Category: budgeting

The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning: Inside Tips From an Expert (Part 5)

So, what is actionable here? You need not only an advisor who is willing and able to find you the best courses of action as to the planning aspect of your finances, but one—perhaps not the same person—who will find the best product in each category that you need. Let’s focus now on individual professionals…


The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning: Inside Tips From an Expert (Part 4)

Firms and Compliance Departments Firms as well as individual professionals may be researched online now, but note this about firms: There is no investment or insurance manufacturer that has never had any lawsuits, settlements, or fines. Keep this in perspective and realize that when bad practices are discovered and dealt with, these manufacturers do fix…


Buying a Used Car From Carvana

From August 2019 to August 2022, used-car prices increased by 52 percent, while new cars increased by 29 percent. And with soaring interest rates, it was challenging for many Americans to afford a new, let alone a used vehicle. Looking for options to buy a car became vital. Founded in 2012 and based in Arizona,…


The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning: Inside Tips From an Expert (Part 3)

Complex is “bad”? I was one of the invited speakers at a seniors’ luncheon in Charlotte, North Carolina. The host organization picked one professional from each of several areas of service to seniors. There was a Medicare expert from the government, who was very helpful and clear-speaking. There were two different types of safety experts…


The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning: Inside Tips From an Expert (Part 2)

Chapter 1 ADVICE, ADVISORS, AND WHAT’S NEW The following experience did not end well for anyone involved. Frank’s wife, Lu, felt a twinge in her neck as she jerked her head left, away from the overdue mortgage notice, toward her husband’s shout. “Bastards!” he yelled, crushing the annuity carrier’s letter. “What?” she gasped, simultaneously wiping…


What Are the Two Types of Prescription Drug Cards?

More than 66 percent of all adults in the United States use prescription drugs. And with or without health insurance, prescription drugs can be high-priced. Adults spend nearly $73 billion on prescription drugs. It equates to 16 percent of total health costs. Any help you can receive in prescription drug discounts is welcome. Two forms…


The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning: Inside Tips From an Expert (Part 1)

This is the first of a series in which The Epoch Times will publish, chapter by chapter, the book The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning: Inside Tips From an Expert, by Dan Gallagher. Introduction For more than three decades, until my December 2017 retirement, I’ve asked clients about the financial strategies and experiences they had prior to…


Is Pet Insurance Worth the Cost?

Pets are big in America. Sixty-six percent of U.S. households own a pet. Many of these pet owners look at their pup or kitty as one of the family. While loving a pet is priceless, their medical bills aren’t. That’s why pet insurance is increasing in popularity. Pet insurance was an unknown product for years….


Is Bidenomics for Real?

What a difference a year makes. In 2020, under former president Donald Trump, inflation in the United States averaged 1.4 percent. One year later, inflation’s annual rate was 8 percent. As of June 2023, it’s hovering around 4 percent. That’s still higher than what the past administration had. Now, President Joe Biden is touting an…


How to Save Money, and Things You Should Avoid Buying

It is easy to talk about wanting to save money, but when you look at what some people buy, it is no wonder they cannot build a bank account. Saving money is not difficult for most people, but it begins with learning to say no to some purchases. When saving money is not your goal,…