Historic Columns
"Financially Speaking" is a column Trisha writes in the Verona Press. Keep an eye out in the local paper; updates will also be shared here.
2024
January
New Year Brings Updated Contribution Limits
2023
November
Take Advantage of Open Enrollment
September
Student Loan Payment Pause has ended
July
There a lot of ways to measure stock market performance
May
Not Planning For Retirement Goals Can Be A Sure Way To Achieve Them
March
FDIC Insurance Helps To Keep Bank Deposits Safe
What do those four letters mean anyway?
2022
December
Understand I Bond Rules Before You Buy
What is an I Bond??
October
Stock Prices have been volatile but Bond Prices may be the real story
Aren't bonds supposed to go up when stocks go down?
August
Our View of Price is Impacted by Psychology
What is anchoring anyway?
April
Uncertainty Can Cause Short Term Financial Market Volatility
What is going on to start 2022?
February
Comparing Account Performance Isn't as Easy as It Seems
Contributions may impact how you view your accounts.
2012
December
Make the Most of Your Retirement Plan in 2013
Looking for a resolution? Here is one everyone can keep.
November
Tax Law Changes
What is changing and what should you know/do?
October
New Retirement Plan Fee Disclosures May Cause Confusion
Don't be alarmed by your 401(k) disclosure letters.
September
Peering over the Fiscal Cliff
It isn't a physical cliff, but it is fiscal.
May
The Government Can Help you Refinance Your Home
Need help refinancing? The government may be able to help.
April
Refinancing Can Be a Good Idea
With rates low, refinancing may be an attractive option.
March
Home Ownership Can Make Financial Sense
Buying a home can still be beneficial, even after the housing market crash.
February
Don't Expect Caviar for the Price of Cheese Whiz
Know what you are paying for, sometimes a cheap price isn't the best deal.
January
Reflecting on the Year Past
Oh what a year it was
2008
December
Year-End Financial Planning
There are times we need to pause and enjoy life.
October
How Did This Happen?
Economic update.
September
Millionaire Travel on a Budget: Enjoying Your Stay
You made it to your location, but now what?
August
Millionaire Travel on a Budget: Planning Your Trip
Traveling on a budget, without giving up luxuries.
July
The New Kind of Millionaire: Women
It isn't just Mr. Jones next door, keep an eye out for Mrs. Jones as well.
June
What Really Goes into Your Credit Score
Knowing is half the battle when it comes to credit scores.
May
The New Place to Retire - At Work
Retirement may not mean you are done working.
April
If You're Going to Give, Give Effectively
Be sure you know where your gift is going.
March
Be Sure to File a Federal Tax Return to Get a Rebate
What better than a check in the mail?
February
Cash in the Attic
You may have more than you think.
January
Chasing Returns Can Put You Behind the Pack
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
2021
December
Don't Let Market Volatility Scare You Away
Most people don't think about psychology when they invest, but maybe they should.
October
Social Security Recipients Are About to Receive a Raise
When the annual cost of living increases, so do Social Security payments
August
Social Security Alone May Not Be Enough to Retire On
How reliant should you be on Social Security?
June
Inflation May Not Be as Scary as It Seems
What is inflation anyway?
April
Considering Selling Your Home? Here Are Some First Steps
With the housing market on the rise, is it time to sell?
January
Could Another Roaring '20s Be In Our Future
History may not repeat itself, but it may rhyme.
2020
November
There is Even More Reason to Give to Others This Year
It has been a tough year, some ideas to give back.
August
Investing Can Teach Hard Lessons to New Investors
Apps, stocks, and lessons learned.
May
Tax Impacts of School Refunds
Learn how 529 distributions work with college refunds
February
Coronavirus Impact on Investments
How does a virus in China slow manufacturing in Mexico?
2011
December
Financial Gifts That Really Pay Dividends
Different ways to give that can have a long-term financial impact.
