March 2021 Redundancy in an essay or article is usually frowned upon. Annoying repetition interrupts a narrative’s flow, perhaps even undermining its point. Redundancy in a spacecraft is wise. Backup systems help ensure a mission’s success (like with NASA’s Perseverance rover, which just recently beamed back the first ever sounds from Mars). Tracing the trajectory of your financial life plan from various vantage points or perspectives is useful redundancy, if it yields greater clarity and confidence. Do your deepest-held values overlay your most important goals? Do your long-term needs and wants balance your short-term needs and wants? How do you define “enough,” and are you on track to achieve financial peace of mind? Read on for some convergent angles from which to view how money may work in your life.

HOW TO BE UNHAPPY BUT SUCCESSFUL

Gap thinking means measuring ourselves by the distance between where we are and where we want to be or by what others have achieved. Gain thinking means looking back and measuring ourselves against the progress we have made. What’s your yardstick, the gap or the gain? Learn why the answer matters in the way we approach money and life – but especially money. Read the full article.

WHICH IS BETTER: ETFs OR REGULAR MUTUAL FUNDS?

ETFs and mutual funds come with separate structures and don’t trade the same way, but they also stack up fairly equally along lines of diversification and tax efficiency. Catch our Ask Buckingham video podcast series for a breakdown of similarities and differences between the two, as well as some factors to consider when determining which is right for your portfolio. Watch the video.

LIFE ISN'T A STRAIGHT LINE: CASH FLOW PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT

Accumulating assets is like building a ship in a bottle; spending those assets in retirement is like getting the ship out without breaking it. That’s why a plan for how and when to tap various income sources as tax efficiently as possible over your lifetime – all while leaving the legacy you want – can help clear the financial and mental hurdle of going from saver to spender. Read the full article.

VICTORY BELONGS TO THE PATIENT

While having a well-thought-out investment plan is a necessary ingredient for successful outcomes (one can get lucky, but odds are against it), the sufficient ingredient is developing the patience and discipline to adhere to that plan. How? Knowing some common behavioral mistakes to avoid, as well as your financial history, is a prudent place to start. Read the full article.

7 QUESTIONS TO ANSWER ABOUT YOUR LIFE INSURANCE PLAN

Life insurance is a financial product and requires periodic care, just like any other asset. Income, family structure, and health can all change over time. Naturally, your life insurance needs evolve with these life changes, so it’s important to review your life insurance plan regularly. Learn seven questions to ask yourself to ensure you maintain effective and efficient protection. Read the full article.

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