Are Solar Panels a Worthwhile Investment?
With the cost of gas and electricity skyrocketing in the past year, many households are looking to clean energy alternatives.
North Andover Conference on Aging
June 24 & 25. Programs are free and open to the public. To register for sessions and/or keynote speakers please call the senior center or register online
College Planning Timeline
Although the college application process begins in earnest during your senior year, there are things you can be doing along the way to ensure you're ready to put your best foot forward.
Does increasing mortgage rates make the prospect of buying a home better or worse?
The housing market has been frustrating for buyers, but there are signs that those frustrations might be easing.
Should I Adjust My LTC Policy? The Latest Premium Hike Is 95%!
If you've owned a LTC policy for 10+ years you've likely received a premium increase. Should you accept it or adjust coverage instead?
A satisfying retirement is more about how you will spend your time, not your money.
Questions about retirement often center around the financial logistics, but how your time will be spent should also be considered.
Student Loan Repayments are Extended… AGAIN!
Is there an end game to the student loan repayment extensions? (Redirect to Nerd Wallet)
Set to Jet? 5 Useful Tips Before Packing Your Bags.
Wondering how to prepare for travel apart from packing a bag? Here is the shortlist of what I did to ensure myself, family, and clients would be taken care of in case of an emergency.
What’s the Best Age to Start Social Security?
One of the most common questions for anyone planning for retirement is: “What’s the best age to start taking Social Security benefits?” Read how the program works, how it's changed, and what to consider.
How to have a financial conversation with your partner
Despite it being no secret that money can cause a breakup, being on the same page about finances is not usually considered at the start of a relationship.
Time’s Up! Paying for College
Lately, I've had a number of clients and prospects ask how to pay for college. Not in the future -…
New Year, New Me – Financial Resolutions
Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year. But we all know what happens to most such self-promises, so here’s a month-by-month to-do list to cultivate better financial health.
We Could See a Student Loan Pandemic in 2022
With the CARES Act expiring in January 2022, many will be asked to resume student loan payments - but can they afford to pay?
Will my cash app and marketplace transactions be reported to the IRS?
Will cash app and marketplace transactions be reported to the IRS? For many more than ever before - yes!
Effectively Gifting to the Next Generation at any Net Worth
Effectively benefiting the next generation comes in all shapes and sizes, learn about your options to gift relative to your net worth.
Find the perfect gift for your parent
Gift Ideas for Seniors
It's the holiday season and we're in shopping mode. Kids and significant others may be relatively easy to navigate, but…
Build Your Own Turkey
Keep the kids busy this Thanksgiving! Enjoy this coloring page that can decorate your table.
Is the Roth 401(k) an Option for You?
Have you seen a Roth option available in your 401(k)? Read on to help determine if it's the right option for you.
Social Security Gets Massive 5.9% Raise in 2022
Social Security benefits for millions of Americans will increase 5.9% in 2022. Taxable wage maximum for SS tax increases to $147k.
A Refresher on Medicare Plans for 2022
Open enrollment is here, so as I offer every year, here is my latest recap that goes over the different…
Will all my transactions soon be reported to the IRS?
Will cash deposits above $600 soon be reported to the IRS? Technically no, but for some effectively yes.
Halloween Tips from a CFP® (Post-COVID)!
Read how COVID factors into Halloween along with financial savvy tips.
What you need to know about Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2021
SECURE Act 2.0 focuses on incentivizing people to save more for retirement. But will it be passed?
Understanding Medicare IRMAA Brackets and How to Plan Early
Planning ahead for IRMAA surcharges has become more important as the bracket tiers narrow and Medicare premiums increase.
Can insurance companies charge the unvaccinated higher premiums?
Given the average cost of a COVID-19 hospitalization in 2020 ran about $42,200 per patient, will the unvaccinated be asked to bear more of the cost of treatment, in terms of insurance, as well?
Back to School Planning is More Expensive This Year
While the checklists grow and the kids soak in the last few minutes of summer break, it’s important to remember college planning and back-to-school shopping.
Securing childcare when you head back to the office
Your office may be reopening and you're in a position to secure and afford child care. The Balance does a great job explaining care options.
What charitable deductions look like in 2021
Charitable donations create charitable deductions which dollar-for-dollar reduce your taxable income. Special legislation in 2020 and 2021 benefits even those taking a Standard Deduction.
Quentara Costa at Caffe Nero in North Andover.
Three Considerations When Moving to Assisted Living
POWWOW, LLC was recently featured by Linda Lecomte, REALTOR® in her new Andover-area inspired website and newsletter Shop Dine the Andovers.
Should Cryptocurrencies Be A New Asset Class?
