I've written before about Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and how they are great to pay for medical expenses pre-tax but even better if you use them as a stealth retirement account. I've also written about Section 125 Plans, which includes your insurance premiums and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). But in recent discussions in a class … Continue reading FSAs: Use It Or Lose It (Except Not All Of It)
Investing, Volatility and Asset Allocation
I've written a bit before about investing, volatility and asset allocation (here, here, and here, as well as in my books). Individual circumstances matter a lot, including - but not limited to - your goals, your risk tolerance and your investment horizon. But, in general, I think that many people are not invested enough in … Continue reading Investing, Volatility and Asset Allocation
Comparing Teacher Pension Plans
Comparison is the thief of joy.attributed to Theodore Roosevelt A topic that comes up reasonably frequently is the difference in teacher pension plans. Usually the context is someone complaining (suggesting?) that some other pension plan is "better" than theirs. It seems like a simple enough comparison, teachers are teachers and pensions are pensions, right? Well, … Continue reading Comparing Teacher Pension Plans
New Book: TL;DR: Financial Literacy for St. Paul Public School Teachers
I just wanted to share my latest book, this one written with Tom Totushek for educators in St. Paul Public Schools who are members of SPTRFA, focusing on financial literacy and making the most of their SPTRFA pension benefits. Please consider sharing with any educators you know in St. Paul. This is the latest in … Continue reading New Book: TL;DR: Financial Literacy for St. Paul Public School Teachers
Colorado PERA’s Funded Status, the Signal Light Report, and the AAP
One of the most talked about - and often least understood - aspects of any pension plan is its "funded status," the percent of future liabilities that is currently funded (or, actually, projected to be funded) by current assets. This is certainly true of Colorado PERA, which will be the focus of this post. By … Continue reading Colorado PERA’s Funded Status, the Signal Light Report, and the AAP
Book Recommendation: Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk
I just finished reading Cameron Huddleston's book, Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk: How to Have Essential Conversations with Your Parents About Their Finances. I think this is an excellent book if you know you need to talk with your parents about their finances, but haven't figured out how to do it. The author … Continue reading Book Recommendation: Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk
Fisch Financial 