Over the last 17 months, I have been a “ghost” executor of an estate. While not officially named, I did most of the work, transitioning an IRA to inherited ones,Continue readingThe Secret Club

There is a large sign alongside monotonous Highway 20 in Iowa on both the westbound and eastbound lanes that isn’t the typical DOT version. The sign, however, is not self-explanatory.Continue readingThe Crater vs. CVL

If I were to write only about the annuity, not many would read any further. Throwing in alcohol to make you curious how I will parallel the two is aContinue readingThe Annuity and Alcohol

Gold, real estate, a business, a baseball card collection or that rare family heirloom, which reminds me of the Frasier episode (Cheers spin-off – classic old school comedy). Alternative investmentsContinue readingAlternative Investments

While a formal education is still a worthwhile investment and holds immense value, there are aspects that are not being considered when they should be given the amount of resourcesContinue readingThe Value in Education

As great as it sounds like a cure-all for the happiness you seek and the solutions to all your problems, it’s the opposite. There are a lot of reputable investingContinue readingThe Enticing Investment

As hard as some have tried to change them, some things will always stay the same. One of many who has tried renaming the concept of retirement is Prudy Gourguechon,Continue readingRetirement is Doing Something Different

If someone asked you about the market, your answer would vary depending on the context. It could be the supermarket, the farmer’s market, the public market (like Milwaukee’s and Seattle’s),Continue readingThe Market

Cold, hard cash in the refrigerator/freezer, the pantry/laundry room, closets, in random books, in a safe not bolted to the floor or wherever creative place you have come up withContinue readingStashing Cash

Risky behavior, we do it without a second thought. You take a distracting call as you’re speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, read or fumble a quick text atContinue readingWhat You Don’t See

It’s baffling how Americans can endure carrying credit card debt at unbelievably high interest rates (21.67% – 24.72%) knowing they will have to pay that balance as it exponentially grows,Continue readingThe Tangible Element of Investing

We’ve become a culture of tangibleness. Where buying the car, wearing nice clothes, posting the travel pictures, having your dream place filled with lots of things, raving about you orContinue readingThe Intangible Aspect of Investing

There is a current New York Times bestselling book on money and investing that has been highly recommended, The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness. IContinue readingUnraveling the Mystery

A large weeping willow tree in a drainage easement needed to be cut down not long after we moved into our current house. Located on the property line, I foundContinue readingThe Worst Investing Advice

There is a plethora of writing and books on the emotions, psychology and mindset of money. There is even more abundance on the tactical management of money from optimizing yourContinue readingStrategic Personal Finance