Financial Basics
When Cash Is King
Are you financially prepared for an emergency? Lessons from 9/11 still apply.
Question: My sister asked me to help her present a case to our parents so that they will help her buy a modest home or condo for her and her two children. Can you suggest how we might approach our parents about this?
Are Men and Women Equal?
Not when it comes to how much they say they know about personal finance.
Question - What is a fair way to measure the success, or lack thereof, of a financial planner?
Fear Factor
Are You a Victim of Phone-Bill 'Cramming'?
Shady Third-Party Vendors Hope You Don't Notice Vague Charges
The Return of Chicken Little
Don't believe all you hear - and don't let emotions dictate your investment decisions
Could You Raise $2,000 in a Pinch?
Q: Dollar's Value - Does that have a significant impact on personal finance?
What You Need to Do Now - 28 Action Steps to Secure Your Financial Independence
Coping with Economic Anxiety
A Psychologist Offers Advice on Staying Positive and Well
Married? Watch Out for STDs
I'm talking about wealth, not health
Do You Ask for Directions When You're Lost?
Why women are better investors
Update on S&P's Downgrade of U.S. Treasuries
Update on 2011 Current Events (Aug 2011)
Congratulations! You Capitalized on the "Buying Opportunity of a Lifetime"!
Because you acted on my prediction
Question: CNN had a great article comparing what professional analysts said would happen to Apple stock vs. what ordinary investors said on some blogs. Turns out the bloggers badly beat the professionals! What do you think?
Is the Federal Debt Really a Problem?
A sobering conversation with former GAO chief David Walker
What has been your most satisfying moment as a financial advisor so far?
Ric has always made a point of saying that anyone who is not charging for an investment seminar, especially one that comes with a free dinner or lunch, should be avoided. So, I found it a bit amusing that he is now offering "free" lectures complete ...
The Media Get it Wrong - Again
10 Best Web-Based Resources for Older Investors and their Family Members About How to Spot and Protect Themselves from Investment Fraud
What Exactly Does That Designation Designate?
For some stupid reason, the College for Financial Planning thinks this matters
Are Brokers Being Punished for Not Pushing Enough Product?
Yes, at one firm at least
Social Security Ends Do-Overs
A dumb, little-used program is killed. Good riddance.
When Caregivers Take More Than They Give
Take steps to protect loved ones from elder financial abuse
What Is a Buffered Security?
Something to do with old pigs and new lipstick
Q: Has a client ever told you they've been the victim of a scam?
The Planner Insider Each month we round up a group Edelman Financial's planners from across the country to give you an inside look at the world of personal finance - and the common mistakes people make.
What has been your most satisfying moment as a financial advisor so far?
We asked this question of our advisors in the April issue of my newsletter, Inside Personal Finance. We had so many great answers, we couldn't fit them all. Read on for our advisors' most professionally rewarding moments.
Three Ways to Give to Charity
Philanthropy now means more than just writing checks
Americans Picked Up Good Financial Habits During the Recession
Q: What Do People Find Most Intimidating About Money?
Each month we round up a group of Edelman Financial's planners from across the country to give an inside look at the world of financial planning - and the common mistakes people make.
Aftershock: Protecting Yourself from Books That Promote Fear
10 Taboos Between You and Your Advisor
How to Work with an Advisor
Evaluating Your Advisor's Performance
Question: I just got out of college, should I focus on saving a year's worth of cash reserves or investing in my 401(k)?
Ric's Top 50 Tips
Find out why you should never buy mortgage life insurance, the truth about EE savings bonds, Roth IRAs and 529 Plans -- how to handle your pension, lease a car, the right way to use credit cards, and much more.
The Story of Taxes and Inflation
Together, taxes and inflation create a web of incredible treachery, serving as another example of how The Rules of Money Have Changed.
