SML Planning Minute

How long would you go without getting a physical? Life insurance also requires periodic attention. When was the last time you had a policy checkup? What ”symptoms” do you need to watch out for? Continue Reading Don’t Forget Your Annual Policy Checkup

You’ve heard of acronyms such as LOL, OMG, IDK, etc. FOMO, or “fear of missing out,” is another big one. But have you heard of FORO, or “fear of running out?” It can be crippling. Here are some ways to deal with it. Continue Reading You’ve Heard of FOMO. What Is FORO?

Buying a vacation property might bring you a lifetime of joyful memories. But you also need to consider the financial realities you’re likely to face. You might love the place, but you might also regret it. Think carefully before you make your move. Continue Reading Does It Make Sense to Own a Vacation Home?

It’s not always easy to understand how life insurance works. But there are some unique tax advantages that often get overlooked. Here are seven of them. Continue Reading Twelve Ways to Make Yourself More Likable

It’s not always easy to understand how life insurance works. But there are some unique tax advantages that often get overlooked. Here are seven of them. Continue Reading Seven Life Insurance Tax Benefits Many People Are Unaware Of

Affluent individuals owning real estate in New York City may now be subject to a “wealth” tax. Continue Reading New York City’s Pied-à-Terre Tax

When is the best time to start talking with your kids about money? At an early age, of course. But if you haven’t gotten around to it yet, here are some ideas on how to get started. Continue Reading Talking About Money with Your Kids

A Health Savings Account, or HSA, is one of very few financial vehicles considered “triple tax advantaged.” You can get a deduction going in, the money grows tax-free, and the money also comes out tax-free. But they’re not for everybody as there are some major caveats. Continue Reading Is a Health Savings Account Right for You?

The time value of money is one of the most important financial concepts there is to understand. It comes into play in almost every financial decision. You don’t need to understand the arithmetic, but you should have some sense of where and how the math applies. Doing so may be able to improve the quality of your financial life. Continue Reading What is the “Time Value of Money?”

It came as a shock when Rob and Michele Reiner were murdered late last year. Now, their son Nick, accused of the murders, is trying to fund his defense using money in a trust fund provided by his parents. Continue Reading The Strange Case of Rob, Michele and Nick Reiner

What happens when unmarried couples split up? Sometimes it can be even more complicated and unpleasant than a divorce. As with many things, it’s probably better to prepare in advance. Continue Reading When Unmarried Couples Split Up

The new Social Security Trustees Report is out, and as usual, the news is not good. If the two Trust Funds were combined, they are projected to be insolvent in the third quarter of 2034. Is that enough of a reason to consider collecting earlier? Continue Reading Social Security Is in Bad Shape. Does It Still Make Sense to Wait?

It has been well documented that the biggest fear people have in retirement is running out of money. Incredibly, according to a 2024 survey done by Allianz Life, 63 percent of Americans are more fearful about running out of money than they are about dying. But is it possible to overdo it? Continue Reading Is It Possible to Spend Too Little in Retirement?

Sometimes people get confused by all the jargon used in the financial services industry. It’s difficult to understand what you’re buying—or what you already have—if you don’t understand the language being used. Here is a quick listing of ten terms, commonly used in the life insurance industry, that you might not fully understand. Continue Reading 10 Commonly Misunderstood Insurance Terms Explained

Financial trends come and go, but the latest, “SKI,” or Spending Kids’ Inheritance, is likely to have a lasting impact. Are you prepared? There are some ways to learn how to “SKI” without getting hurt. Continue Reading Dealing with the Latest Financial Trend: Spending Your Kids’ Inheritance

Why would you ever choose NOT to accept an inheritance? There are a few good reasons. And it’s doable if you decide that’s what you want. Continue Reading What Exactly Is a Reverse Mortgage?

Being named as an estate executor is often considered an honor, and you will be compensated for your efforts. But is it worth all the potential trouble? Continue Reading Should I Turn Down My Inheritance?

Being named as an estate executor is often considered an honor, and you will be compensated for your efforts. But is it worth all the potential trouble? Continue Reading Are You Sure You Want to Be an Executor?

The concept of a wealth tax—applying a tax to the value of someone’s assets—has become popular in some state legislatures in the last few years. Are they likely to catch on anytime soon? Continue Reading The Latest on Wealth Taxes