Pulse Financial Planning

08/14/2023

The Mayo Pension Plan one-time election period is now open. Here is a summary of what you need to know before choosing which pension formula you want applied to your future benefit.

Mayo Clinic is offering a one-time choice to make regarding your pension benefit from 8/14/2023 through 9/15/2023. Here is a summary what you need to know.

08/10/2023

Mayo Clinic is offering a one-time choice to make regarding your pension benefit from 8/14/2023 through 9/15/2023. Here is a summary what you need to know:

Mayo Clinic is offering a one-time choice to make regarding your pension benefit from 8/14/2023 through 9/15/2023. Here is a summary what you need to know.

08/25/2022

I’m sure you saw the headlines about the student loan cancellation that was announced yesterday. There is much more than just widespread student loan cancellation to consider. Here is what you need to know.

Biden Cancels $10k – What You Need to Know August 25, 2022 by Matt Elliott, CFP®, CSLP® President Biden announced major changes to student loans 8/24/22. There is much more than just widespread student loan cancellation to consider here. Here is what you need to know: $10,000 student loan cancel...

02/22/2022

In a little more than two months, federal student loan payments will start up after being paused for nearly two years. Check out my interview with KTTC for some considerations to prepare for payments and interest resuming in May.

In a little more than two months, federal student loan payments will start up after being paused for nearly two years.

02/09/2022

With interest rates on the rise, you may be wondering if it still makes sense to refinance a mortgage in 2022. While rates are not as attractive as they were last year, it could still make sense to depending on your situation. Find out what you need to consider before refinancing in my featured post for February.

Interest rates remain extremely low, which makes now a good time to consider refinancing your mortgage. Find out what you need to consider before refinancing in this month's article.

01/25/2022

Stocks have had a rocky start to 2022, primarily due to concerns over inflation pressures on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy.

This month, I thought it would be a good time to update an article that I originally published March 24th, 2020. At that time, fear was sweeping financial markets due to the Covid-19 pandemic. My message remains the same now as it was then: Don’t be an emotional investor.

To get an update on what has happened to stocks since the pandemic started, and how to handle the latest market correction, check out the full article.

Sticking to your investing plan during times of market volatility and uncertainty can be difficult for most investors. You're not alone. Find out why it is so important, and how to do it.

12/15/2021

Check out my comments that appeared in Fortune this week for tips on dealing with rising inflation.

Inflation is at its highest rate in nearly four decades, but there are steps you can take with your personal finances to take the edge off.

12/09/2021

It’s hard to believe 2021 is almost over already! With the end of the year fast approaching, it's time to review some key areas of your finances if you haven't already.

Things to consider before the end of 2021:
• Tax loss/gain harvesting
• Review and update 401k/403b contributions
• Review Flex Savings Account balances
• Take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
• Rebalance investments
• Contribute to 529 plan(s)
• Backdoor Roth IRA contribution (2021 may be the last opportunity!)
• Roth conversions
• Charitable contributions
• Pay estimated taxes
• Budget for student loan payments to resume in 2022

For the full list with more detail, download my free checklist below:

11/05/2021

"Nurses work too hard to be broke." Check out this article I contributed to with how one nurse broke the cycle, and 5 steps you can take to improve your own financial health.

Think financial stress is a given? Think again.

10/28/2021

Inflation rates have recently risen to levels we haven’t seen in 30+ years. Sustained inflation can cause real challenges as your purchasing power degrades over time.

If higher prices are creating a strain on your finances, there are 3 things you can do to minimize the impact:
1. Reduce spending (Budget)
2. Increase income (Pick up shifts at work, ask for a raise)
3. Invest (Consider a high yield savings account combined with a diversified portfolio positioned for long term income and growth)

Check out my interview with KTTC for some tips on dealing with higher prices!

He said a spreadsheet is a useful tool.

10/27/2021

For those in Rochester - you can catch my interview with KTTC TV on inflation and some tips to try to stay ahead of it on the 10 pm news tonight.