Ask yourself three questions before you use actual dollars to buy cryptos In very simple terms, there are three main…
When you need to consider estimated tax payments
Passive income can unintentionally cause tax penalties for late or underpayments. This is avoidable by making estimated tax payments.
Federal Student Loan Pause may extend beyond September 30, 2021
Federal student loan payments and collections are set to resume in October 2021. There is a chance that the pause may be extended or a ramp-up plan will be put in place.
Why does rising inflation make stock prices fall?
There is so much chatter about inflation impacting the stock market - not to mention gas, lumber and chlorine skyrocketing in price, what's the deal? Here's a primer.
Why I Love Health Savings Accounts
Health Savings Accounts are a tax-trifecta savings vehicle that are often overlooked due to bias against the less popular Flex Savings Accounts.
6 Tips to Spring Clean Your Finances
It's officially Spring, and your closet may not be the only thing that needs a good clean-out. What about your financial habits? Watch my video on how to fix up your finances.
How to ask for more Financial Aid, and hopefully get it!
Acceptance letters are rolling in and it's time to make a decision on college. If your top pick is more expensive than the rest... ask for more aid. Here's how from Student Loan Hero...
Event: The Affordability of Elder Care
On April 13, Quentara will review what to consider financially when assessing care options and how to increase your chances of retaining independence. Via Zoom. RSVP here.
Visting Aging Family Members After COVID
65% of people with long-term care needs rely exclusively on family and friends to provide assistance. What's your plan in the event aging loved ones didn't fair well during COVID?
What’s In The $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Package?
President Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package cleared its final hurdle in Congress on Wednesday despite no Republicans voting in favor of it. The plan contains a range of measures such as a further direct round of payments to most Americans, amounting to more than $400 billion.
2 Pieces of Savings Advice to Reconsider
We can get tunnel vision when it comes to following "Rules of Thumb." I dare you to push back when it comes to maxing out 529 Plans and 401(k)s.
Preparing for College: Tips and Tricks
There is a ton to consider as you decide on the right college. Make sure you've considered all your options and resources.
The History and Business of Valentine’s Day
About half of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, spending a total of $21.8 billion despite coronavirus.
Second Opinions: When to Call a Doctor vs a Medical Advocate
When receiving treatment options for a diagnosis, learn when you may want to reach out to a doctor vs a health advocate.
Finding Financial Aid for Private Schools
With COVID-19 forcing remote and hybrid learning models, many families are considering private school options. Read about how K-12 schools may offer financial aid.
What Can the Best/Worst Stocks of 2020 Tell us?
The 2020 performance for the major U.S. indices was nothing short of impressive, especially given the headwinds of COVID-19 and the drama surrounding the presidential election.
New Year, New Me – Financial Resolutions
News Years Resolutions - In bite size pieces Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year.…
Keeping the Holidays Happy During COVID-19
The holidays are here as we struggle to find a balance between safe and sane during COVID-19, all while our children are watching. Here is some great tips from pediatricians on how to keep calm and carry-on.
Elder Care and College Planning Can Create a Sticky Situation for The Sandwich Generation
Commonplace strategies for helping an aging parent can blow up in your face if you have a college-bound child. Read how.
Preparing your kids for the holidays during COVID-19
The holidays are here as we struggle to find balance between safe and sane during COVID-19. Your children are likely looking forward…
The Best Way to Choose a Plan During Medicare Open Enrollment Season
Do work with an enrollment agent. Don't assume your coverage from last year makes sense for this year. Keep the…
How tax planning may be impacted after the election
Read about how tax planning opportunities could change in the coming years due to the upcoming election.
Halloween Tips from a CFP®!
Halloween is my favorite time of year because it offers certain qualities other holidays lack: It's an opportunity to be…
Effective Options to Reduce Credit Card Debts without Hurting your Credit
Effective options to reduce credit card debts without hurting your credit If you have a lot of credit card debts…
Budget Basics for College Students
One extracurricular activity that every student can master while in college is personal money management. Typically, a student’s daily spending…
How the S&P500 fairs after an Election Year
Everyone is asking - how will my goals be impacted by the upcoming election?When it comes to the stock market,…
Downsizing Your Home Without Upsizing Your Stress: Tips for Seniors
If you’re worried about downsizing your home, you really shouldn’t be. While finding the right home for your budget and…
Should I be paid for my caregiving efforts?
Even if you're not providing hands-on physical care for an aging parent, you're still likely spending a ton of time…
4 Ways College Admissions Will Change Next Year
The coronavirus is bringing waves of changes to how we approach everyday tasks and traditions. The same will be true…
Where to put your next dollar
Your checking account is at an all time high and you're eager to do something more with your money. Anything…
Is Consolidating Credit Card Debt Your Best Bet?
