If you’re like many of us, when someone asks how you are, you might offer a common response: “I’m well, thanks.” That may or may not be entirely true, given all that’s happening in your life. In a slightly different scenario, what if someone asked about your financial situation? Can you say it’s going well—and…
Women’s Financial Literacy: Getting More Comfortable with Money
by Lisa Taranto Schiffer •
March was National Women’s History month, and April is financial literacy month. The recognition and awareness of both events, combined with the fact that women control a large amount of personal wealth in the U.S., make now an ideal time to remind our fellow women that talking about finances is an OK thing to do.…
How to Start Family Conversations About Money and Wealth
by Lisa Taranto Schiffer •
Money is tough to talk about. For many families, it’s a taboo subject, along with politics and religion. Others feel it’s fraught with emotional complexities that make it awkward or difficult to discuss, often resulting in outright avoidance of the topic. But to have a healthy relationship with money and wealth, it’s necessary to overcome…
How Retirement Plan Check-Ups Keep Your Financial Goals on Track
by Lisa Taranto Schiffer •
Are you still on track to meet your investment goals? With all the market volatility in the last quarter of 2018, which may continue through 2019, it is important to take some time early in the new year to review your financial plan and investment strategies to ensure your portfolio is headed in the right…
Navigating Cognitive Decline and Money Management with a Loved One
by Lisa Taranto Schiffer •
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia can be devastating, both for the patient and their family. As a financial advisor, a significant concern I often hear from families is about money management and how the diagnosis can affect their loved one’s financial well-being. Many organizations in the Atlanta area offer programs and resources to help…
Why Good Money Management is Important for Entrepreneurs
by Lisa Taranto Schiffer •
With November being National Entrepreneurship Month, it got me thinking about friends and clients who own and manage their own businesses. They find that what it takes to start, run and grow their own businesses — from putting in long hours and weekends to wearing many hats—is quite rewarding. On any given day they may…
Six Ways to Protect Your Finances from Spooky Cyber Threats
by Lisa Taranto Schiffer •
Fraudsters are continually inventing ways to deceive people. Their schemes can threaten your finances and, ultimately, your livelihood. As a financial advisor, I continually promote ways my clients can improve their personal and financial cybersecurity, and be proactive in protecting themselves. Here are six ways you can protect your data and assets online. Install updates…
Natural Disasters and Your Money: How to Prepare
by Lisa Taranto Schiffer •
Natural disasters like Hurricane Florence take a tragic toll on people, property and finances. Although a significant amount of unpredictability can accompany a serious weather event, a little bit of financial preparation goes a long way toward getting your life back on track after the storm and preventing further damage to your bank account and…
Budget Your Way Toward the Lifestyle You Desire
by Lisa Taranto Schiffer •
Working hard to earn a living, or achieve and maintain a certain lifestyle, can leave you running in circles if you don’t have an effective financial plan. That’s because hard work is only half the equation. But that effort, combined with a solid plan, can lead to success on many levels. The idea of putting…
Four Financial Fears and How to Overcome Them
by Lisa Taranto Schiffer •
When Friday the 13th rolls around, as it did recently, I get to thinking about some of our everyday fears, particularly our financial fears. In my role as a financial advisor, I take the time to understand not only my clients’ hopes, dreams and future plans, but also their fears. A recent study showed that…