November
Bond Misconceptions Revealed
Deeper dive into bonds and some common misconceptions.
October
ABC's of Bonds
Everyone has heard of them, but what truly is a bond?
September
ABC's of Stocks
Wait, I own a company?
August
Another Rollercoaster Ride on Wall Street
Up, down, twist, and turn, will it ever stop?
July
A Little Planning Can Show Your Eternal Love
It always helps to be prepared, estate planning isn't just for the rich.
Is it possible to do good for society while building a portfolio? Find out how with socially responsible investing.
May
A Short Memory Can Cost You in the Long Run
"A rising tide lifts all boats." This may be true, but let's not forget, "what goes up, must come down."
March
The Cost of Not Taking Vacation
It may be expensive to go, but it may be more costly to stay.
February
One System That It Does Not Pay to Protest Against
Sometimes it doesn't pay to protest.
January
Get Started and Resolve to Start Planning Your Financial Life
Some financial guidance for the new year.
2007
December
Year-End Tax Planning
Taxes. It comes down to taxes.
November
Free Lunch? Do Your Research on the Host
Is there such a thing as a free lunch?
October
Having a Baby Means Planning for More Than Just Diapers
A few things to think about when your family begins to grow.
September
Small Business, Big Benefit Package
Being small doesn't mean you can't think big.
August
The Value of Education
It may be expensive, but the price of not getting an education may be more daunting.
Have you ever wondered about money that you may have "lost" without being aware of it?
Other investment vehicles outside of the company plan.
June
The Ins and Outs of Market Indexes
What are market indexes? How are the DJIA and the S&P 500 different?
April
Doing Spring Cleaning for Your Financial Records
Spring is a time to clean out the house, let's clean out that pesky financial record file as well.
March
What If Your Next Paycheck Were Your Last?
Disability insurance may be well worth the price.
February
Tax Returns Aren't the Only Thing Due by April 15th
IRA deadlines are around the corner, many people don't realize you can contribute after year-end.
January
Protect Your Family Before It's Too Late
Contributing to your family doesn't always mean bringing home a paycheck.
2019
December
Secure Act
Learn about new legislation that may impact your retirement.
September
Savers Credit
The Savers Credit can help you put money away for retirement.
June
Social Security Going Broke
What does it really mean if Social Security "goes broke"?
January
Qualified Charitable Distributions
A different type of tax break
2018
December
Senior Safe Act
Cognitive decline and the Senior Safe Act
May
Claim Your Wisconsin Child Sales Tax Rebate
It isn't often the state gives YOU money.
March
Simple, Not Easy
"Investing is simple, not easy."
January
How Long Can the 'Goldilocks' Market Continue
2017 was "just right" will that continue into the new year?
2017
November
Housing Affordability
How much house can you afford?
September
Equifax Security Breach
What to know about one of the largest cyberattacks.
July
Misconceptions About Paying for Long-Term Care
Know the facts about long-term care.
May
Keep Your Finances Organized and Accessible
Having the correct products doesn't always mean you have the correct plan.
February
Don't Overlook Health Savings Accounts
A quick overview of health savings accounts.
2010
December
Spend Your Government-Funded Pay Raise Wisely
Overview of the 2010 Tax Act.
November
Avoid the Holiday Spending Hangover
Have a plan when going into the holiday season.
October
Modern Times Make Dividend Investing Popular Again
What are dividends, and why do I receive them?
August
Oops...Maybe You Don't Have as Much Life Insurance as You Thought
Do you have enough life insurance?
July
Bulls Vs. Bears: The Battle Continues
The argument can be made for both sides, but what truly stands out?
June
Health Care Reform and You
Overview of the Affordable Care Act.
May
Prepare for the New Normal Economy
Another buzz word, or is this the new economy?
April
Being Prepared Is a Key to a Comfortable Retirement
Know what you want, and know how to get there.
April
A Spending Discipline Can Help You Make Sense of Your Dollars and Cents
A budget isn't always necessary, but knowing where your money goes, that makes sense.
