Blog
3 book recommendations
What are you going to read (or listen to) next? Whether you want to form new habits, create systems in a business, or preserve what’s meaningful to you, you can find answers in these books. Atomic Habits by James Clear James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, shares practical strategies in his book Atomic Habits that can be of particular interest to business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs as you…
Is your company prepared for the next disaster?
Preparing your workplace for a natural disaster is as critical as preparing your home, yet many businesses do not have an emergency plan in place. In the Bay Area, earthquakes are a constant threat with no advanced warning, and the “new normal” of California fire season reminds us how devastating nature can be. Other regions have risks that are different but also dangerous. Whether or not the business and your…
2020 IRS contribution limit updates means you can save more in your retirement plan
You can now save more in your retirement plan! See below for 2020 IRS contribution limit updates, and click the link for IRA account and other updates. 401(k), 403(b), 457 Plan deferral Limit: 2019: $19,000, 2020: $19,500,“Catch-up” Contribution >age 50: 2019: $6,000, 2020: $6,500Defined Contribution Total Dollar Limit: 2019: $56,000, 2020: $57,000Highly Compensated Employee definition: 2019: $125,000, 2020: $130,000Click here for full IRS announcement of 2020 limits Some lower-income folks…
Q3-2019 Quarterly Context Webinar
How many generations does it typically take to wipe out family wealth, and what can you do about it? What is the impact of emotional investing on the average investor’s returns? How would the economies of all US 50 states rank if they were countries? How should Fiduciaries evaluate target date funds? Is a CEO economic confidence index up or down? How many months after an inverted yield curve does…
Start this conversation with your aging parents now
The time to discuss issues related to your parent’s aging is before you need to. Some senior care professionals promote the idea of the “40-70 rule”, advising that you begin conversations with your parents about their plans and desires once you reach age 40 or they are age 70. While this may seem early since most 70-year-olds are still quite independent and may still be working, you want to…
How to enjoy vacation without working
With smartphone connectivity, taking a “real” vacation may seem impossible for some people. While you appreciate the notion that time away is rejuvenating, you may not always embrace it. Even when you do take time off, the temptation to check your phone or review your email magnifies as soon as you step away from the office. Make relaxation and enjoyment a priority. “What if I’m needed while I am gone?”…
A few ideas to help plan for college savings & financial aid
If you have children that plan to attend college, you have opportunities to make it easier to pay for college. And, if you happen to be a small business owner, one of the most favorable treatments for business owners is your ability to increase the amount of financial aid for which your child may qualify by lowering your “expected family contribution” (EFC). The EFC is the baseline for calculating federal…