I've recently had some questions about consolidating credit card debt. These questions usually come from clients who have 5+ cards…
Hidden Gems inside the CARES Act
Apart from stimulus checks, small business loans, and expanded unemployment, there are a few "hidden gems" sprinkled throughout the CARES…
Tax Deadlines Extended until July 15!
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is delaying the April 15th deadline to file and pay taxes by 90 days,…
Before You Refinance Student Loans, Read This
Student loan debt presents a serious financial burden for countless graduates. Even the XY Generation (you?) is struggling to earn…
How to care for the elderly during Coronavirus mania
If you're related to a loved one in the hospital, rehab or living in a retirement community, you may have…
The Markets and Coronavirus
What's happening?The last couple weeks have certainly been rough on everyone. Stock markets across the world have been on a…
3 Factors cause almost a 100% chance of seniors falling
I recently read Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, MD. His insight perfectly blends medicine and emotion when it comes to…
401(k) Loans: Pros and Cons
You might be considering taking out a loan from your 401(k). But before you do, you should know the rules…
Everything Child-Related to the new “SECURE Act”
The SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20, 2019. Many changes were made that will materially impact retirees,…
Vets, Don’t Miss Out on “Hidden Benefits”
As a veteran you may feel like you're participating in an Easter egg hunt to find all your benefits. This…
Think S.M.A.R.T
A fellow blogger liked my approach to personal finance by making S.M.A.R.T goals. Read how she implemented this into her…
The 2020-21 FAFSA is now available
The deadline for the 2019-2020 FAFSA is midnight, June 30, 2020. The earlier you file, the more grant money you are…
Hindsight on Real Estate
My husband and I have had the fortune (or maybe misfortune?) of being involved in a number of personal real…
Can you afford the elder care?
Can I Afford Elder Care?
As a Certified Financial Planner™ specializing in elder care I am asked this question daily. Unfortunately, all too often the…
What to know before taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit
It's important to understand the fine print of your home equity line of credit (HELOC). Make sure not to get…
The Unexpected Cost of Early Retirement
While success can be defined in a multitude of ways, most boil down to one simple desire – financial freedom.…
Caught in the middle: When sibling and aging parents don’t get along
It's your birthday, and mom, age 81, gives you a call. After pleasantries, she mentions how short-tempered your brother has…
Who Should Prepare Your Taxes?
This year I had many families and small business owners asking for CPA recommendations. Surprisingly, the recent tax code changes…
Where to put your kid’s cash gifts
Question: What are my options for cash or checks given to my child?Piggy Bank: Some people enjoy the visual appeal of…
The sandwich generation needs to budget for LTC and health.
Budgeting Tips for the Sandwich Generation
Becoming a Better Negotiator
Negotiating is a critical life skill to master, but yet it's largely untaught in a traditional school setting. We encounter…
Find out Powwow's most frequently asked elder care question.
My #1 Most Asked Question on Elder Care
Whenever I discuss elder care I can count on being asked one question..."What if I run out of money?"Long-term elder…
Don’t Let Magical Thinking Jinx Retirement Planning
Fantasizing that the money will somehow appear isn't helpful. Here's what is.
Who should buy your teen’s first car?
Did you feel attacked at your last family get-together from the mere mention of your intent to pay or not…
Adding it up: Here’s how much Americans spend on financial vices
Whether it’s alcohol, cigarettes or junk food, we all indulge in something we know we probably shouldn’t.
Experts weigh in: Here’s when you should reach key financial milestones
Maybe you have an idea of when you’d like to buy your first home or retire from the workforce. But…
Woman laying down on pier with pink floppy hat
What three things make for a successful retirement?
The idea of retirement conjures different lifestyle images and meanings for any given person. While some are counting down the…
Is the cost of children busting your budget?
Today, roughly one in five women in the United States do not have children. For the first time in U.S.…
Avoid Common Estate Planning Mistakes
Will your estate be subject to any of these common pitfalls? Titling property jointly with your children as a substitute…
How you can help your contractor during renovation
Does working alongside your contractor help or hurt?Renovations are something most home owners endure either by choice or necessity. Due to…
Your child can succeed in college despite losing IEP
Make sure your child is aware of the process to receive support for their learning disability in collegeI recently met…
The Taxing Effects of Selling Your Home
Because of the generous capital gains exclusion on selling a primary residence, you may find that you do not owe…
Dodge Toys and Boost College Savings
"85% of parents expect their child to graduate with debt, estimating an average of $45,000 in student loans" according to…
When Parents Won’t Accept Help
"I can't hear you... LALALALALALALALALALALA"I recently presented on elder care to seemingly dissimilar groups. Despite their backgrounds, they all had…
