04/04/2012
Spring is a time of new beginnings, and though financial plans never begin completely anew each year, they can use some refreshing. Ameriprise financial advisors are available to discuss ideas to help individuals and families maximize their spring cleaning by getting their finances in order. Possible topics include:
- Effective ways to track income, expenses and overall progress toward specific financial goals.
- Ideas for creating and maintaining a budget.
- Ways individuals can establish or evaluate the proper balance for their investment portfolios and other financial investments.
- Strategies for consolidating accounts and taking full advantage of retirement accounts like a 401(k).
- Ideas for going paperless with your financial account statements and other related documents – and how to organize them electronically.
While the days get longer and the weather warms, spring is a perfect time to set new personal and financial goals. Check out Suzanna de Baca’s 2012 financial resolutions for appropriate financial goals for people in various stages of life.
03/22/2012
Blended families are becoming increasingly common, but the politics and etiquette of financially supporting stepchildren is still unique to each family. Determining which parent pays for what – and for whom – can be complicated. Ameriprise financial advisors are available to discuss the things that new and soon-to-be stepparents should consider and discuss as they blend their families and finances with a new partner. Possible topics include:
- Specific financial topics that should be discussed between new partners ahead of time before blending finances or making a hasty financial decisions.
- Financial agreements that should be included in a divorce settlement concerning current and future expenses for the children.
- Ways to approach discussions with biological children and step children about which parent pays for what and when it’s appropriate to ask for things from either parent.
- How and when to begin discussing plans for significant financial goals for children and step-children like financing a vehicle or college education.
- The benefits of having financial conversations early and often, and putting plans in writing.
Sometimes the biggest challenge in having family financial discussions is finding the right way to approach them and avoid causing tension. Check out Suzanna de Baca’s tips for avoiding financial disagreements between partners.
02/22/2012
Economic uncertainty and erratic markets can make anyone nervous to invest their cash, but it can have an even bigger psychological impact on those who are investing their money for the first time. Though their hesitation may be understandable, with some knowledge and guidance young people can invest wisely now – with time still on their side. Ameriprise financial advisors are available to discuss:
- Ways to begin investing and learning about investment vehicles and options.
- The benefits of saving and contributing to 401(k) and other accounts early on.
- The various kinds of investment vehicles and accounts that may be appropriate for different financial goals such as buying a home and retirement.
- Strategies for creating a diverse portfolio that assumes the proper balance of risk and conservatism – and determining what that may be.
- The importance of allowing investments to weather market swings though time, and how to manage impulsive emotions that may interfere.
09/22/2011
08/11/2011
07/05/2011
