This past year, one of our clients called us with a request for a large withdrawal. While we aid our clients with large withdrawals all the time, this time our client was both upset and being cagey about the purpose of the withdrawal.

There were enough red flags that I was worried there may be something deeper going on. We were on the phone for a while, and I tried to unearth what was going on. Ultimately, I had to start making guesses before the client was willing to confide in me.

Our client was called by someone claiming to …

Many, if not most, applications for Social Security benefits are approved without any issues. But often, an application is denied, for legitimate reasons. Maybe you don’t have the requisite number of credits on your account for benefits, or something similar. But also, many times, benefits are denied without a specified reason. When this happens, the Social Security Administration staffer working on the case will apply a code of “miscellaneous suspense” to the record.

The suspension of benefits can happen either at the point of initial application, or upon a review of the record at some point. For the latter, the …

During the lockdown and required social distancing it’s common to feel cooped up and restless. Finances may be strained, and we may feel the need to lockdown our own spending. During this time, and raising two daughters, it was a great way to become creative with activities that didn’t cost a thing but were a HUGE investment in building relationships. If you don’t have kids, you can still do these with friends or family.

1. Take an adventure walk. We like to take walks frequently. However, there are times when I will set certain challenges on the walks or learning outcomes

Disclosure: This article is sponsored by Navy Mutual.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, although it is entirely possible that life insurance has been on your mind since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has focused the attention of many in our country on the need to ensure the financial safety of their family. Ensuring that financial security is even more challenging when the pandemic creates so much uncertainty in the job market, financial markets, and everyday living.

There is an old proverb that tells the two best times to plant a tree. The best time is …