We were recently asked by a client how their young adult child could start building a good credit record. That’s an excellent question. Parents should realize that learning how to use credit responsibly is important for their child, and it’s good to start early to build a good credit rating (the longer your child has had credit in their name, […]
What If Your Ship Isn’t Coming In After All?
According to USA Today, many young people in Generation Z, those ages 13 to 22, will be sorely disappointed when the inheritance they are expecting doesn’t materialize. A recent TD Ameritrade study reported in the newspaper found that nearly 40% of Generation Z expect to receive an inheritance, and “as a result, they don’t believe that […]
Entrepreneurs: How NOT to Retire Rich
Last week’s Wall Street Journal featured an inspiring story about entrepreneurs who can’t retire because they are unable to sell their business for what they think it’s worth. Unfortunately, it’s inspiring mainly as a case study of what not to do when you own a business or are self-employed. The entrepreneurs interviewed for “The Economy Stole My Retirement” article […]
A “Costly Retirement Surprise” In Retirement
File this one under “what you don’t know can hurt you.” Many clients are surprised to learn that they are likely to owe taxes on their Social Security income. Social Security benefits are tax-free only to recipients at lower income levels. Once your income exceeds a certain amount, the IRS starts assessing income tax on up […]
Weston and Coral Springs Among “America’s Best Places To Live”
Congratulations to all our clients in Weston and Coral Springs, for helping launch your towns into the top 100 of America’s “Best Small Cities” in Money magazine’s annual Best Places To Live list! Weston (seen at right) won points for its top-quality schools and plentiful sports and outdoor activities. Coral Springs (seen below) ranked tops for home affordability and its young demographics (forget everything […]
Quote Of The Week: Who’s Responsible For Your Retirement?
“Who’s responsible for your retirement? You are.” SmartMoney magazine, September 2012, calls this one of the eight “most important lessons” of personal finance they’ve learned over the last two decades. Retirement Insight: In 1980, 80% of private sector workers were covered by pensions. Today, that figure is only 32%. That makes it even more essential for you to take […]
Muni Bonds: Time To Get Worried?
Some of our clients are calling to talk to us about what’s happening in the municipal bond market. They read that Warren Buffett’s company Berkshire Hathaway terminated contracts it had written insuring $8 billion of municipal debt. Does this mean, they ask, that Mr. Buffett is souring on the muni bond market? The short answer is […]
5-Minute Fix: Picking The Right Mortgage Term When You Refi
Many of our clients are taking advantage of incredibly low mortgage rates to refinance. But how do you decide between a traditional 30-year fixed mortgage and a shorter 15 or 20-year term? A shorter-term mortgage, like one lasting only 15 years, will offer a lower interest rate and will, of course, be paid off sooner due to […]
Test Your Knowledge: How Long Must Your Funds Last in Retirement?
Are you on track to get an “A+” in retirement, or do you risk flunking out? Here’s a deceptively simple question posed to working Americans in the New Retirement Mindscape II survey sponsored by Ameriprise Financial: How many years do you estimate you’ll live on your retirement savings? Answer: A). 15 years B). 20 years C). 25 years D). 30 […]
In The News
We actively participate in a variety of media projects with the goal of helping clients and consumers learn more about financial issues. Here are some of the recent articles to which we contributed (for a full listing, please visit our website): Sun-Sentinel, Donna Gehrke-White, August 12, 2012, “Some boomers to their mortgage: ‘Til death do us […]
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About Mari Adam, CFP®
Mari Adam, Certified Financial Planner™ and President of Adam Financial Associates Inc, has been helping individuals and families chart their financial futures for twenty five years. Mari has appeared in publications such as Business Week, CBS MarketWatch, Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger’s, Newsweek, and Money Magazine.
