The Problem With “Free” In Finance and Why It Can Come At A Steep Cost
Almost nothing feels better than getting something for free, but in finance, the word “free” almost always requires air quotes. What’s the catch behind these “free” offers, and how could taking them end up costing you more (money and pride)? Breaking Down The “Free” Myth We live in a capitalist society… nothing is free. So, if something is marketed as “free” in the finance world, there’s likely a secret web of fine print you’ll find yourself stuck in sooner or later. But it’s a word that garners attention, inadvertently causing people to fall into its trap. Take tax filing as an example. Turbo Tax highlights their “free” tax filing services and actually uses the word free over 40 times in their classic 30-second advertisements. Free is also tossed around in the written word, showing up about 19 times on their landing pages. But if you’ve tried to file taxes this…
What Is Long-Term Care Insurance, And Is It Right for You?
Many people don’t think about how their medical needs change as they age. When you’re healthy, it’s challenging to picture a time you’d need help performing basic tasks like getting dressed in the morning, walking the dog, doing the laundry, and other “long-term care” needs. But those situations are far more common than you might initially realize. Caregiving for daily tasks is not only prevalent but also costly. And since Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care, without protection, you could be stuck paying for all the bills yourself. One option to pay for these extended needs is through long-term care insurance. What is long-term care insurance? How does it work? And is it really worth the money? Let’s find out! What Is Long-Term Care Insurance? As you might have guessed, long-term care insurance covers long-term care needs, services, and support—pretty on the nose! What does this type of care look like?…
Live Long and Prosper? 5 Ways to Plan for Extended Longevity in Retirement
If you are a Star Trek fan, you may recognize this pivotal line from our Vulcan friend, Spock: live long and prosper. But saying those words won’t automatically make them true. In today’s world of increased longevity, you want to plan mentally, physically, and financially for a longer life. How do you set yourself up for prosperity in retirement? Today, we’ll discuss planning for a long retirement and some critical points to consider along the way. How to Plan for a Long Retirement While we don’t know how long you’ll live, the CDC estimates the average man’s life expectancy is 73.2 years, and a woman’s is 79.1 years. Even though life expectancy stats have dipped during the pandemic, more people are living longer than ever before. In fact, longevity is becoming a top goal for many retirees. An Age Wave report from Edward Jones found that 70% of people want…
Parents, How to Get Your Kids Into the Right Louisiana High School
When we talk about education, your mind may instantly go to college. But there’s a lot of school to go through before your child gets there. And the path isn’t always straightforward. Though most of the U.S attends high school at some point, admission to high school does not always look the same everywhere you go. It might go without saying, but high school is a big deal in New Orleans. Where your child attends school could impact their future (college, job, networking, etc.). Many questions surround that decision. Will they attend a public, charter, or private school? How do they enroll? Can they just sign up, or do they have to take a test? How much money will high school cost? Parents, here’s a guide to help you navigate the process of finding the right high school for your child. Understanding The Louisiana School System There are 558 high…
Is A Career Change Right For You? Top Questions To Consider Before Resigning
Before you consider if a career change is the right or you, the questions to ask yourself before you do, and the steps to help get you there.
5 Reasons Your 50s Are the Prime Time For Wealth Building
Your 50s is the decade for building wealth that will help sustain your lifestyle in retirement, it’s a good time to start making plans.
Should You Take a Loan From Your 401(k)? (And Why The Answer Is Usually No)
Sometimes, it may feel tempting to take a 401(k) loan, especially if you’re strapped for cash. However, doing so comes with costly consequences.
What’s A Usufruct? What Louisiana Residents Need To Know
A usufruct permits a temporary use and benefit of someone else’s property. What should Louisiana residents understand about usufructs?
12 Common Mistakes Gen X Makes With Their Money (And How To Fix Them)
Sandwiched between two media-worthy generations, millennials and baby boomers, it’s easy to see how Gen X can be considered the “Forgotten Generation.”
Why You Don’t Need To (Over) Stress About Inflation
Have you been following along with the financial headlines? You may have noticed a lot of buzz around a particular topic—yes, it’s inflation.