Time for a new horse
(This is part IV of a series of posts about Joe’s mission to find the perfect colleges for his daughters. Check out his first, second and third posts to catch up.) As mid-2002 came, we had plenty on...
View ArticleWhat’s your vision?
(This is Part V in a series of posts about Joe’s mission to find the perfect colleges for his daughters. Check out his first, second, third and fourth posts to catch up.) At COUNTRY Financial, we have...
View ArticleWhat’s your backstop?
(This is Part VI in a series of posts about Joe’s mission to find the perfect colleges for his daughters. ) As Lauren prepares to graduate high school and our college selection journey approaches its...
View ArticleWeekly Financial Tips [Week of 9/12]
With the passing of Labor Day last week, summer has officially ended and college students have resumed classes. Whether living in the dorms or apartments, they’ll be faced with the added costs of a...
View ArticleStarting the new year off right
An old proverb (some would call it a curse) states “May you live in interesting times.” Lately, I’d settle for anything other than interesting. I hear from clients and advisors all the time, and many...
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Financial Calculus
As the markets improve, we’re hearing the question, “what should I do now?” My answer has been “keep doing what you should have been doing all along” … and if you haven’t been doing what you should’ve...
View ArticleFunding your dream college
Many of you are packing your bags for that great family getaway. For the Buhrmann Family, it’s for one final look at some colleges. Last year, I told the story of finding the perfect school for our...
View ArticleMaking Your Money Last in Retirement
Will you have money left at the end of your life, or life left at the end of your money? Making your funds last is an important issue facing retirees today. With retirees living longer and spending...
View Article4 must-have money talks before marriage
They say that “love is blind,” but it’s hard to overlook these numbers. Research shows money is the No. 1 reason couples fight. It’s also a main reason marriages spilt up. With trends like that, you’d...
View ArticleAmericans Stuck in Neutral, the New Normal
[For the official release, check out the complete survey and results] We should be feeling pretty good, right? The stock market is on a tear, home prices are heading higher, and consumer confidence is...
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6 Ways to Increase your Financial Security in 2014
As 2014 approaches, it’s a good time to think about your financial decisions during the past year. Chances are, there’s room for improvement. Regardless of where you’re starting from, follow these six...
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The Taxing Topic of Taxes: How to Get More Back
The social commentator Will Rogers once said, “The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets.” And, about this time each year, as we’re signing...
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How to Afford College
Short of a home purchase, a college education is likely one of the biggest bills you’ll face. The July COUNTRY Financial Security Index proved that many Americans are feeling increasingly pessimistic...
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15 Ways to Be More Financially Secure in 2015
It’s the start of a new year, and many of us have already made our New Year’s Resolutions. My wife has a saying about these “resolutions” – she calls them “pie crust promises”. Easily made; easily...
View ArticleFunding your dream college
Many of you are packing your bags for that great family getaway. For the Buhrmann Family, it’s for one final look at some colleges. Last year, I told the story of finding the perfect school for our...
View ArticleMaking Your Money Last in Retirement
Will you have money left at the end of your life, or life left at the end of your money? Making your funds last is an important issue facing retirees today. With retirees living longer and spending...
View Article4 must-have money talks before marriage
They say that “love is blind,” but it’s hard to overlook these numbers. Research shows money is the No. 1 reason couples fight. It’s also a main reason marriages spilt up. With trends like that, you’d...
View ArticleAmericans Stuck in Neutral, the New Normal
[For the official release, check out the complete survey and results] We should be feeling pretty good, right? The stock market is on a tear, home prices are heading higher, and consumer confidence is...
View ArticleClik here to view.
6 Ways to Increase your Financial Security in 2014
As 2014 approaches, it’s a good time to think about your financial decisions during the past year. Chances are, there’s room for improvement. Regardless of where you’re starting from, follow these six...
View ArticleClik here to view.
The Taxing Topic of Taxes: How to Get More Back
The social commentator Will Rogers once said, “The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets.” And, about this time each year, as we’re signing...
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