Direct PLUS loans have become very popular in college planning. This post by Student Aid should answer all your major questions. It also goes into good detail on how to start repaying them after graduation vs at disbursement.
When agreeing to move forward at a retirement community, be prepared for the paperwork so you don’t encounter delays.
With the cost of gas and electricity skyrocketing in the past year, many households are looking to clean energy alternatives.
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
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.
The housing market has been frustrating for buyers, but there are signs that those frustrations might be easing.
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?
Discover how living a satisfying retirement is worth more than secured finances.
Is there an end game to the student loan repayment extensions? (Redirect to Nerd Wallet)
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.
One of the most common questions for anyone planning for retirement is: “What’s the best age to start Social Security?” Read how the program works, how it’s changed, and what to consider.
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.
Lately, I’ve had a number of clients and prospects ask how to pay for college. Not in the future – but RIGHT NOW. They’re past
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.
With the CARES Act expiring in January 2022, many will be asked to resume student loan payments – but can they afford to pay?
Will cash app and marketplace transactions be reported to the IRS? For many more than ever before – yes!
Keep the kids busy this Thanksgiving! Enjoy this coloring page that can decorate your table.
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 benefits for millions of Americans will increase 5.9% in 2022. Taxable wage maximum for SS tax increases to $147k.
Open enrollment is here, so as I offer every year, here is my latest recap that goes over the different Medicare Part/Plan options and their
Will cash deposits above $600 soon be reported to the IRS? Technically no, but for some effectively yes.
Medicare enrollment is happening NOW! Connect with a Medicare enrollment expert to review your Supplement, Part D or Advantage plan. Even if your health and
SECURE Act 2.0 focuses on incentivizing people to save more for retirement. But will it be passed?
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?
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.
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.
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.
POWWOW, LLC was recently featured by Linda Lecomte, REALTOR® in her new Andover-area inspired website and newsletter Shop Dine the Andovers.
Ask yourself three questions before you use actual dollars to buy cryptos In very simple terms, there are three main asset classes: equities (stocks), fixed-income
Passive income can unintentionally cause tax penalties for late or underpayments. This is avoidable by making estimated tax payments.
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.
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.
Health Savings Accounts are a tax-trifecta savings vehicle that are often overlooked due to bias against the less popular Flex Savings Accounts.
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.
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…
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.
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?
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.
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.
There is a ton to consider as you decide on the right college. Make sure you’ve considered all your options and resources.
When receiving treatment options for a diagnosis, learn when you may want to reach out to a doctor vs a health advocate.
Embark on a brighter future with our comprehensive guide on getting financial aid for private schools.
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.
News Years Resolutions – In bite size pieces Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year. But we all know what
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.
Commonplace strategies for helping an aging parent can blow up in your face if you have a college-bound child. Read how.
The holidays are here as we struggle to find balance between safe and sane during COVID-19. Your children are likely looking forward to the normalcy of holiday tradition,
Read about how tax planning opportunities could change in the coming years due to the upcoming election.
Halloween is my favorite time of year because it offers certain qualities other holidays lack: It’s an opportunity to be creative and try a new
Effective ways to reduce credit card debt If you have a lot of credit card debt on your shoulder, consolidating them into one affordable repayment
One extracurricular activity that every student can master while in college is personal money management. Typically, a student’s daily spending is done on an improvised
Everyone is asking – how will my goals be impacted by the upcoming election? When it comes to the stock market, elections matter less than
If you’re worried about downsizing your home, you really shouldn’t be. While finding the right home for your budget and planning a move can feel
Even if you’re not providing hands-on physical care for an aging parent, you’re still likely spending a ton of time in a project management role.
