web-only bankingMost American banks offer online banking services, but now there are banks that exist only online, and you get a good many of the services offered by traditional brick-and-mortar banks. You can scan and deposit checks and transfer funds at any time, and on any day of the year. There are savings, checking, and money market accounts available, as well as CDs, retirement accounts, educational savings plans, loans and mortgages. These "online only" banks offer free transfers, online bill pay, mobile banking and telephone banking. The question is: Are they a good place to put your money? There are advantages, and disadvantages. In the busy 21st century-world we live in, one … [Read more...]
Insurance Coverage for College Students
insurance coverage for college students Be sure to contact your insurance agents for a review of coverage for your college student. If your student goes to a college more than 100 miles away and doesn't take a car, your auto insurance premiums can drop significantly (20% on average), and he or she will still have coverage when home for the summer or holiday vacations. If your child takes a car to school, your insurance costs may rise or fall depending on the campus location. If you've recently helped a college student pack-up for school, you know that just about half of their total possessions go with them - possessions that can be very expensive to replace. Check to see that … [Read more...]
The Stock Market Correction of 2015
Keys to Surviving Market Turbulence Investors were in sell mode ahead of the weekend, and again on Monday, as the major US stock markets sold off substantial amounts and officially entered the technical definition of a market correction (which means dropping 10% from the stock market's previous high water mark). This was the first stock market correction in just over 1,450 trading days, and most of the investment community felt it was long overdue. What caused the recent sell off? Mostly, the reason has been continued poor domestic economic data around lower oil and other commodity prices, and the news that China's economy is most likely slowing faster than the Chinese government would … [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...]
Retiring to a College Town
Retirees are flocking to university towns, drawn by the intellectual life, health care, culture, and youthful vibes. They are looking to some of the nation's most dynamic college towns for intellectual stimulation, top-shelf medical care, and new homes. According to one Oregon couple, "Why not move to Austin, Texas?", and spend the time enjoying the "cultural stimulation of a university," a better climate, great restaurants, a music scene that is "off the charts," plus no state income tax. In the past, the great magnet for retirees was Florida, but today more of them are looking beyond the Sunshine State. Now, college towns, with their vibrant cultural scenes and intellectual … [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...]
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Sell?
how do you know when it's time to sellIn April, Vermillion Financial Advisors review their clients' investment portfolios and their financial objectives. To supplement this work, VFA has chosen to provide you, our readers, with an article to provide more insight into your investments. Most investors have a process for purchasing an investment. It usually involves performing research, comparing similar investments or investment types, and considering a number of more personal factors, including time horizon, risk tolerance and goals. Few investors, however, have a tried-and-true process for selling an investment. Yet knowing when to sell can be every bit as important as knowing what to … [Read more...]
What to Expect from the Real Estate Market in 2014
real estate market 2014In January, Vermillion Financial Advisors prepare their clients for the New Year ahead. To supplement your preparation of the New Year, VFA would like to provide you, our readers, with an article of what to expect in the housing market in 2014! Seven years have passed since the worst housing market crash in United States history triggered a global financial crisis. Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy, and a host of other banks came close to joining them before being rescued in a series of shotgun mergers and acquisitions, the largest of which included Bank of America -- Merrill Lynch, JP Chase Morgan -- Bear Stearns, and Wells Fargo -- Wachovia. Alongside bailouts … [Read more...]
Three-Step Retirement Plan Tune-Up
Even if your personal outlook hasn't changed, keep in mind that uneven returns provided by different investments may have caused your portfolio to shift from your intended asset allocation. Conducting an annual review of your retirement goals and strategy is a great way to help ensure that your plans for your financial future remain realistic and on track. With that in mind, taking the three easy steps outlined below will help you conduct your retirement tune-up. Step 1: Review your retirement goals Your first step should be to review your retirement savings goals and assess whether anything significant has occurred during the past year that might affect either your … [Read more...]
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