Beyond Your Finances, Investment Planning, Retirement
Readers of my previous blog posts know that since I retired more than 18 months ago, I don’t spend much time looking at the values of my investments. There are four main reasons for this. First, I spent more than 30 years watching the markets and client portfolio values on a daily basis. I…
While Valentine’s Day may be considered by some to be just another “Hallmark Holiday”, it actually has its roots in historical traditions based on love and devotion. From all of us at PDS Planning, Happy Valentine’s Day! Valentine’s Day is based on an ancient Roman pagan ritual. Every February, the Romans celebrated the feast of…
Beyond Your Finances, Retirement
“Some people make more than a career out of their work. They make a difference.” It’s been more than a year since I retired from my position as Portfolio Manager and Chief Compliance Officer with PDS Planning in Columbus, Ohio. One of the many retirement cards I received from clients and colleagues contained…
Most of the time when you hear about identity theft or a security breach, it is associated with a negative storyline and a series of recommended actions to protect yourself, particularly if your information was compromised. Placing a credit freeze is one of the best ways to protect your personal identity. The federal…
Beyond Your Finances, Market Commentary, Retirement
I have always had a great respect for educators and how they impact our society. Both my mother and aunt were teachers. I recall as a child how my mother spent countless hours working to get her Masters degree to stay certified while raising three kids. And now, my wife, Abbey, is a teacher. I…
My three daughters have all graduated from college. Two of them are now married – and one of them made me a grandmother this past July! Our other daughter is also now comfortably living on her own. Even though it’s been a few years now, I still remember the painful transition and feeling of loss…
Beyond Your Finances, Estate & Legacy
A recent post from Jamie on his WealthAdviceMadeSimple blog regarding the differences in life insurance. Spring 2000 – I sat at my desk, an aspiring CPA if there is such a thing. Bored out of my mind. It’s not that I didn’t work with great people, or for a great firm, but the…
When a working woman decides to start a family, there is likely the nagging question of “should I stay home with my child or should I go back to work?” Of course, financial circumstances will be a huge consideration in making such a decision. Career ambitions may also play a part. Where you are now…
Beyond Your Finances, Retirement
I gained my label as a distance runner in high school running track and cross country. However, I didn’t really get back into running until about six years ago when I ran my first half marathon. Since then, I’ve run two full marathons, eight half marathons, and enough events in the range of 5K-15K…
The REAL ID Act established security standards for Driver’s Licenses and State-issued IDs that will go into effect beginning October 1, 2020. The primary impact on most people will be for commercial airline travel (i.e. TSA security checkpoints). Current status of your particular state of residence’s compliance along with Frequently Asked Questions are regularly…
“Being a great father is like shaving. No matter how well you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow.” – Reed Markham, educator and author of “Happy Father’s Day: Great Thoughts for Great Fathers”. Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June to recognize the contributions that fathers and father figures…
Because of the barbeques, long weekend, and warmer temperatures, Memorial Day is often anticipated and hailed as the unofficial start of summer. And for those fashion sticklers among us, it becomes the acceptable kickoff date for wearing white for the next few months. But Memorial Day is so much more than an excuse…
Celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in May, Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 13th, 2018. In honor of mothers everywhere, we urge everyone to celebrate this important holiday for our givers of life, not only this weekend, but throughout the year by recognizing the strength, patience, and nurturing guidance only a mother has.…
Beyond Your Finances, Retirement
There have been many changes for me since August 31, 2017. On that day, I officially retired as partner and Chief Compliance Officer of PDS Planning, Inc. in Columbus. Having worked for a total of almost 50 years (five of those while I was in college), there was more than a bit of trepidation as…
Beyond Your Finances, Market Commentary
A recent post from Jamie on his WealthAdviceMadeSimple blog regarding the value of online savings accounts. Breaking a bad habit is hard, but not all habits are bad. I strongly recommend The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg to reinforce how habits can be used to create successful outcomes. However, many habits, or reluctance for…
