• Transfer out of high interest debt to zero or low interest debt
• Find free money
• Reduce student loan debt by refinancing or adding to your minimum payments
• Find better prices insurance, utilities and other expenses

• Review your credit report - OFTEN
• How to correct negative events on your credit report
• Make an extra payment toward debt

• Set goals
• Make or increase your 401k contributions, especially if you have employer matching
• Start an automatic savings plan, no matter how much you can start with

• What if the primary earner dies or suffers a disability?
• How well have you trained your children to be financially responsible?
• Are you taking advantage of all the benefits your employer offers?
• What's your plan for major purchases?
• Are your investments diversified and age appropriate?

• Are you living paycheck to paycheck?
• Does only one person in the family know where the money goes?
• Do you discuss budgets, spending and goals with your partner?
• DO NOT loan money to family and friends
• Do you have an emergency fund that you put money in regularly?

• An overspending spouse can endanger your retirement
• Communication and understanding underlying issues can help couples find common ground
• Overspending is often more than just numbers, it is emotional
• Take action before marital damage leads to divorce

Retirement will be your longest "vacation".  People rely on Social Security and pensions for steady income in retirement.  What if this doesn't cover your monthly expenses.  We call this your retirement income gap.  Today we will talk about different ways to create guaranteed income in retirement.

Key takeaways:

• Using stock market assets and dividend income
• Is real estate or REIT's a good income source
• Income annuities can provide an additional income stream in retirement
• Working part time after retirement

Today we will talk about the main differences between a Will and a Trust.  Our goal is to help you think about your options and help you determine which would be best for you.  Start thinking about how you will communicate your wishes once you are gone.

Key Takeaways:

• Is a "do it yourself" will a good idea for you
• Creating a trust can protect you from people that want access to your legacy
• Trusts avoid probate
• Make sure your attorney includes HIPPA, Medical & Financial Powers of Attorney, and DNR forms

No matter how you voted, a lot of change is coming.  These changes have made many people nervous or fearful.  You can overcome this fear with a solid financial plan.

Key takeaways:

• Taxes will go up
• Start with a solid detailed financial plan that can accommodate future changes
• Turn the news off!
• Americans are overcomers - we have made it through world wars, depressions, stock market crashes, and virus outbreaks.

Getting a tax break up front when you contribute to your 401k, IRA, 403b, 457 etc seems like a great idea.  But is it? You decide after we walk through an example of paying tax now, or paying it later.