Discussing Risk Management With Your Spouse

Directions Financial Solutions

One of the most challenging issues for couples to resolve is how much risk they’re willing to take with their investments. Here are some tips to guide you on the road toward joint venture: 1.) Communication is key Let your partner know you’re willing to research options together and come up with a plan. Erica Coogan, a partner at Moss …

Retirement Planning: The Basics

Directions Financial Solutions

You may have a very idealistic vision of retirement — doing all of the things that you never seem to have time to do now. But how do you pursue that vision? Social Security may be around when you retire, but the benefit that you get from Uncle Sam may not provide enough income for your retirement years. To make …

Estimating Your Retirement Income Needs

Directions Financial Solutions

You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. That’s not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is not an exact science. Your specific needs depend on your goals and many other factors. …

What Do I Need to Know About Medicare?

Directions Financial Solutions

Q: My 65th birthday is approaching and I’m ready to apply for Medicare. What do I need to know before signing up? A: Medicare offers affordable health care coverage to older Americans.  However, the application process and the various options can be confusing. If you’re getting close to 65 or meet certain other requirements, it’s time to learn about the …

CARES Act: Retirement Plan Relief Provisions

Directions Financial Solutions

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020.  This $2 trillion emergency relief package represents a bipartisan effort to assist both individuals and businesses in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and accompanying economic crisis. The CARES Act provisions for retirement plan relief for individuals under federal tax law are discussed here. For …

7 Common Life Insurance Myths Debunked

Directions Financial Solutions

Having sufficient life insurance is essential. And yet, so many of us buy into popular misconceptions, convincing ourselves we don’t need to bother purchasing a policy. But don’t be fooled. Read on to see how seven of the most widespread life insurance myths are easily debunked. Myth #1: I’m single, and I have no dependents so I don’t need it. …

Balance Your Portfolio To Keep Your Future On Track

Directions Financial Solutions

Personal finance is almost always a balancing act. You’ll need to strike a balance between spending and saving. You’ll want to balance your expenses against your income. You would be wise to make sure the risk and potential reward stay in balance. Most importantly, though, your portfolio will benefit if you keep your investments in balance. There are many ways …

Getting Your Finances In Order

Directions Financial Solutions

Congratulations! You’ve made the important decision to invest some of your finances this year, and it’s your first time ever. But where do you start? Jumping into the market without first taking careful stock of your finances is like asking for seconds at the dinner table before finishing your first portion. Though you can technically invest before your debts are …