Blog

Simple Wealth Building Strategies

1. Put your money into things that make you money 2. Pay extra on your mortgage 3. Protect your wealth 4. Set up systematic investments and savings transfers 5. Pay off debt 6. Stop using debt 7. Use tax free strategies 8. Seek wise counsel

Lifestyle Analysis

Lifestyle Analysis Monthly Expenses Future expenses Transcript Picture of expenses form Featured Image Change date to a june date Calculation

Your $1,000,000 Nest Egg...Will it be Enough?

Personal finance is personal. When it comes to your assets and the management of your wealth, that’s personal too. A million dollars isn’t a lot of money anymore.

What's A Good Investment?

Wondering what makes an investment a good one?

Are you self-sabotaging by investing in retirement accounts?

Investing in retirement accounts can have some benefits. There are also things you should take into consideration when investing for retirement. Conventional Wisdom "The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more you'll have...

#gratitude #education #personalgrowth #inspiration

Reflection Today I’m taking time to reflect on the past year, what I’m grateful for, what I’ve learned, and how I’ve grown. This is part of my discipline to continue the process of personal development so that I...

Read This Before You Sign For Your Next Mortgage

Is A 30 Year Mortgage Really Your Best Choice? Home ownership can help build your net worth. Don't make the mistake of paying more than you need to though. There are multiple factors to consider when taking on the responsibility of a...

Net Worth: What It Is

Why You Should Care Your net worth is one measure of your financial health. Say what??? Have you always thought it was your credit score that's important? While credit score is important, it isn’t the sole indicator of financial...

Your 2018 Checklist

Melissa Myers, CFP® of Kar-Mel Financial Planners, Grand Haven, Michigan has compiled your list of monthly action steps for values-based living in 2018 and beyond.

5 Key Facts About

The New Tax Bill represents "the most sweeping overhaul of the U.S. tax code in more than 30 years." How will the new tax bill impact you?

Christmas Simplified

I've been on a journey toward simple living for the past decade. For me, it started in my kitchen. Cooking from scratch, using whole ingredients, ridding my pantry of needless and often processed foods. Then it moved from my kitchen...

Growing Older is Just About That - Growing!

Oh, You're Retiring! When I decided to step down from a position that I had thoroughly enjoyed and through which much was accomplished, I encountered a puzzling experience. As I shared this decision, I was met with a well-intended...

Book Club: Learn and Refresh

Personal Finance. Wealth. Prosperity. Summer is a great time for learning and for getting a refresher on subjects you already know. Searching for inspiration? Look no further. I've compiled this list just for you!

What Does Your Retirement Smell Like?

Can you smell chip cookies baking? Do you smell the damp, fertile soil, as you weed your garden? Are you spending more time at the lake fishing with your grandkids, smelling the fresh lake air in the breeze?

Reasons to Contact Your Financial Planner

Don't procrastinate calling your financial planner. If you are contemplating a financial decision a call to your planner is reasonable and expected.

Milestone Anniversary Checklist

Congratulations on your Milestone Anniversary!!! Whether you're celebrating 1 year or 30 here's a helpful checklist for you and your spouse to review together. 5 Things To Do With Your Spouse Everytime You Celebrate A Milestone...

10 Key Questions To Ask Your CFP® Professional

The following list of 10 Key Questions comes from the CFP® Board's website: letsmakeaplan.org. Melissa Myers, CFP® professional in Grand Haven, Michigan shares her answers below

How Will The Markets Respond?

Is A Swimming Pool A Good Investment?

Planning ahead is always a good idea; especially when it comes to investing in a swimming pool. In addition to financial considerations, there are lifestyle considerations. Find out if a pool is right for you and if now is the right time.

What's Your BHAG?

For those of you wondering what a BHAG is, it stands for Big Hairy Audacious Goal. What is your Big Hairy Audacious Goal? In my opinion, if it doesn’t both excite you and scare you, it isn’t a BHAG! Dream Big Setting goals...

Stop Serving Leftovers Start Saving $25/Week!

What Can You Design with Leftovers, $25, and Purpose?It is my passion, as well as my therapy, to cook for my family.  To avoid the groans about leftovers for dinner, the leftovers are repurposed into...

3 Easy Steps to Filling Your Pantry Without Stepping Foot in the Grocery Store

Hate grocery shopping? Don't hate...just plan ahead then delegate!

7 Reasons That Financial Planning Isn't Going To Work!

Are you contemplating whether or not to begin the financial planning process? Today's post addresses 7 Reasons Why Financial Planning Isn't Going To Work. See if any of them apply to you.

Where Do I Start?

Are you overwhelmed with the thought of getting your finances in order? Would you rather wash windows than create a budget?