Money and You
Articles (6)
Concentrated Stock Positions
Heidi Clute: April 8, 2012
What to do with too many eggs in one basket. What is a concentrated stock position? It is defined as holding one particular stock that comprises 30% or more of your overall investments or portfolio. You may wonder why this is an issue, particularly if you are saving for retirement or the long term.
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Why Your Credit Score Matters
Heidi Clute: February 8, 2012
The ABCs of FICO Credit Score Have you ever wondered why financial professionals make a fuss about credit/FICO scores? You may not think your credit score is a big deal, especially if your income is healthy; however, your income has nothing to do with your credit score. You can make a king’s ransom and have a poor credit score – or have a small income and a...
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Starting a New Job?
Heidi Clute: January 8, 2012
Don’t leave any assets behind. With the region experiencing an uptick in employment recently, you may be exploring new job opportunities or beginning a new job. It’s important to remember to pack up your finances along with the personal items from your desk. You don’t want to leave assets behind unintentionally.
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Year-End Financial Tips
Heidi Clute: November 8, 2011
For many of us, the last page of the calendar is usually filled with professional and social obligations. The month of December is quickly approaching and signals the end of one year and the pending arrival of a new one; so it makes sense to set aside a few hours to firmly position your finances for the coming New Year and "tax season". Here are some...
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The Golden Rules of 401(k)'s and Retirement Savings
Heidi Clute: October 5, 2011
Save early and often. At a time when so many of our basic long-held beliefs regarding personal finance and the economy are shaken, there is one piece of advice still worth passing on to offspring and grandchildren, particularly recent and soon-to-be college graduates: save and contribute to 401(k)'s, Roth's, IRA's, and retirement plans at every opportunity.
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Is Economic Volatility Here to Stay?
Heidi Clute: September 12, 2011
There are ways to manage it. Natural disasters, European and US debt concerns, corporate personnel turnovers, credit downgrades, political turmoil in the Middle East, ever-changing domestic employment and housing figures – all of these factors have created a yo-yo effect on stock markets worldwide. It seems we need to continue to expect the unexpected when...
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Preparing to Cope with Health Issues in a Time of Uncertainty
Heidi Clute: July 11, 2011
When a medical crisis hits you or a family member, you are faced with often daunting financial and emotional challenges. While health issues can be overwhelming in their magnitude and unpredictability, preparing for unpleasant contingencies can eliminate some of the problems you might face. Planning ahead may seem all the more daunting with health care and...
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Spring Cleaning Your Portfolio
Heidi Clute: May 5, 2011
As you spruce up your house and garden this spring, don't forget that your investments may have gotten a little dusty too. Taking time to spruce up your personal finances can reap both immediate and long-term benefits. With summer right around the corner, you'll want to be outdoors. So in the interest of time, here is a quick checklist of things to...
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Estate Planning to Avoid Family Discord
Heidi Clute: April 10, 2011
Family relationships are so fundamental to our personal identity and so often they are complicated. During a time of grieving and mourning over the death of a loved one, family relations can become even more emotionally charged. Although none of us can avoid death, it is possible to minimize potential family conflicts through advanced, careful estate...
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