What are I Bonds? I Bonds are a type of government savings bond issued by the United States Department of the Treasury. They are a low-risk investment vehicle designed to help individuals save money over the long term and protect from inflation. They are backed by the...
In general, people should strive to have an emergency that covers 3-6 months of living expenses. These funds should be held in a liquid account that can be easily accessed in case of a sudden emergency or unexpected expense. However, not all savings accounts are...
https://youtu.be/-hl6-7ZfXPg A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) is both a type of financial account and a charitable giving vehicle that allows the donor to contribute cash and non-cash assets into a fund where those assets are then invested. The donor can then direct grants...
As I watched my son learn how to bowl, I vividly recall the trepidation in his eyes as he stared down the pins at the end of the lane. He stood frozen, paralyzed by fear. I encouraged him to roll the ball, promising that he could knock down the pins. What held him...
The mass media in the United States tends to oversimplify the transition from the career phase to the retirement phase of our lives. Apparently walking into the sunset on a beach or through a meadow leads directly to a rocking chair on a front porch and that is...
Occasionally we like to inform our clients about what is going on at Walkner Condon, as we have some exciting updates to share with you. Nate and Clint have recorded a podcast on these items, but we also wanted to offer it in written form as well....
Having financial conversations with your adult children can benefit both you and them. When it comes to your will and estate plan, talking about what is in your plan can help ensure that your wishes are carried out effectively and with minimal confusion. Surprises in...
Losing a job is difficult. In many cases it comes unexpectedly. There is usually a period of shock – almost a numbness – followed by a feeling that you need to be doing something, but not exactly sure what that “something” is. I know this feeling because I found myself in this position in 2015.
The importance of women in financial planning feels like it should go without saying. And in our research for this article, we were happy to learn that we are trending in the right direction. Unfortunately, we’re not quite there yet as a society, since as of 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports only a third of financial advisors are women. Until that percentage is closer to 50%, we are happy to illustrate the many benefits of more women in the industry.
Growing up, Alicia watched her mom struggle with money and declare bankruptcy due to medical debt. By high school Alicia was financially independent. She worked her way through college by taking advantage of government loans and grants. During this time, Alicia took...