When a birthday, Christmas or other special occasion rolls around, sometimes it's tough to think of what to get your child or grandchild.  In this episode of Around the Horn we talk about a different type of gift you can give for a child.  Doesn't even have to be your child or grand child.  Can be a friend, nephew, niece, cousin or who ever you feel you'd like to give to!  Whether it's doing this in place of a physical gift or an add on, this idea could the "gift that keeps on giving". 

Last week we talked about the 70/20/10 Rule and 90/7/3 Rule -- This week we add on to that and talk about a simple way that provides you no risk, liquidity and the ability to form a discipline needed to start saving for your retirement.  

The only way to retire is to make sure you pay yourself.  On top of that, take advantage of any match your employer offers.  

We hope this simple strategy is something you implement if you are skeptical about putting money away for the future currently. 

The 70/20/10 Rule.  Ever heard of it?  What does it entail and what does it have to do with you, you ask?  Well, click play and let's dig in! 

In this episode of Around the Horn, we give you some simple ideas to think about when it comes to navigating through trying times like we have now.  These are just a few general tips that may be of value if you are a small business owner or know of others who do own one in our area.

Job loss can be one of the most stressful times in your life if you encounter it.  Despite a major event like that, there are ways you can stay on track with your long-term goals, even when short-term unemployment occurs.  

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month.  Let's be aware of two of the most popular types of life insurance out there - Term & Whole Life.  You've maybe heard these in conversation before, but do you really know the difference?  In this episode, we take a peek at some of the pros and cons of both term life & whole life insurance products as we dive into a brand new month. 

Have you heard the term "riders" before when it comes to insurance?  They can be complicated and overwhelming to try and figure out - especially when there are so many of them!  We agree, and that's why we do this.  To educate you on many topics that get to be way too overwhelming and to the point you may just say "yeah, what ever you think is best" by the end of a sales pitch from an insurance/annuity salesman.  

Being independent we get the chance to show case all of the good and bad that comes with these types of products and add ons - so sit back, relax and get some general education on what riders are within policies.  

Thanks to a listener who had the question from one of our previous episodes regarding the 529 plans (college savings).  They had asked how this works when it comes to filing for financial aid and will it be a big impact?  Let's discuss this topic on this week's edition of Around the Horn. 

Did you know National Financial Awareness Day is just around the corner?  Maybe a better question is, did you even realize there was such a day called National Financial Awareness Day?   So, let's talk about it!

Do you currently have student loans or know someone who does?  They can get to be overwhelming and also make you feel like they never go away.  In this episode of our Around the Horn podcast, Kurt Philion visits with David Carlson, author of "Student Loan Solution: 5 Steps to Take Control of Your Student Loans & Financial Life".  

David is born & raised in Minnesota.  For more information about David Carlson, visit his website at www.davidbcarlson.com