Fees make me grumpy. Given how much financial providers attempt to hide or obscure fees, I’m guessing I’m not the only one. Fees bite into my future retirement and are paid regardless of whether my investments do well or not. Investment Fees The first fee in my 401(k) plan that makes me grumpy is the… Continue reading 401(k) Fee Drag
I was eating lunch with coworkers a few days ago and the topic of stock options came up. I related to them my recent experience writing covered calls against stock that I acquired through a previous employer. They had many questions that I hope to address in this post. Risky Business What’s a covered call?… Continue reading Option(al) Income
When my grandmother passed away a decade ago, all of her grandchildren received a small inheritance. Instead of spending that money on some toy or experience, I opened a 529 college savings account in our oldest child’s name. At the time we had only two daughters, and I had significantly fewer gray hairs. Fast forward… Continue reading Dividing a 529 Six Ways
Hi. My name is David, and I have a problem. I have too many accounts. More than 53 different checking, savings, brokerage, credit cards, store cards, and retirement accounts. Spread across more than 16 different providers. Seems a little excessive, doesn’t it? How did this happen? As I look back across the accounts smeared across… Continue reading Joyless Banking Accounts
Like many Americans, I accumulated student loan debt during college. While it’s been years since I was in school and the balance has diminished, it’s still non-zero today. I could have dispatched them years ago but didn’t. However, now I’m giving some serious thought to it in order to simplify my personal finances. Comparing Interest… Continue reading Should I Pay Off My Student Loan Debt Early?