March
One Year After the Bottom
A look at the economy a year later.
February
To Convert or Not to Convert
A quick dive into Roth IRA conversions.
January
Run Your Financial Marathon One Step at a Time
You may have heard, "It's not a sprint, it's a marathon." This is true in finance as well.
2006
December
Do You Have a Millionaire Next Door?
Keeping up with the Jones's may not be a suitable financial plan.
November
Surviving the Holidays Without Going Broke
Holidays are a time for joy and giving. With a proper budget that joy will continue throughout the new year.
October
To Love, Honor, and Invest
The role of finance in marriage, and how important it is to find common ground.
September
Have You Checked Your Beneficiary Designations Lately?
Unfortunate events happen, let's be ready for them.
August
Investments That Can Make You Feel Good
A quick breakdown of Socially Responsible Investing.
July
Three Financial Guidelines to Live By
If you could go back in time, what financial tip would you give yourself?
June
History Makes the Case for Fixed Rate Mortgages
A quick glance at mortgage options. Is a fixed rate always right?
2016
December
Individual Investments Don't Necessarily Follow an Index
What is "the market"?
August
Important Things to Think About When Baby Makes Three
A few things to keep in mind when the family starts to grow.
June
While a Surprise, Brexit Vote Is Not Cause for Panic
What even is "Brexit"?
April
Covering the Family Portion of College Costs
Paying your portion, easier said than done.
February
Help with Paying for College
There are many ways to pay for college, and scholarships aren't just for athletes.
2015
December
Cyber Security in an Insecure World
The world wide web is a wondrous place, but let's make sure we are safe.
October
Little Expenditures Can Have Big Cost
A little goes a long way.
August
Marriage Is More Than Just A Word
There are many possible financial benefits of marriage.
June
Not All Charities Are Created Equally
You may know what you want to give, but know where as well.
When the terms and conditions may actually be beneficial.
March
Make the Most of Low Gas Prices
Gas will not always be this cheap, take advantage!
January
Misleading Market Headlines
What does "Market Skyrockets to All-Time High" actually mean?
2014
October
Athletic Scholarships May Not Be What You Think
It is more difficult than you think to get an athletic scholarship.
September
College Students Should Learn Financial Responsibility, Too
Students need to know where the money is coming from. It isn't a "free" check to spend on anything.
July
Talk with Your Family about Finances
The unfortunate reminder to be prepared.
May
Are You Ready for Life Without Cable TV?
Know what you are truly paying for cable.
March
Are Credit Cards Too Dangerous to Use
Do the benefits outweigh the horror stories?
2013
December
Protect Your Family From Scams
Let's not let anyone ruin your holiday cheer.
September
Surprising Social Security Facts
A few things you may not know about social security.
July
Social Security and Medicare Enrollment Basics
If you want to know one thing, it is how to enroll.
Einstein called it the ninth wonder of the world.
2009
December
Start the New Year on the Right Financial Foot
A few New Year's resolutions for your pocket book.
November
Giving That Warms the Heart
There are many ways to give, even if it is as small as a smile.
October
Interest Rates Are Low So...Interest Rates Are Low
Where is my dividend? What can I do?
August
Be Prepared for the Unexpected with a Durable Power of Attorney
A quick overview on power of attorney.
July
Estate Plans Are Not Just for the Rich and Famous
Estate planning is a vital part of a financial plan.
June
Keys to Unlocking Home Equity
Selling isn't the only way to tap into the equity in your home.
April
The Ponzi Scheme Is Alive and Well
Everyone has heard of Bernie Madoff, but what did he do?
March
Turn Off the News, and Spend More Time Outside
Listen less, and live more.
February
COBRA Is Not the Only Option for Health Insurance
There are more options for temporary health insurance, let's talk about them.
January
New Year Brings New Hope for Investors
Flipping the calendar can be a sigh of relief.