Author: landaasco

  • What’s in your wallet: Family talks

    By Joel Dresang In most families, money talk is taboo. Parents are about as comfortable talking about finances as they are talking about death. Yet, as we dream and plan and make decisions in life, it helps to have a sense of what we can afford – whether it’s holiday gift shopping or determining when…

  • Overstuffed: You can’t take it with you

    By Joel Dresang What will become of all the stuff we have been accumulating when we’re done with it – which, for many of us, is when we’re done? If you have ever been involved with clearing someone’s residence because of a death or downsizing, you know you don’t want to impose that burden on…

  • How to be safer online: Computer use

    Tips on how to protect personal financial information in a MONEY TALK VIDEO. […]

  • Valuing Investments: Price-Earnings Ratio

    Investors weighing whether to buy, sell or hold stocks can use the price-earnings ratio to put an objective value on the investments. Dave Sandstrom explains in a MONEY TALK VIDEO that it’s a tool better used for the broader market than individual securities. He also says be sure what kind of P/E you’re using. […]

  • Don’t let ID thieves get your money too

    By Joel Dresang My experiences with identity theft offer warnings and reassurances about the latest compromise of personal data. […]

  • 4 Ways investors can control their success

    Investors who worry about everything that could possibly affect their money need to focus on what they actually have some power to control, Steve Giles advises. In a MONEY TALK VIDEO, he explains how that approach is better for their investments (and perhaps their sleep). […]

  • When Should I …consider actively managed funds?

    In an ongoing feature, we answer frequently asked questions on when investors should consider taking certain steps toward long-term financial plans. Included here is Mike Hoelzl’s look at when to consider investing in actively managed funds, which includes a link to his look at when to consider passive index funds. […]

  • Minimizing losses away from home

    By Joel Dresang While one absconded with my card, the other sneaked a read of my PIN. […]

  • For What It’s Worth: Chair

    For What It’s Worth is an occasional look at the meanings and origins of words and expressions investors may encounter. In this instance, we consider the preferred title for Janet Yellen, who’s seated at the head of the Federal Reserve. […]

  • Kids: Why can’t they be like we were?

    By Joel Dresang A primal mission throughout the ages has been to make the next generation better off. For eons, our forebears have sacrificed – crossed oceans, endured hardships, surrendered lives – for our benefit. You don’t have to look far to see examples of such efforts every day. And yet, only 37% of Americans…