When it comes to important documents, some people are detailed filers and others are “organized pilers”. You know where your documents are, but does anybody else? In an emergency or the event of your incapacity, could your adult children or designated Power of Attorney quickly find the documents and information that they need? Whether you choose to go electronic or stick with paper, there are a couple of steps to follow to organize your financial documents.
Stay Protected
If you make the shift to paperless with your documents, be sure that your home network is secure and that the documents and your personal computer are password protected. Be sure to quickly update the password that is automatically assigned to you during a new internet installation. Periodically update your antivirus software and make sure you have a firewall. If you receive account statements and notifications electronically, consider changing your password every six months to a year, and never access your financial information on a public network! When storing documents electronically, you can either save them locally on your computer or research websites that offer services to store and organize your important documents in one place.
2016 has been a whirlwind of a year, but hopefully not on your finances. Life changes and with it come new expenses or new financial goals. It’s important to regularly check in on your finances to ensure you are staying on track. What better time than the new year?
Many people may experience a spiked eggnog hangover during the holiday season, but do you also find yourself with a spending hangover? That nagging feeling that you may have spent too much on gifts for your loved ones but you aren’t really sure how much you should have spent?
1 in 3 online retail transactions happen on a mobile phone 
In a world filled with IRAs, 401(k)s, and brokerage accounts, what is the appeal of a Roth IRA? Unlike a traditional IRA, when funds are withdrawn from a Roth IRA account they are tax free because taxes have already been paid on the money at the time contributions were made. With the traditional IRA, funds are contributed pre-tax so when money is withdrawn from the account it is taxable at ordinary income rates. So the question becomes, pay tax now or later?
Many of us are well aware of the emotional strain caused by infidelity in a relationship, but not as many are aware of the emotional strain caused by financial infidelity. However, this seems to be a growing problem in the United States. The National Foundation for Financial Education® (NEFE®) conducted a poll in early 2016, digging into the details of the presence of financial infidelity in households across the nation. “Among U.S. adults, 42 percent admit to financial infidelity compared to 33 percent just two years ago. The survey also finds that when financial deceptions occur, 75 percent say there is an effect on the relationship.” 
Sharkey, Howes & Javer Blog 