The coronavirus is bringing waves of changes to how we approach everyday tasks and traditions. The same will be true for college admissions. While colleges
Your checking account is at an all time high and you’re eager to do something more with your money. Anything has to be better than
I’ve recently had some questions about consolidating credit card debt. These questions usually come from clients who have 5+ cards or consumer loans with outstanding
Apart from stimulus checks, small business loans, and expanded unemployment, there are a few “hidden gems” sprinkled throughout the CARES Act that are worth noting.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is delaying the April 15th deadline to file and pay taxes by 90 days, giving individuals and businesses another
Student loan debt presents a serious financial burden for countless graduates. Even the XY Generation (you?) is struggling to earn enough money to take care
If you’re related to a loved one in the hospital, rehab or living in a retirement community, you may have received a message by now
What’s happening? The last couple weeks have certainly been rough on everyone. Stock markets across the world have been on a downward spiral with bouts
I recently read Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, MD. His insight perfectly blends medicine and emotion when it comes to the inevitable challenges of aging.
If you are in a cash crunch, you might consider taking out a 401(k) loan. But before you do, you should know the rules and
The SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20, 2019. Many changes were made that will materially impact retirees, 401(k) plans, and families. So
As a veteran you may feel like you’re participating in an Easter egg hunt to find all your benefits. This may be because most state
A fellow blogger liked my approach to personal finance by making S.M.A.R.T goals. Read how she implemented this into her life and own blog! https://doingthingsdifferent.net/saving-money-think-s-m-a-r-t/
The deadline for the 2019-2020 FAFSA is midnight, June 30, 2020. The earlier you file, the more grant money you are likely to receive (up to
My husband and I have had the fortune (or maybe misfortune?) of being involved in a number of personal real estate transactions. From inherited, residential,
As a Certified Financial Planner™ specializing in elder care I am asked this question daily. Unfortunately, all too often the family’s immediate reaction is that
It’s important to understand the fine print of your home equity line of credit (HELOC). Make sure not to get swept up in your plans
While success can be defined in a multitude of ways, most boil down to one simple desire – financial freedom. So what happens when a
It’s your birthday, and mom, age 81, gives you a call. After pleasantries, she mentions how short-tempered your brother has been. She appreciates his help
This year I had many families and small business owners asking for CPA recommendations. Surprisingly, the recent tax code changes that were meant to simplify
Negotiating is a critical life skill to master, but yet it’s largely untaught in a traditional school setting. We encounter negotiating everyday. Whether closing a
Whenever I discuss elder care I can count on being asked one question… “What if I run out of money?” Long-term elder care solutions come
Fantasizing that the money will somehow appear isn’t helpful. Here’s what is.
Did you feel attacked at your last family get-together from the mere mention of your intent to pay or not pay for your child’s first
Whether it’s alcohol, cigarettes or junk food, we all indulge in something we know we probably shouldn’t.
Maybe you have an idea of when you’d like to buy your first home or retire from the workforce. But just how realistic are your
The idea of retirement conjures different lifestyle images and meanings for any given person. While some are counting down the minutes to completing their final
Today, roughly one in five women in the United States do not have children. For the first time in U.S. history there may soon be
Does working alongside your contractor help or hurt? Renovations are something most home owners endure either by choice or necessity. Due to lack of skill and/or
Make sure your child is aware of the process to receive support for their learning disability in college I recently met Marylee Palmer of By
Because of the generous capital gains exclusion on selling a primary residence, you may find that you do not owe Federal taxes when it comes
“85% of parents expect their child to graduate with debt, estimating an average of $45,000 in student loans” according to a Fidelity survey. In one
“I can’t hear you… LALALALALALALALALALALA” I recently presented on elder care to seemingly dissimilar groups. Despite their backgrounds, they all had the common bond of
As my husband rolled coins the other day he started muttering about the value of wheat pennies and who’s actually buying these as collectibles. I start
Is it just me, or does making a bed instantly provide a feeling of accomplishment? For me, it doesn’t have to be perfect (far from
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Gross Income (Salary, Investment Earnings, etc.) – Allowable Deductions, Credits, and Exemptions =Adjusted Gross Income The goal is to reduce
Powwow, LLC was interviewed by Mental Floss to discuss common client mis-steps. The article positioned my response as being “annoyed” by my clients’ indiscretions. This
CD interest rates can be higher than a typical checking or savings account and are affected by these factors.
