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® | Business, Enduring Principles, Running Money ®
We are excited to announce that Mona Hurtado, passed the difficult securities exams and is now an LPL Registered Administrative Assistant! She now has the ability to provide more support for Ralph and Mark as she takes on new responsibilities. “This has been a long...
by Ralph Bender, MBA, CFP® | Credit Management, Enduring Principles, Financial Plan, Motivation, Running Money ®
“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...
by Ralph Bender, MBA, CFP® | Diversification, Economic Commentary, Market Update, Running Money ®, Volatility
Stock prices are down. Gas and Food prices are up. There’s a war in eastern Europe. The FED is raising rates. Another pandemic outbreak locks down much of China. On all this bad news is it any wonder that portfolio values are down? But wait a minute. We get bad news...
by Ralph Bender, MBA, CFP® | Kids and College, Running Money ®
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...
