FPA Financial Planning Articles

Stone Asset Management, a local member of Financial Planning Association, is providing these financial articles to help you with your financial planning goals and strategies.

Installment debt, in itself, is not a bad thing. It enables us to make major purchases that would be nearly impossible to finance up-front. The problem is, in this consumer society, we're bombarded with advertisements for literally thousands of "must-have" products. The result is that while our parents tended to pay with cash and buy only what they could afford, we have the "buy now, pay later" mentality.

Unfortunately, our massive appetite for credit may be eroding our financial security, as more Americans continue to rely on borrowed money to maintain their existing lifestyles. (read full article)

A One-Year Checklist to Retirement

One of the biggest lessons of the recent economy is that many people who thought they were financially ready for retirement…weren’t. The amount of money, investments and government support you’ll need to retire comfortably is as individual as you are. Some people plan to work in retirement. Others have health issues or other financial responsibilities – kids’ college bills, financial support for a senior relative -- to juggle with the everyday living expenses they’ll face in retirement. (read full article)

Buying Used is Smart in Any Economy

Even with hopes for a better economy in 2011, some habits learned in tough times could stand to become permanent ones. A good one might be continuing – or starting – to buy particular categories of merchandise that are used but still in good condition. If it makes you feel better to use the term “pre-owned,” by all means do so. Expertise in a particular product category can matter a little or a lot. But here are some types of merchandise where buying used can be a very good idea. (read full article)

Essential Financial Planning for Returning or Deploying Military Personnel and their Families

As the United States goes into its ninth year of military action in Afghanistan and Iraq, financial planning for military personnel and their families has taken on unprecedented importance. Multiple deployments during the longest wartime period of U.S. history has added considerable strain to military family budgets already shaken by the worst economic downturn in 70 years.(read full article)

If Rates Are Heading Up, Should You Refinance Now?

As the economy recovers, homeowners are faced with the good news/bad news prospect of a better real estate market with the likelihood of higher mortgage interest rates. For many, that leaves three choices – sell, refinance or sit tight with the mortgage they have now. (read full article)