As a financial planner, I get the question “Should I pay off my debt or invest?” all the time. Keeping the money in the bank, paying off debt, or investing may be the best choice depending on your situation. In this article, we’ll examine when each one of these options may make sense depending on […]
About Matt Elliott, CFP®, CSLP®
2021 Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments
As a part of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, significant changes have been made to how the Child Tax Credit works in 2021. Here is what you need to know if you have kids: Fact Summary: The previous Child Tax Credit has been increased from $2,000 to $3,000 per child 6-17 and $3,600 per […]
Student Loan Cancellation – 4 Things to Know in 2021
Potential student loan cancellation has been an area of much speculation with the new Biden administration. So far, not much has changed, but there are a lot of misconceptions out there. Here are the 4 most common questions I get (and what you should do with your student loans in 2021): 1. Will $10,000 of […]
Robo Advisor vs. Financial Planner: Which is Right for You?
A “robo-advisor” is an online technology that provides automated financial services. Pioneered by Betterment in 2010, they have increased in popularity over the past decade with dozens of companies offering these services today. So when does it make sense to hire a financial planner or utilize a robo-advisor? The first question to ask yourself is […]
What to Do With Your Stimulus and Tax Return Checks
In addition to the cash infusion many people see this time of year from a tax refund, we are also in the middle of the latest round of stimulus checks being deposited. If you’re still unclear on your stimulus eligibility, find out if you can expect a payment on the IRS official website. Verified that you […]
Retirement Readiness Checklist
When and how to retire may be one the largest financial decision you will make. This generates many new financial questions you may not have dealt with before: Where will my income come from? Have I saved enough? When should I draw Social Security? What should I do with my pension and retirement accounts? How […]
What is Going on With GameStop
I typically don’t comment on short term market fluctuations or individual stocks. Given all the chaos with GameStop (GME) stock this week, I felt it is a good time for a reminder why. What is going on with GameStop Like you, I have seen and read countless news stories about GameStop recently. I haven’t seen […]
Guide to Get Your Finances Organized for 2021
You need to get your finances organized for two people: 1. For yourself. Not feeling in control of your finances can lead to stress and anxiety. It is impossible to make informed financial choices without first understanding where you are. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are taking steps to […]
Are Target Date Retirement Funds Right for Me?
What is a target date fund? A target date fund is an investment that is designed to provide a reasonable risk/return trade off given the year you plan to begin withdrawing from the fund. It is a “fund of funds”, which means it is a mutual fund that owns other mutual funds. The idea is […]
Achieve Financial Freedom in 5 Steps
Financial independence isn’t created overnight. Have patience and take these steps 1 at a time. If you stay focused on improving your financial situation one step at a time, you will eventually achieve life’s greatest financial goal – financial freedom. To find out how you’re doing, take the short quiz below and get customized tips […]