The Greatest Discovery of the 20th Century
The 12 Reasons You Need to Plan
The Four Obstacles to Building Wealth
How to Avoid Going into Debt for the Holidays
How The Media Hid the Recovery
Parody by Ric Edelman (with apologies to Dr. Seuss)
What is the worst piece of financial advice you've ever heard?
Bank Deposits Earning Less Than 1%
But you still need to keep your cash reserves there
How Will Financial Reform Affect You?
Have Your Parents Fallen Victim to Elder Fraud?
Don't be so sure they haven't
Ric vs. Mike the Insurance Agent
Ric shoots holes in Mike's opposition to the fiduciary standard
Question- I went to the bank to renew a CD, and a rep from the securities division suggested a structured CD. It's guaranteed for six years at 3% and is FDIC insured. If the stock market goes up, the CD could give me even more money...what your opinion?
SEC Suspected for 12 Years That Stanford Was Running Ponzi Scheme
Scarier Than a Horror Flick
These stories are not make-believe
Question: Starting in 2008, I started putting aside a six-month cash reserve in case of an emergency. I want to put this money in some vehicle that's going to earn a little better interest but will also have some degree of liquidity...
How Well Do You Know the Dollar?
Are You Missing the Obvious?
Get a different point of view.
Before You Read Ric's Article "Are You Missing the Obvious?", Take this Test.
Top 10 Scams of 2009
Closed-end Mutual Funds and Return of Capital Distributions
Is a Falling Dollar Good or Bad?
Don't Worry About Government Spending
How to Choose a Financial Advisor
Be Patient! Rescue Plan Needs Time to Work
The fire is out, but the movie might still stink. That is our current assessment of the nation's economy as of Tuesday evening.
The $700 Billion Bailout Plan Is Neither!
It's really a rescue plan for America -- and may even be a great investment for taxpayers, says acclaimed financial advisor Ric Edelman.
It's No Surprise to Us
Is Money in the Bank Still Safe?
The federal government recently increased deposit insurance to $250,000 per account. Read on to learn more about how your bank, credit union and brokerage accounts are insured.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft
Learn how to respond if your identity is stolen.
Is Your Child's SS Number at Risk?
You know you should check your credit report to see if your identity has been stolen. If a thief obtains your Social Security number, they can establish credit cards in your name, borrow money and make purchases -- all without you realizing it.
Confused About How Financial Planning Works?
Financial planning confuses a lot of people. Faced with an array of decisions, most people don't know what to do.
What Does Ric Read?
Is Your Identity Adequately Protected?
Here's how to reduce the likelihood that your identity will be stolen.
Documents: What to Keep - What to Store - What to Shred
Here's what you need to keep and when you can trash it.
Are You Entitled to Overtime Pay?
If you work for a company that generates annual revenue of $500,000 or more, you are entitled to overtime pay if you work more than 40 hours a week.
Who Has Info on You - and What Do Those Files Say?
Information about you is stored in corporate and government computers throughout the United States and abroad...
Should You Have More Than One Financial Advisor?
Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Car?
It'd be easy for me to tell you to take the bus or keep your junker for another 140,000 miles, but that's not realistic. Besides, you know all that stuff anyway. So, since you're going to get a new car no matter what I say, let's answer the question: Should you buy it or lease?
Protect Your Money From Crooked Brokers
History Repeats Itself
Does this list look familiar?
Greed ... How Much Is Enough?
"Twenty percent a year isn't good enough." That's what one investor recently said to me. I guess it's not enough when you consider ...
Draft a Legal Document for Loans Between Family Members
Do You Know Who Your Beneficiaries Are?
By selecting the right beneficiary, or combination of beneficiaries, you can greatly extend the potential value of your assets, reduce the amount paid in taxes, and materially improve your heirs' lives, all while helping insure peace within the family.
Check Writing Policy Protects Your Money
Are You Paying for Your Lawyer's Incompetence?
Are You Getting the Most from Your Company's Benefits?
Your paycheck is only part of your compensation. Don't leave money on the table.
