Category Archives: Financial Planning
Gearing up!
Tweet As we start the new year, we begin with aspirations of success and happiness for the year. But, as we move a couple weeks into January, we realize we are knocking on the door to a very busy time of the year: Tax Time! After preparing taxes for years, I am used to the unexpected….if that’s possible. I’ve seen the shoe … Continue reading
Six Surefire Shortcuts to Financial Failure
Tweet We frequently hear about tips and strategies to become financially successful, but the other half of the picture (failure) often gets too little press. So, let’s spend some time reviewing the road to financial failure. If we want to be financial failures, what can we do? 1. Do nothing One of my favorite quotes is, “the road to failure is the … Continue reading
Life gets in the way!
Tweet As a fee-only financial advisor, I get the opportunity to spend time really getting to know my clients, and I am very fortunate to have a great group of folks to work with. I am always amazed at what my clients can teach me through their life experiences. I recently was meeting with a client who used to perform consultative work … Continue reading
Do You Eat the Icing First?
Tweet How do you eat a piece of cake? Do you eat the cake part first and leave the icing to be relished at the end? Or, do you take a more balanced approach, and grab a bit of each in every bite? Maybe you go straight for the prize and delve into the frosting without remorse. Well, interestingly enough, our habits … Continue reading
Are you Thinking Like a Dog?
Tweet I once heard a comedian state that dogs think everything lasts forever. While keeping our friends Golden Retriever a few weeks ago, I found myself believing this sentiment. While our 1 year old Golden ran around the yard trying his best to catch a squirrel, our friend’s dog sat with her head in my lap allowing me to spoil her. Every … Continue reading
Four Things You Should do this Summer
Tweet School’s out for summer! Let the fun begin. Lazy days at the pool, time with friends, sleeping in and staying up late are what lay ahead for the Von Haefen kids. Summer is always a great time to slow down a bit, but sometimes we can just get downright complacent. Here are few to-dos to keep your summer humming along smoothly…financially … Continue reading
Masterful Thoughts 2013
Tweet There are some things in life that I simply love: my family, my faith, my friends, and The Masters Golf Tournament. I was fortunate enough to once again attend the Masters this year with my friend and his two sons, and, again I wasn’t disappointed. In a world full of heartbreak, disaster, disappointment, and terrorism, thankfully there are times and circumstances … Continue reading
Lessons from Lefty
Tweet This past weekend marked Phil Mickelson’s (AKA Lefty) 41st PGA tour victory. He confidently won the Phoenix Open by four strokes over Nashville native Brandt Snedeker. Interestingly enough, Phil had not played well leading up to this event, but Phil’s poor play was not the only topic the media was discussing prior to last week’s victory. A couple weeks ago, Phil … Continue reading
Moving into 2013 with The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012
Tweet We’re almost midway through January, and I’m still trying to get a handle on all of the provisions of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA). This bill was signed into to law by President Obama on January 2nd but made some laws retroactive back to January 2012 (yes, January 1, 2012). This broad sweeping bill creates a wide swath … Continue reading
To be (thankful) or not to be?
Tweet What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Well, for me it’s time with family and friends…..and lots of great food! I love this time of year. But, I am constantly amazed at the level of negativity in which we live. We are constantly bombarded with negative images and ideas. We just spent the last six months or so being told to vote … Continue reading