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MONEY matters

Mark Zaifman's thoughts on money, global economic trends and politics

Mark Zaifman

Women Don't Talk About Retirement Income Planning
Mark Zaifman   |    Tue, Jan 17, 2012 @ 04:21 PM

According to the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, a measly 8% of employed women feel they are building a sufficient retirement fund. One of the main reasons for this is that women aren't talking about retirement planning.

So to remedy the problem, and based on it's research, the Center for Retirement Studies came up with some questions that family, friends and advisors can ask women to get them started with talking about retirement.

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Still Making Good Financial Decisions or Are You Losing Your Grip?
Mark Zaifman   |    Wed, Jan 11, 2012 @ 10:00 AM

Can you guess the average age at which we are at our mental sweet spot?

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How Much Money Does it Take to Make You Feel Rich?
Mark Zaifman   |    Thu, Jan 05, 2012 @ 12:32 PM

How much money does it really take before we consider ourselves to be rich?  Based on net worth and income, this infographic by Mint.com, which is based on a recent Gallup poll reveals just what we Americans believe the 'rich index' is.

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Creating A Personal Financial Plan in 2012 - Investment or Expense?
Mark Zaifman   |    Thu, Dec 29, 2011 @ 03:07 PM

This is the time of year people often start thinking about getting their financial house in order. So if creating a personal financial plan is on your list as a personal and financial goal to accomplish in 2012, you won’t be alone.  As you survey the landscape of fee-only financial planning options available, keep this in mind;

Creating and implementing a comprehensive financial plan that

  • optimizes your cash flow and investments;
  • aligns your money with your values;
  • provides you a smart and strategic financial roadmap that’s easy to understand and implement;
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Financial Planning for Couples -The Power of 2
Mark Zaifman   |    Fri, Dec 16, 2011 @ 12:32 PM

Yesterday, a slew of articles appeared in the news proclaiming Married Couples at a Record Low. I’m aware of the trend that younger people are delaying or reevaluating whether they want to make the plunge, and with over 50% of marriages still ending in divorce, I can understand the hesitancy.

So as we prepare to bid farewell to 2011 and ring in 2012, I find myself wondering, will money continue to be one of the major causes of couple’s calling it quits?

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5 Reasons Vanguard Index Funds are Top Choice for Smart Investors
Mark Zaifman   |    Tue, Dec 13, 2011 @ 10:08 AM
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If Financial Freedom is Your Destiny, You Must Tame Your Ego
Mark Zaifman   |    Thu, Dec 08, 2011 @ 02:29 PM

Although poor investment choices and shoddy money management habits pose some of the greatest risks to your long term financial security, an additional risk that’s not often considered is the risk our over demanding egos pose to our financial freedom.

It's the ego that wants us to believe that we are how much money we make, the job title we hold, the type of clothes we wear, the home we live in or the car we drive. It’s the ego that demands we compare ourselves to our colleagues, neighbors, family members and even celebrities. The ego has us continually striving yet never quite arriving. And most toxic of all, it’s the ego that convinces us our self-worth is linked indelibly to our net-worth.

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5 Vital Indicators to Help You Reach Financial Success in 2012
Mark Zaifman   |    Tue, Dec 06, 2011 @ 10:17 AM

Are you planning on a miracle or planning for success in 2012?

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Maximize Happiness by Managing Money
Mark Zaifman   |    Thu, Dec 01, 2011 @ 02:17 PM

I heard two new great phrases pertaining to money this week. The first was “living below your means” which I wrote about in a previous blogpost after hearing Suze Orman promoting her new Money Class. Living within ones means is now a common phrase, but below ones means? – now that’s a concept that I truly hope goes viral. 

The second phrase appeared in an article one of my favorite clients, Eddie M sent me – the phrase is “time affluent.”

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Living Below Your Means is Key to a Successful Retirement
Mark Zaifman   |    Wed, Nov 30, 2011 @ 03:16 PM

Of all the many golden rules when it comes to managing money, one of the most classic and familiar is to “live within your means”. How many times have you heard that expression?

But how about “living below your means”? Suze Orman, (whose style is not my favorite, but whose message is clear and spot on) has a new series called The Money Class which is where I heard the phrase living below your means. I’ve watched some of her specials before, yet I think this is her best yet. From the intro I watched on PBS, I believe this Money Class series is going to really benefit many, many people in bad financial shape.

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