Are you financially prepared for an emergency? Lessons from 9/11 still apply.
Question: My sister asked me to help her present a case to our parents so that they will help her buy a modest home or condo for her and her two children. Can you suggest how we might approach our parents about this?
Are Men and Women Equal?
Not when it comes to how much they say they know about personal finance.
Question - What is a fair way to measure the success, or lack thereof, of a financial planner?
Fear Factor
Are You a Victim of Phone-Bill 'Cramming'?
Shady Third-Party Vendors Hope You Don't Notice Vague Charges
The Return of Chicken Little
Don't believe all you hear - and don't let emotions dictate your investment decisions
Could You Raise $2,000 in a Pinch?
Q: Dollar's Value - Does that have a significant impact on personal finance?
What You Need to Do Now - 28 Action Steps to Secure Your Financial Independence
Coping with Economic Anxiety
A Psychologist Offers Advice on Staying Positive and Well
Married? Watch Out for STDs
I'm talking about wealth, not health
Do You Ask for Directions When You're Lost?
Why women are better investors
Update on S&P's Downgrade of U.S. Treasuries
Update on 2011 Current Events (Aug 2011)
Congratulations! You Capitalized on the "Buying Opportunity of a Lifetime"!
Because you acted on my prediction
Question: CNN had a great article comparing what professional analysts said would happen to Apple stock vs. what ordinary investors said on some blogs. Turns out the bloggers badly beat the professionals! What do you think?
Is the Federal Debt Really a Problem?
A sobering conversation with former GAO chief David Walker
What has been your most satisfying moment as a financial advisor so far?
Ric has always made a point of saying that anyone who is not charging for an investment seminar, especially one that comes with a free dinner or lunch, should be avoided. So, I found it a bit amusing that he is now offering "free" lectures complete ...
The Media Get it Wrong - Again
10 Best Web-Based Resources for Older Investors and their Family Members About How to Spot and Protect Themselves from Investment Fraud
What Exactly Does That Designation Designate?
For some stupid reason, the College for Financial Planning thinks this matters
Are Brokers Being Punished for Not Pushing Enough Product?
Yes, at one firm at least
Social Security Ends Do-Overs
A dumb, little-used program is killed. Good riddance.
When Caregivers Take More Than They Give
Take steps to protect loved ones from elder financial abuse
What Is a Buffered Security?
Something to do with old pigs and new lipstick
Q: Has a client ever told you they've been the victim of a scam?
The Planner Insider Each month we round up a group Edelman Financial's planners from across the country to give you an inside look at the world of personal finance - and the common mistakes people make.
What has been your most satisfying moment as a financial advisor so far?
We asked this question of our advisors in the April issue of my newsletter, Inside Personal Finance. We had so many great answers, we couldn't fit them all. Read on for our advisors' most professionally rewarding moments.
Three Ways to Give to Charity
Philanthropy now means more than just writing checks
Americans Picked Up Good Financial Habits During the Recession
Q: What Do People Find Most Intimidating About Money?
Each month we round up a group of Edelman Financial's planners from across the country to give an inside look at the world of financial planning - and the common mistakes people make.
Aftershock: Protecting Yourself from Books That Promote Fear
10 Taboos Between You and Your Advisor
How to Work with an Advisor
Evaluating Your Advisor's Performance
Question: I just got out of college, should I focus on saving a year's worth of cash reserves or investing in my 401(k)?
Ric's Top 50 Tips
Find out why you should never buy mortgage life insurance, the truth about EE savings bonds, Roth IRAs and 529 Plans -- how to handle your pension, lease a car, the right way to use credit cards, and much more.
The Story of Taxes and Inflation
Together, taxes and inflation create a web of incredible treachery, serving as another example of how The Rules of Money Have Changed.
