Children
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.
February 4, 2021
No Comments
About Me
Quentara Costa, CFP®
Quentara Costa helps the sandwich generation prioritize kids, self, and aging parents. For years Quentara was the primary caregiver for her father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the age of 70. Since his passing, she’s become a mother of three. Professionally she received a master’s degree in Personal Financial Planning from Bentley University and has held the CFP® designation since 2010. Community involvement includes hosting the Merrimack Valley Senior and Caregiver Group and volunteering for Budget Buddies.
Elder Care Planning
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.
January 20, 2021
No Comments
Children
A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid for Private Schools
Embark on a brighter future with our comprehensive guide on getting financial aid for private schools.
January 12, 2021
1 Comment
Investing
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.
January 12, 2021
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General Planning
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. But we all know what
January 1, 2021
1 Comment
Children
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.
December 9, 2020
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General Planning
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.
December 9, 2020
1 Comment
Children
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 to the normalcy of holiday tradition,
November 10, 2020
No Comments
General Planning
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.
November 3, 2020
No Comments
Children
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 creative and try a new
October 7, 2020
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Budgeting
How to Reduce Credit Card Debt without Hurting your Credit
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
September 23, 2020
1 Comment
Children
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 is done on an improvised
September 20, 2020
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Investing
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, elections matter less than
September 20, 2020
1 Comment
Elder Care Planning
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 planning a move can feel
September 1, 2020
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
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 in a project management role.
July 12, 2020
1 Comment
Children
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 for college admissions. While colleges
May 9, 2020
No Comments
General Planning
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 has to be better than
May 8, 2020
2 Comments
Budgeting
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 or consumer loans with outstanding
April 23, 2020
1 Comment
Tax
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 Act that are worth noting.
April 20, 2020
5 Comments
Tax
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, giving individuals and businesses another
April 7, 2020
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Children
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 enough money to take care
April 7, 2020
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
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 received a message by now
March 14, 2020
No Comments
Investing
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 downward spiral with bouts
March 13, 2020
2 Comments
Elder Care Planning
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 the inevitable challenges of aging.
February 4, 2020
2 Comments
Retirement
401(k) Loans: Pros and Cons
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
February 4, 2020
5 Comments
Children
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, 401(k) plans, and families. So
January 13, 2020
4 Comments
Elder Care Planning
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 may be because most state
January 9, 2020
1 Comment
General Planning
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 life and own blog! https://doingthingsdifferent.net/saving-money-think-s-m-a-r-t/
November 18, 2019
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Children
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 likely to receive (up to
October 2, 2019
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
September 13, 2019
No Comments
General Planning
Hindsight on Real Estate
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,
July 19, 2019
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Elder Care Planning
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 family’s immediate reaction is that
June 20, 2019
1 Comment
General Planning
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 swept up in your plans
June 10, 2019
3 Comments
General Planning
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. So what happens when a
May 31, 2019
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
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 been. She appreciates his help
April 26, 2019
1 Comment
General Planning
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 that were meant to simplify
April 12, 2019
1 Comment
Children
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 a full piggy bank.
March 7, 2019
4 Comments
General Planning
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 negotiating everyday. Whether closing a
February 13, 2019
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
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 care solutions come
February 2, 2019
1 Comment
General Planning
November 15, 2018
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
November 9, 2018
No Comments
Media Mentions
Don’t Let Magical Thinking Jinx Retirement Planning
Fantasizing that the money will somehow appear isn’t helpful. Here’s what is.
September 27, 2018
No Comments
Children
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 pay for your child’s first
September 25, 2018
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Budgeting
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.
September 12, 2018
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General Planning
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 just how realistic are your
August 14, 2018
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Retirement
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 minutes to completing their final
June 13, 2018
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Children
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. history there may soon be
May 29, 2018
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General Planning
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 lack of skill and/or
April 26, 2018
5 Comments
Children
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 college I recently met Marylee Palmer of By
April 24, 2018
5 Comments
Elder Care Planning
March 30, 2018
No Comments
General Planning
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 Federal taxes when it comes
March 29, 2018
2 Comments
Children
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 a Fidelity survey. In one
March 22, 2018
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
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 the common bond of
February 27, 2018
7 Comments
General Planning
Can I sell my collectibles without losing 50% of their value?
