Browsing all posts in "Joan McCullough".

Don’t Let Downgrade Deter You From Investing

            Just when you thought you could take a break from financial drama, following the resolution of the debt ceiling issue, here comes Act 2: the downgrade of the U.S. long-term credit rating. As a citizen, you may be feeling frustrated. And as an investor, you might be getting worried. But is this concern really [...]

Debt Ceiling Debate – What does that mean for You?

If you’re like most Americans, the term “debt ceiling” probably didn’t mean that much to you until recently. Now, of course, the debt ceiling debate is front-page news, day after day. As a citizen, you’re no doubt hoping the situation is resolved in the best interests of the country. But as an investor, you may [...]

Work Toward Your Own Financial Independence Day

  On July 4, we shoot fireworks, attend picnics, watch parades and otherwise celebrate our nation’s independence and the many freedoms we enjoy. But as you go through life, you’ll find out how important it is to work towards another type of freedom — financial freedom. That’s why you need to put strategies in place [...]

Can YOU Save for Retirement and Education?

The school year is coming to a close, which means that if you have young children, you are now one year closer to college days — and college bills. At the same time, you are moving nearer to your own retirement. Can you save for college while you put money away for retirement? Yes — [...]

Lifetime Income: A Great Mother’s Day Gift

Mother’s Day will soon be here.  If you’re a mother, you will (hopefully) receive thoughtful cards and gifts. But there’s one present you may eventually want to give yourself, and it’s a gift that truly does keep on giving: a strategy for your retirement. Of course, it’s important for everyone to build adequate financial resources [...]

Teach Your Children To Be Savers and Investors

Ideally, our children should learn good behavior from us. But when it comes to living within our means, and saving and investing for the future, we’re not setting such a good example. Consider the following: Savings are low – The personal savings rate in the U.S. at the end of 2008 was less than 3 [...]