“You are my 50th birthday present to myself,” a woman said to me, as we sat down to meet. “I’m tired of not feeling like an adult, it’s like I have a dirty money secret.” I’ve heard variations of this same theme many times. This is what women say to me when no one is listening. I could fill a room with these women -- then maybe they would see that many struggle with this very subject. The trouble is no one wants to admit their deficiency – and if you stay silent, advice won’t find Read on...
My Mother’s Heart
My mom, Lucy, 1945 While I think of my mother numerous times throughout the day, this week, just days away from Mother’s Day, I got a little wink from her. A client of ours sent us a note of appreciation. He and his wife have worked with us since 2015. Not to sound too sappy here, but that’s the kind of stuff that makes what we do so fulfilling. What does my mother have to do with this? Everything. As was often the case with her, she gave money to numerous charities. One such charity was Read on...
A Way out of the 403(b) Maze
It has been almost two years since Tony and I formally embarked on a mission to educate and free teachers from expensive and inappropriate investments in their 403(b) accounts. Our main message has been buyer beware. A teacher, Chase Malia, has taken it a giant leap forward – proposing Resolution #41 to his union, NYSUT, which would affect all of the members, not just his district. The union acted to approve the resolution, which will protect members from financial predators by: Educating Read on...
When Values and Investing Align
Scott Dauenhauer, Tony and I caught up with Joey Fishman, Ritholtz Wealth Management's ESG expert on the Planning to Teach and Retire Rich Podcast to discuss ESG and sustainable investing. In a climate of less government regulation, some companies are taking a stance on environmental, social and governance issues to reflect their missions/values. Investors, too, have become increasingly interested in where their money gets put to use and this is creating an opportunity for asset managers who Read on...