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14 Feb 2020 Your Home is Not An Investment (You Probably Won’t Downsize)

Posted at 08:00h in The Friday Brief by Ryan Smith, CFP®, RICP®, CTS™, MSFP

Home prices, both nationwide and in the Triangle, have surged over the past few years. The escalation in prices across the country brings back memories of the boom period prior to the financial/housing crisis of 2007-2009. There isn't evidence to suggest that is what's taking...

17 Jan 2020 The Risks We Overlook

Posted at 07:00h in The Friday Brief by Ryan Smith, CFP®, RICP®, CTS™, MSFP

I feel comfortable saying most people are aware that death or disability will affect their finances or the finances of the loved ones they leave behind. They may underestimate the impact or fail to take the necessary steps to mitigate these threats, but, at the...

20 Dec 2019 The President Has Been Impeached

Posted at 09:14h in The Friday Brief by Ryan Smith, CFP®, RICP®, CTS™, MSFP

On Wednesday night, President Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives. The next step is for a vote to take place in the Senate, where a two-thirds majority is required to remove a sitting President. Given the Senate is controlled by Republicans 53-47, the...

15 Nov 2019 Is Saving to a 529 Plan Worth It?

Posted at 08:00h in The Friday Brief by Ryan Smith, CFP®, RICP®, CTS™, MSFP

A few weeks ago, Geoff and I were discussing whether it made sense for a potential client to contribute to a 529 plan (“college savings plan”) for their kids who were entering college in a few years. Yes, the gains would be tax-free, provided the...