Archive for posts by Kent Irwin

The concept of debt management is especially important today as Americans are saving less and are further in debt than at any other time in our history. Let us explore what debt is, when it is good and bad, how to get out from under its bondage, and what the consumer should be aware of.  Loans Defined–An… Read More »

Besides the purchase of a home, automobiles are the second most significant purchase that consumers make. The wrong car buying decision can cost you thousands of dollars. Here are some tips for buying the right car for you so that the purchase doesn’t interfere with your accomplishing your other financial goals. Have you heard the jokes about Land… Read More »

The old adage “your health is your wealth,” rings true when you consider the financial consequences of a major illness. This article explores two types of health insurance: disability and long-term care. Disability Insurance covers your ability to earn an income, which is your single greatest asset. Disability insurance (also known as disability income or sick… Read More »

  For many people today, having a college education is a base requirement for obtaining a higher paying career. However, college costs continue to increase many times the average inflation rate. Therefore, it is imperative to engage in College Education Financial Planning.   1.    Get a written financial plan.  Call a financial planner or obtain a… Read More »

Having a baby requires a massive amount of preparation.  You must determine whether to paint pink or blue, rearrange work schedules, and buy strollers, cribs, car seats and every other baby necessity.  You must even decide on a name that the baby will carry for life.  As you are preparing, take some time to also prepare your finances. 1: Create… Read More »

Homes are the single-most significant purchase consumers make. Your knowledge and skill in making an excellent house purchase decision will contribute to helping you reach your other financial goals. This primer contains financial planning information to help prepare you for the buying process. This preparation phase is perhaps the most important phase of the home… Read More »

Are you soon to be married or recently married? Did you know that money is cited as one of the root causes of divorce? Following these financial planning tips may help you avoid money traps in your relationship. 1: Create a Written Financial Plan. Acquire a financial plan, perhaps an eFinPLAN financial plan. Having a plan gives… Read More »

What is a budget? Simply put, a budget is a monthly spending plan for your money. Budgeting made simple, fixed versus variable expenses: Even more simply put, it is a spending plan for your expenses that are not fixed. Fixed expenses are things that stay the same each month. For example, your rent and mortgage… Read More »

Cash flow management is especially important today as Americans are saving less and are further in debt than at any other time in our history. Let us explore why you should have a budget. The number of people that have and follow a budget is only about 33% of people today in the U.S. Cash Flow Management… Read More »

Suze Orman says: Do Your Own Financial Planning! “I think it’s imperative for you to do as much of the work as possible, rather than turning control over to someone else: your finances.” Ms. Orman and I agree on this. Is this really true, and what does this mean? I think the biggest thing Suze Orman can… Read More »