pbrinks 
Whether we realize it or not, our finances are storytellers. They tell the story of who we are, how we live, and how we have lived. It is an interesting phenomenon to think about — the tales our finances tell. Wait. How Can Finances Tell a Tale? What are we talking about here? Well, how … Read more
Most of us know that money is a sticking point in so many areas of our lives. It is one of the most common reasons for divorce. The majority of people in this country do not change socioeconomic classes in their lifetimes. Most Americans are carrying debt, and the average amount of debt we carry … Read more
Bank Failures The headlines are abuzz. Silicon Valley Bank failed. Signature Bank failed. The tone of the media makes us think that we should be worried. The stock market is down and consequently our investment portfolios are down so we feel a little worried. But if you’re like a lot of people, you don’t really … Read more
As soon as I answered the phone I knew something was wrong. It was the emotion: the defeat, the exhaustion, and the shame that I heard in his voice that made my mama heart leap out of my chest. I was thousands of miles away on a beach in the Bahamas when I got the … Read more
“Credit monitoring” does just as it’s name suggests: it monitors your credit. It alerts you when new accounts have been opened or when something looks suspicious. “Freezing Your Credit” makes it impossible for anyone (even you) to run your credit or open a new account. So why do I think you should consider freezing your … Read more
We typically think of money and finances as black and white, facts and figures… math. But the truth is there is no topic more “full of emotion” than money. Interacting with money is inevitable… even sitting on the couch has economic consequences. But HOW we interact with money is the result of our very personal … Read more
The financial industry is well acquainted with two fundamental attributes: fear and greed. We see them play out everyday. Fear leads to irrational selling and hoarding. Greed leads to irrational buying and hoarding. Fear and greed drive the markets. Fear grows and makes us greedy. Greed grows and makes us fearful. Believing the lie that … Read more
How much are you paying your advisor? For many people, their investment fees are one of their biggest budget items. And yet, hardly anyone knows how much they’re actually paying! Sadly it can sometimes be difficult to figure out. There are often many “layers” of fees. Investments themselves have “internal fees” and usually your financial … Read more
For the last 15 years I’ve helped somewhere around 100 couples transition into retirement. The decision to retire is obviously one of the most important financial decisions that you will ever make. You will say goodbye to your income source and live almost entirely off of what you’ve saved. That’s a huge leap!! What I’ve … Read more