by Ralph Bender, MBA, CFP® | Financial Plan, IRA Accounts, Retirement, Running Money ®
If you think that everyone but you is on track with their retirement plan investments, you need to stay with me on this piece. Because those people are rare. Most people don’t start saving for retirement soon enough, or investing aggressively enough, or controlling...
by Ralph Bender, MBA, CFP® | Enduring Principles, Financial Plan, Retirement, Videos
Hot air balloons rise in the east, launching from Lake Skinner in Southern California’s Temecula wine country. On many weekday morning runs I’ll see a handful of them on the horizon. Small black spots, backlit by the rising sun. They rarely drift into the more densely...
by Ralph Bender, MBA, CFP® | Client Stories, Diversification, Financial Plan, Motivation, Videos
The white carriage pulled by a white horse took us down the gentle grade around the back of the lake in full view of the guests seated at the entrance to the peninsula, on which resided in the gazebo. I have no memory of what we discussed along the way, but it would...
by Ralph Bender, MBA, CFP® | Beneficiary, Financial Plan, IRA Accounts, Retirement, Running Money ®
According to the Internal Revenue Service, IRA stands for Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs).1 Let’s break it down from there. First (and foremost) they are owned by individuals. They are not owned by couples, and they are not usually provided by employers....
by Ralph Bender, MBA, CFP® | Business, Financial Plan, Running Money ®, Social Security
Randy loves the business he’s created. It was very difficult getting started, with no capital, three young kids. But the family rallied around him, helped him find good clients, and they survived. The longer he works in the business, the easier it gets to attract...
by Ralph Bender, MBA, CFP® | Credit Management, Financial Plan, Videos
“Honestly, I’m not spending any more than I make, but there’s nothing left for savings.” “Let’s take a look at where your money goes, starting with the credit cards.” “I’m never late. I’ve got them set to take the minimum payment right out of my checking account!” “uh...
