With Mayo Clinic open enrollment just around the corner, now is a good time to review your elections so you can maximize your benefits. Increased savings + reduced tax = A happy 2021. Summary of plan changes The only changes to the plan for 2021 are: Premiums will increase for Premier and Select plans by […]
About Matt Elliott, CFP®, CSLP®
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 […]
Do You Have Enough in Your Emergency Fund?
What is an emergency fund? Your emergency fund is the amount of cash you have in a safe place to cover an unexpected expense (such as a car repair) or event (such as a layoff). You should always aim to keep the money in this account untouched unless an unforeseen event occurs. Why is it […]
Best Diaper Deal 2020: Target vs. Amazon
In honor of our first child being born this month, I decided to take a break from my typical finance topics to explore something new: Diapers. While I have experience with financial planning, I am brand new to being a Dad (and the financial challenges that come with it). Will we switch from Pampers to […]
What to Look for in a Financial Advisor
Going into an initial meeting with a financial advisor for the first time can feel a bit like stepping into a cage fight. Your guard is up, but your opponent is a seasoned veteran that does this every day. How do you prepare when the person across from you is highly trained and you may […]
Invest Your Mayo Fidelity 403(b) Like a Pro
Doing the right things consistently with your retirement plan can have a huge impact on your financial future. That great opportunity can create stress if you’re not sure exactly what you should be doing with your investments. That is why I created this step-by-step guide: To help you take control of your Mayo 403(b) plan […]
How to Save Money and Pay Off Debt in 5 Steps
There is certainly no shortage of financial advice out there – and it can be tricky to know what applies to you. Your co-worker may be telling you about how you need to save for your child’s education, but you haven’t yet paid off your own student loans yet – what do you do? Take […]
Best Money Moves for Your Stimulus Check
Economic Impact Payments (AKA Coronavirus stimulus checks) started going out in April. For those with direct deposit on file with the IRS, payments began hitting accounts mid-month, while those getting physical checks began receiving them at the end of the month (and could potentially be waiting much longer). If you’re still unclear on your eligibility, […]
Recession Proof Your Finances in 5 Steps
Tip 1: Start thinking about it now The most common mistake people make isn’t necessarily being financially ready for a recession, it’s being mentally prepared for one. People tend to overestimate the upside, and underestimate the downside risk of their investments. This may be compounded by the comfort we all feel after a 10 year […]
What You Need to Know about the CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on 3/27/20. It is the largest stimulus package in US history and will directly impact nearly every American. While the law is lengthy and still being analyzed, I have summarized the areas we will see benefit most of the public directly which […]
