Author: Plancorp Team

Financial planning is an important part of achieving your life goals and securing your future. The right approach develops a comprehensive but approachable plan that grows and protects your assets and gives you the independence to pursue passions; but it's not a one-size-fits-all approach. Someone Read more…

Love should always be the primary reason for two people to tie the knot, but the financial benefits of marriage are an added incentive. From the tax benefits of marriage to changes in Social Security and even the correlation between marriage and credit score, there’s a lot to be aware of after you Read more…

When it comes to tax and financial planning, all of us — especially those with a high net worth — try to be proactive by maximizing the power of our money. To that end, many hire a financial advisor early on to help them get started with a solid spending and investment plan. But after a few years Read more…

Understanding market expected return and the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) for estimating returns is important for any investor. This article provides an overview of how the CAPM helps determine expected stock market returns and how much the stock market has returned throughout its history per Read more…

Most savvy business owners develop a business plan that includes an exit strategy. However, many companies fail to put a succession plan in place. In fact, only 34% of family-owned businesses have a succession plan , and those are usually very informal — meaning most don't survive for later Read more…

Numerous options exist for stashing your discretionary ("extra") money in a safe place and when saving for retirement, it's essential to understand exactly how your savings plan works. That way, you'll maximize your potential earnings so that you have a secure future.   Are you utilizing your Read more…

It goes without saying that traditional savings accounts aren’t enough to grow your money. As a type of investment, savings accounts are one of the safest places to put your money. The funds are liquid, so you can withdraw whenever and without penalties. However, these accounts are low-yield — Read more…

With a few practical skills and knowledge, DIY projects in your home or car can save you money. Financial planning, however, isn't the same as painting a room or replacing a headlight. In fact, DIY financial planning can cost you more than you think compared to the cost of professional help. Read more…

There comes a time that every business leader must ask themselves a question: "Before leaving my business, how do I go about planning for a successor?" With factors such as generational wealth, future goals, and executive strategies all tied up in your leadership role, you need to know how to Read more…

While you might not equate your business exit strategy with a family vacation, it actually helps to think of it like one (metaphorically speaking, of course). You probably wouldn't wait until a couple of weeks before your departure to start planning the trip. You wouldn't hold off until a few days Read more…