The Greatest Discovery of the 20th Century
The 12 Reasons You Need to Plan
The Four Obstacles to Building Wealth
How to Avoid Going into Debt for the Holidays
How The Media Hid the Recovery
Parody by Ric Edelman (with apologies to Dr. Seuss)
What is the worst piece of financial advice you've ever heard?
Bank Deposits Earning Less Than 1%
But you still need to keep your cash reserves there
How Will Financial Reform Affect You?
Have Your Parents Fallen Victim to Elder Fraud?
Don't be so sure they haven't
Ric vs. Mike the Insurance Agent
Ric shoots holes in Mike's opposition to the fiduciary standard
Question- I went to the bank to renew a CD, and a rep from the securities division suggested a structured CD. It's guaranteed for six years at 3% and is FDIC insured. If the stock market goes up, the CD could give me even more money...what your opinion?
SEC Suspected for 12 Years That Stanford Was Running Ponzi Scheme
Scarier Than a Horror Flick
These stories are not make-believe
Question: Starting in 2008, I started putting aside a six-month cash reserve in case of an emergency. I want to put this money in some vehicle that's going to earn a little better interest but will also have some degree of liquidity...
How Well Do You Know the Dollar?
Are You Missing the Obvious?
Get a different point of view.
Before You Read Ric's Article "Are You Missing the Obvious?", Take this Test.
Top 10 Scams of 2009
Closed-end Mutual Funds and Return of Capital Distributions
Is a Falling Dollar Good or Bad?
Don't Worry About Government Spending
How to Choose a Financial Advisor
Be Patient! Rescue Plan Needs Time to Work
The fire is out, but the movie might still stink. That is our current assessment of the nation's economy as of Tuesday evening.
The $700 Billion Bailout Plan Is Neither!
It's really a rescue plan for America -- and may even be a great investment for taxpayers, says acclaimed financial advisor Ric Edelman.
It's No Surprise to Us
Is Money in the Bank Still Safe?
The federal government recently increased deposit insurance to $250,000 per account. Read on to learn more about how your bank, credit union and brokerage accounts are insured.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft
Learn how to respond if your identity is stolen.
Is Your Child's SS Number at Risk?
You know you should check your credit report to see if your identity has been stolen. If a thief obtains your Social Security number, they can establish credit cards in your name, borrow money and make purchases -- all without you realizing it.
Confused About How Financial Planning Works?
Financial planning confuses a lot of people. Faced with an array of decisions, most people don't know what to do.
What Does Ric Read?
Is Your Identity Adequately Protected?
Here's how to reduce the likelihood that your identity will be stolen.
Documents: What to Keep - What to Store - What to Shred
Here's what you need to keep and when you can trash it.
Are You Entitled to Overtime Pay?
If you work for a company that generates annual revenue of $500,000 or more, you are entitled to overtime pay if you work more than 40 hours a week.
Who Has Info on You - and What Do Those Files Say?
Information about you is stored in corporate and government computers throughout the United States and abroad...
Should You Have More Than One Financial Advisor?
Should You Buy or Lease Your Next Car?
It'd be easy for me to tell you to take the bus or keep your junker for another 140,000 miles, but that's not realistic. Besides, you know all that stuff anyway. So, since you're going to get a new car no matter what I say, let's answer the question: Should you buy it or lease?
Protect Your Money From Crooked Brokers
History Repeats Itself
Does this list look familiar?
Greed ... How Much Is Enough?
"Twenty percent a year isn't good enough." That's what one investor recently said to me. I guess it's not enough when you consider ...
Draft a Legal Document for Loans Between Family Members
Do You Know Who Your Beneficiaries Are?
By selecting the right beneficiary, or combination of beneficiaries, you can greatly extend the potential value of your assets, reduce the amount paid in taxes, and materially improve your heirs' lives, all while helping insure peace within the family.
Check Writing Policy Protects Your Money
Are You Paying for Your Lawyer's Incompetence?
Are You Getting the Most from Your Company's Benefits?
Your paycheck is only part of your compensation. Don't leave money on the table.
