs. Annuity Payment: Which Is Better?
retirement Lump sum vs. annuity payments? Single-life benefits vs. joint-and-survivor benefits? Finding the right answer for you could come down to control.
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Financial Freedom in Retirement Is All About Cash Flow
You may think accumulation is the most important part of the game, but income is like water: You can’t live without it.
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My 5-Minute Retirement Plan
retirement planning As you near retirement, switching from a saving and investing mindset to an income-driven outlook can be tough. But you’ve got to do it!
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How to Grow Your Wealth Like the Real Estate Moguls Do
real estate investing The secret is to boost your wealth through generating both internal and external returns. Here’s how to do that. And, surprise: You don’t even have to own real estate to take advantage.
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The 5 Biggest Regrets People Have About Retirement
retirement Want to be well-prepared for a happy and secure retirement? Learn from other retirees’ top mistakes and missed opportunities.
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For Real Financial Security, Do NOT Do What Everyone Else Is Doing
retirement planning To design your ideal retirement savings portfolio, you’ve got to buck the status quo. Relying on the same old financial advice – including blindly pumping money into a 401(k) – could be a mistake. Think outside the box instead.
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Could Bitcoin Replace Gold as the New Safe Haven?
cryptocurrency A look back through gold’s history reveals some interesting patterns that could point to what may come next. However, no matter what the future holds, diversification is never a bad idea.
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Investments or You: Which Does Your Adviser Focus On?
retirement planning If you said investments, you may not be getting the best advice. Unfortunately, it’s a common problem. Your adviser needs to dig deeper, and you need to know the right questions to ask.
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Who Should Consider an Annuity (and Who Shouldn’t)
annuities While annuities can be complicated, the decision about whether one is right for you doesn’t have to be. Some folks are clearly better candidates for annuities than others.
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