Holiday Budgeting Tips For Conscientious Shoppers

The decorations, the shopping mall and, of course, all those screaming retail deals mean it is time for consumers to start their holiday shopping. One of the few good things about a sluggish economy at holiday time is that it underscores the need to consider what's really essential. It's not just about being frugal; it's about being smart with our money. Setting financial priorities early is the best way to keep the year's biggest spending season worry-free and most important, debt-free. Here are some suggestions that can help you stay in line with your spending goals during the holidays and position yourself for a financially healthy and happy New Year. Revisit your gift policy: … [Read more...]

Leaving A Different Kind Of Legacy

As you prepare your estate documents, along with the usual gifts of personal property and financial assets, there is another bequest you may consider that can be just a valuable.  One of the most loving gifts you can give to your family is a clear and comprehensive written “Legacy”; specifically a life’s narrative to be handed down through the generations. When you share the story of your life, you open a window to past events and make them real for your children and grandchildren.  Those who hear your stories gain a sense of continuity and knowledge about where they “fit in”.  Stories provide a sense of history and roots, and they transmit your values. There are more than six billion … [Read more...]

Money “Wasters”

money waster's Nearly everyone has holes in their budgets... And as with other kinds of leaks, you may have hardly noticed some of them.  But those small drips can quickly add up to big bucks.  The trick is to find the leaks and stop them so you can keep more money in your pocket.  Here are a few to think about.  Overspending on Auto Maintenance...Are you still paying for an oil change every 3,000 miles?  Many models nowadays can last 5,000 to 7,000 miles between changes, and some even have built-in sensors to tell you when it's time to change the oil.  Check your owner's manual to find the best time for your car's routine maintenance. Not Pulling the Plug on Electronics...U.S. … [Read more...]

Helping Grand-kids Pay for College – A Quick Course for Grandparents

helping grand-kids pay for collegeWith college tuition costs continuing to escalate, grandparents are taking a more active role in helping to fund a college education for their grandchildren via vehicles such as a tax-favored 529 savings plan. More than half (53%) of grandparents are saving or plan to start saving to help pay for college costs, Fidelity reports in its recent 2014 Grandparents and College Savings Study. All told, those grandparents indicated they expect to contribute a median of $25,000 in college education funds for all their grandchildren, with 35% anticipating contributing $50,000 or more. Given the financial ramifications of investing in a grandchild’s education, it’s … [Read more...]

Stretch Your Retirement Nest Egg So It Lasts as Long as You

During the month of May, Vermillion Financial Advisors work with their clients to review their retirement goals and work to make sure their retirement plans are on track. We would like to provide you, our readers, with an article to supplement your retirement planning process! Americans are living longer than ever before, with an average lifespan that, according to U.S. government figures, has increased from 73.7 years in 1980 to 78.3 in 2010 and a projected 79.5 by 2020. While that means more time to enjoy life, it also presents a dilemma: How are we going to make sure our money lasts a lifetime so we can keep living the lifestyle in which we're accustomed, whether we live until 70, 80, … [Read more...]

How Much You Need to Save for Retirement

how much to save for retirementHow much money does a typical worker need to save every month in order to have a reasonable chance of financing a secure retirement? New analysis from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College (CRR) came up with a broad overview of the rates needed by different age groups and income levels. To estimate necessary savings rates, the researchers first sought to determine what level of retirement income would provide an equivalent standard of living to a retiree's final year of pre-retirement income. After they took account of changes in various tax burdens, commuting expenses, housing costs and other factors, they estimated that a single worker … [Read more...]