How is my Canadian RRSP Taxed in the U.S.?
I have good and bad news for those of you that live in the U.S. but have a Canadian RRSP from when you lived in Canada. The good news is that there is a really good chance your taxation here in the states will be lower than if you took the same distributions in Canada. The bad news, trying to figure out just how much … Continue reading How is my Canadian RRSP Taxed in the U.S.?
How a Financial Plan Can Help You Spend More in Retirement
After my second year at University of Michigan I decided to spend the summer working at a backpacking camp in Colorado. This seemed odd being that I had never been to Colorado or had been backpacking. Bringing kids on 5 days camping trips around Colorado, how hard could it be? I loaded up on the cheapest (and unfortunately heaviest) equipment that I could find, and … Continue reading How a Financial Plan Can Help You Spend More in Retirement
Financial Horror Story: The Life Insurance Scam
Bernie Madoff ripped off his clients by lying to them. He claimed that they were getting tremendous returns, but rather he was blowing all of their money and making false financial statements. Other financial scammers don’t need to lie to rip you off. Instead these con artists use legal financial products, good sales skills, and a trustworthy victim. Thankfully a client of mine was smart … Continue reading Financial Horror Story: The Life Insurance Scam
Disagreeing with Dave Ramsey Regarding the Lump Sum Pension
A client recently told me that he was planning on taking the lump sum pension because he heard from Dave Ramsey this is the best option. Are you kidding me?! You are making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life based on a four paragraph article by Dave Ramsey? I know the guy is THE financial guru, but he doesn’t know your personal … Continue reading Disagreeing with Dave Ramsey Regarding the Lump Sum Pension
How Much Home in Retirement Can You Afford?
The goal for many in retirement is to be debt free. Yet, as homes have become more expensive and people move more frequently, having a mortgage in retirement is becoming more and more frequent. This article discusses the maximum amount your monthly mortgage or rent should cost in retirement. The 20% rule of thumb while working When someone is working, my general rule of thumb … Continue reading How Much Home in Retirement Can You Afford?
How to Apply For Social Security in Michigan
You’ve made the decision to start your social security benefit. You’ve either been counting down the days to age 62. Or, you have been delaying social security and are now ready to turn on a larger benefit. If you are looking to do some planning on when to draw social security, please read these articles. This post is meant to address the different options that … Continue reading How to Apply For Social Security in Michigan
The Worst Part of Buying an Annuity, Is Not The Annuity
My first “big break”, or so I thought, in the finance industry came when I was 24. I spent two years working with at-risk children in a wilderness camp, a whole different story, and I was ready to begin my career in the finance world. I imagined this meant completing financial plans and helping clients as they transitioned into retirement. Receiving postcards from clients as … Continue reading The Worst Part of Buying an Annuity, Is Not The Annuity