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
February 20, 2018
1 Comment
Children
Tackling Your Kid’s Closet Can Make Head Space for More Important Matters
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
February 16, 2018
No Comments
Tax
Talking Tax
Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Gross Income (Salary, Investment Earnings, etc.) – Allowable Deductions, Credits, and Exemptions =Adjusted Gross Income The goal is to reduce
February 13, 2018
2 Comments
General Planning
Should I sell product as my side hustle?
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
January 29, 2018
1 Comment
Media Mentions
6 Factors That Could Influence CD Interest Rates
CD interest rates can be higher than a typical checking or savings account and are affected by these factors.
December 20, 2017
No Comments
Investing
Understanding the Impending Tax Legislation
Feeling insecure in your ability to banter on about politics, taxes, and headline news the next time you sit down with family and friends? I
December 18, 2017
7 Comments
General Planning
Is Genetic Testing a Good Idea?
During the recent holiday season I was peppered with advertising promoting the idea of gifting DNA and ancestry kits. I’ll admit it, I’m terrible at
December 11, 2017
1 Comment
General Planning
Forms of Business Ownership
Inspired by a question in the North Andover Mom’s Facebook Group! As a business grows from a hobby or planned venture, it’s important to put
December 4, 2017
No Comments
Estate Planning
How to Become the Person Legally Responsible for Older Adults
Q: My aging parent has a will naming me executor, isn’t that enough for me to take control now? A: No, your parent’s will comes
December 4, 2017
1 Comment
Tax
Useful Tips on How to Resolve IRS Problems
If there’s anything as disconcerting as having the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) call you about a problem, it’s having to call them. Most people don’t
November 20, 2017
No Comments
General Planning
Evaluating Credit Cards
A credit check for credit cards… When you apply for a credit card you are required to fill out a credit history. The analysis of
November 15, 2017
1 Comment
Elder Care Planning
Bayberry Assisted Living: Panel Event on Navigating Elder Care
Quentara Costa visited Bayberry at Emerald Court alongside Patrick Curley of Curley Law Firm in Wakefield, MA to discuss elder care planning. Quentara addressed “The
November 3, 2017
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
FINRA Creates New Rule to Help Seniors
“The person you named 10 years ago to be your power of attorney isn’t necessarily the correct fit for today and could be the wrong
November 2, 2017
No Comments
Media Mentions
3 Ways Your House Could Help You Retire
Powwow, LLC was interviewed by CBS MoneyWatch to discuss how home equity can be utilized for retirement. In my years of planning I’ve typically seen
October 17, 2017
1 Comment
Budgeting
Should You Use Credit Cards to Pay for Child Care?
Five things to consider before financing daycare NerdWallet recently interviewed POWWOW for an article on an issue plaguing most young families – how to afford
August 17, 2017
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
How Tech Can Help You Be a Great Caretaker
… Even from hundreds of miles away! Most of us want to have a role in caretaking our aging loved ones, but many of us
August 17, 2017
2 Comments
Elder Care Planning
Elder Financial Abuse within Families
“Making the call [on elder fraud] is simple when the thief isn’t related to the client. But when the miscreant is a child or grandchild,
July 31, 2017
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
Making sure your money will last in retirement
“A recent Merrill Lynch Age Wave survey showed 37% of people over 50 believe they may need long-term care during their lifetime, but the reality
July 5, 2017
No Comments
Media Mentions
6 Factors That Could Influence CD Interest Rates
“Opening a certificate of deposit (CD) can be a low-risk way to save for short- and long-term goals, whether it’s a new set of wheels
June 21, 2017
1 Comment
Elder Care Planning
Starting the Health Care Conversation
“Where will your clients live, and for how long? What roles will their children or other caretakers play? Have they considered what they’ll do if
June 20, 2017
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
Reverse Mortgages
I often receive questions about reverse mortgages, particularly on whether they’re a viable solution to afford elder care. The first thing to realize here is
May 12, 2017
No Comments
General Planning
How to Set Financial Goals
How do you define success? Nerd Wallet published an article on the importance and strategy behind goal planning. For the most part, this is the
April 25, 2017
1 Comment
General Planning
DOL Fiduciary Ruling Delayed
The DOL fiduciary ruling set to launch in April requiring that advisors act in a consumer’s best interest has been tentatively delayed until June 9,
April 25, 2017
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
Good Financial Reads: Elderly Care
XY Planning Network offers consumer blogs that follow specific interests and subject matter. This is a great (and FREE) way to receive focused information from
April 21, 2017
No Comments
General Planning
Long Term Care Insurance
Is it worth considering? Age 50-60 has traditionally been the sweet spot for reviewing long-term care insurance options. New research is even indicating that the
March 29, 2017
1 Comment
Retirement
How would you feel if you could retire now?
