Growing up in Africa, I have been fortunate to have experienced being on safari many times. One of the most common and beautiful animals in Southern Africa is the Impala. Impala’s would be described in America as a type of gazelle that could reach about 3 feet tall and weigh anything from 88 – 168 pounds. In full flight, the impala is just a magnificent … [Read more...]
Really – That’s all I get for COLA?
November 1, 2016 by
The government has just released their numbers for Cost of Living Adjustments for 2017. “Monthly Social Security and SSI benefits for more than 65 million Americans will increase 0.3 percent in 2017” https://www.ssa.gov/news/cola/ There are a number of threats or possible “Holes in the bucket” for retirement that we take into account as we plan for both … [Read more...]
Giraffe, Finances and the Circle of Life
October 31, 2016 by
For many years I have taken teams of people to South Africa to do work among those less fortunate than most of us. This last month I was reminded once again that we often think we are going to faraway places to give of ourselves and our resources, but we end up receiving life altering insights and gifts as we connect with those in need and recognize our common … [Read more...]
Valuable Money lessons from a Raccoon
July 25, 2016 by
My mother and my grandmother were both amazing gardeners and were extremely knowledgeable about plants and horticulture. [My Mom still is] I just love to get home in the evening and walk around the garden or water the plants. It’s a time of peace for me. Well …….. most times! Having grown up in Africa, my frame of reference was dealing with Lions and … [Read more...]
It’s on now! It’s off now! Which one am I?
June 29, 2016 by
It’s officially summertime now and already the pools and the beaches are filling up. Families often fall into one of two categories as far as any type of planning goes, whether it be Financial Planning or College Planning. Category 1: “Talk to me when the summer is over, we are going on vacation for 3 months” Category 2: “Let’s get something done while … [Read more...]
529 Plans – 6 Vital things I need to know
June 3, 2016 by
529 Plans are financial instruments for College that are neither good nor bad, but have benefits and drawbacks to consider. There might be other financial vehicles available that could have as good if not much better benefits. Here are some things to consider before placing your money into a 529 Plan. The 529 [like a 401k, 403b etc] is an IRS approved … [Read more...]
Do I dare to look today or not?
May 19, 2016 by
We all love looking at our retirement account statements when the market is up, but some people are scared to look at them when the market is down. We are all different – Some folk will check their statements on a daily or weekly basis, and others only when they get their quarterly statements and some only once a year. Do I check my pulse each morning to see … [Read more...]
Our Legacy – It’s not what we leave to our kids
May 7, 2016 by
In my Financial practice I have the privilege of discussing what my clients would like to leave to their kids as a legacy. It's an important discussion for most parents to have and plan for. Growing up on a farm in Africa my mother (who I am not sure ever made it to 4 feet tall – she might one day) had six rambunctious kids who grew up without much money, … [Read more...]
Even if you are a Prince, you still need a will!
April 29, 2016 by
There is so much speculation going around about the death of pop star Prince last week. Yesterday in the supermarket I saw tabloid headlines that he was murdered, he was killed by drugs ………and the speculation goes on and on. Initial estimates are that Prince’s estate is worth over $300 million and that does not even start to count in the value of unreleased … [Read more...]
Forgiveness or Refinancing – a blessing or a mistake?
April 21, 2016 by
OK so I have graduated from college, now what is the most efficient way of paying off my student loans? I have received a few questions about the best way to repay my student loan. PS – DON’T MISS THE WARNING AT THE END OF THIS! Please note that there are pro’s and con’s to each option of paying off your loan and will affect each family’s unique … [Read more...]
Apply for a College Planning America Scholarship