PLANNING

Section 529 plans are popular education savings vehicles. To choose the type of 529 plan that's right for you, it's important to understand how 529 savings plans and 529 prepaid tuition plans work and the differences between them.

Who can offer each type of plan?

There is a lot of financial responsibility after obtaining a large sum of money. Your main goal should be able to take the money you receive from your contract and make it work for you and your family. Here 5 things you should do right after you sign a contract.

1. Set up a personal balance sheet and give yourself a spending limit.

In these trying times, even those with veins of steel can find themselves nervous about the market's direction and what it could mean for one's financial future. And the unprecedented nature of the novel coronavirus—and its ability to shutter businesses and services nationwide—can make it hard to take lessons (or comfort) from previous corrections and recessions. Fortunately, the objective data and guidance a financial professional can provide can go a long way toward calming an investor's frayed nerves.

Most of us go to see professionals when we’re in trouble or during times of crisis. Think about it. We go to the doctor when we’re sick. We go see a lawyer when we have a pending legal matter. We go see a counselor when we’re feeling depressed.

As a financial advisor, unfortunately, I often hear from clients after something has happened – and sometimes I’m limited in how I can help. Sure, I can often make a situation better, but if I knew about what my clients were facing sooner, I can usually help them avoid lots of heartache and often save money.

Does your family know how much money you make? Or how much you’ve saved for retirement? What about your total net worth?

If you’re like most people, you probably keep this information to yourself. Perhaps it’s a relic of an earlier era, but many of us still believe it’s inappropriate to talk about money—even with our closest family members.