Blog by Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA

Quarterly Thoughts - Q2 2021

07/14/2021 11:52 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

In nearly every market at almost any given time, it seems there are always at least a few gravity-defying trends on the rise, propped up by frothy bursts of popular appeal.

Is Inflation Haunting Your Financial Dreams?, Part 2: What We Can Do About It

07/05/2021 08:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

For investors, it’s important to take a step back and look at the big picture before acting on breaking news. But what if inflation does get out of hand, and stays that way for a while?

Is Inflation Haunting Your Financial Dreams?, Part 1: What We Know

06/21/2021 08:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Has the specter of inflation got you spooked? First and foremost, we caution against succumbing to fear or panic in the face of inflation. As usual, careful planning remains your best guide.

Protecting What’s Yours (After You Pass), Part 2: Step-by-Step Estate Planning

06/07/2021 08:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

If you’ve been putting off your estate planning, taking the initial steps can be daunting—but liberating. So, let’s get started today, one hurdle at a time.

Protecting What’s Yours (After You Pass), Part 1: The Importance of Estate Planning

05/24/2021 08:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

When you pass, you will leave behind an estate, and somebody will need to settle it. Your estate may be worth a little or a lot, but there’s no escaping death and taxes.

Protecting What’s Yours (While You’re Alive)

05/10/2021 08:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Whether due to disability, dementia, or simply enjoying an exotic vacation, there are many ways you can end up unavailable to make critical financial or health care choices for yourself or your loved ones.

SPACs, NFTs, and Other Jungle Creatures

04/19/2021 05:50 PM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

If you think of an NFT as being like a collectible—say, an autographed baseball card—but in digital format, you’re getting close to envisioning its worth.

Cryptocurrency – What’s It All About?, Part 3: Trading Cryptocurrency

04/05/2021 08:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Welcome to the final part in this Cryptocurrency – What’s It All About? series on cryptocurrency. A lot of ground was covered in Part 1 and Part 2. You may or may not be interested in using cryptocurrency as a means of exchange. But what about trading in it, directly or in f...

Cryptocurrency – What’s It All About?, Part 2: Spending Cryptocurrency

03/22/2021 08:00 AM By Mike Halper, CFP®, MPAS®, SE-AWMA®, CDAA, CBDA - Comment(s)

Cryptocurrency is typically driven “by and for the people” in peer-to-peer exchanges. At least in theory, this permits it to flow more quickly and cheaply, with fewer fees and administrative hurdles.