Successful planning boils down to two key factors: Working with accurate information Managing behavior It probably comes at no surprise that financial planners mostly struggle
February 14, 2017
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
Elder Care Decisions Begin at 50
I’m a big believer in discussing elder care with my clients as young as age 50. I use this age as my starting point for
February 7, 2017
1 Comment
Children
8 Financial Gift Ideas for Children
Trying to be more intentional with gifting? US News published a great article on how to be both generous and practical when it comes to
January 14, 2017
1 Comment
Elder Care Planning
The importance and opportunity within elder care planning
I’m thrilled to share an article highlighting the reasons for my commitment to help seniors and their family. “As a caregiver for her ailing father,
December 5, 2016
No Comments
General Planning
Having issues moving forward with a big decision?
When opportunity knocks, do you answer the door, or complain about the noise? Take some time this week to consider ALL your options, not just
December 2, 2016
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
A Promising Future for Alzheimer’s Research
Last night 60 Minutes did a piece on Alzheimer’s research. While scientists believe they have found the cause, preventative treatment is administered too late. Until
November 28, 2016
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
The Conversation Project
90% of people say that talking with their loved ones about end-of-life care is important. 27% have actually done so.* Initiating conversation can make the
November 15, 2016
3 Comments
Media Mentions
Press Release
Quentara E. Costa of POWWOW, LLC accepted for Membership in the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) Chicago, IL – Quentara E. Costa
October 8, 2016
No Comments
Elder Care Planning
The Mindful Caregiver: Finding Ease in the Caregiving Journey
“The only control you have is over the changes you choose to make.” The quote by Nancy Kriseman is a simple reminder to make decisions
October 7, 2016
No Comments
Budgeting
Motivation: A Three Pronged Approach
In a time where we have access to great sites like Pinterest and Houzz, it’s never been easier to envision our projects, ideas, and events.
October 7, 2016
No Comments
General Planning
Adding a fiduciary to your benefits roster
“Growing businesses are highly motivated to attract and retain newer team members who are driving the day-to-day business. While these employees may not have accumulated significant wealth, they still
September 22, 2016
No Comments
General Planning
A Candle Loses Nothing by Lighting Another Candle
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Over the weekend I came across this quote by James Keller and absolutely loved it. What a
September 20, 2016
2 Comments
Budgeting
Stop getting in the way of your financial success
Money – it’s influential, stressful, and tantalizing. I’m always interested in people’s reaction to receiving money because most of the time it’s contrary to what’s
September 13, 2016
1 Comment
General Planning
Big Purchase
Ahhh, the end of summer. So many clients with stories about their fabulous vacation, and they’re having a hard time accepting it’s over. They come
September 13, 2016
2 Comments
Budgeting
Bills, Bills & More Bills
It’s hard knowing how to allocate your money, especially when you’re feeling stretched in all directions. A big challenge is the balancing act between the
September 13, 2016
1 Comment
Children
Newborn Considerations
Congratulations!! Now let’s get down to business. There is often so much excitement, joy, and preparation for the baby’s first week home that we can
September 13, 2016
1 Comment
Elder Care Planning
The New Normal
Elder planning is a touchy but important subject. Whether it’s for yourself or that of a loved one, the impact of poor planning is rarely
September 13, 2016
No Comments
General Planning
Why would I work with a Robo-Advisor?
Robo or Real? Robo-advisor is a term I come across multiple times a day and there are no shortage of opinion on whether they’re an
August 20, 2016
1 Comment
General Planning
What’s a…fi-doo-shee-er-ee??
A fi-doo-shee-er-ee, or fiduciary in common English, is one of the most important considerations in choosing a financial planner. Don’t believe me? You should, because even entertainment media is
August 20, 2016
2 Comments
