Posts by Marcus F. Johnson, CFPⓇ
Why “Good” is often better than “Perfect”
Seeking for perfection is embedded in the human psyche. We’ve been taught that “good enough” isn’t good enough. But striving for perfection in ourselves and others can be crippling, stressful, and often results in unhappiness. Brain studies back this up. Trying to be perfect overwhelms your brain with emotions and makes you feel out of…
Read MoreMaking Things Easier for a Surviving Spouse
While it’s difficult to imagine, even the most devoted couple will eventually be separated by a death. That’s why it’s important to take steps to reduce your spouse’s burdens in case you die first.
Read MoreConsolidating Retirement Accounts
Consolidating can reduce paperwork and make it easier to balance investments, monitor their progress, plan a withdrawal strategy and update beneficiary changes.
Read MorePotential Pandemic Positives
A crisis can leave us better or worse. We’ll do our best to prepare you for potential challenges and opportunities.
Read More“A Work In Progress”
Jefferson was living in Philadelphia when he dipped his pen in an inkwell and wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” In his recent annual address…
Read MoreMid-Year Reviews More Important Than Ever
Mention summer and most of us picture swimming, boating, camping, backyard barbecues and scenic vacations. In contrast, the summer of 2020 evokes many challenging and painful images due to our ongoing battle with COVID-19 and rising social unrest. But even when life doesn’t feel the same, it’s important to maintain normal routines to safeguard our…
Read MoreCollege Students Face New Challenges
Rapidly rising college costs over the last decade have made college planning difficult. This year, COVID-19 has brought new challenges and considerations to college students and their families. Funding challenges. According to the College Savings Foundation, 39 percent of the class of 2020 said economic uncertainty surrounding the pandemic will affect their decisions regarding higher…
Read MoreSequence of Returns Risk
From young adults beginning a career to current retirees, most Americans share a common concern. Will they be able to maintain their desired lifestyle throughout retirement? They are aware of common obstacles: longevity, health care costs, inflation and potential long-term care. Recent market volatility is drawing attention to a less understood challenge – sequence of…
Read MoreTips for Working From Home
As U.S. governors plan to reopen their states and medical researchers across the globe scramble to create an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19, it’s natural to wonder how different our lives might look after the virus is under control. Chances are, parents will continue accessing online educational resources for their children, and geographically distanced…
Read MoreA Great Time to Make a Difference
As we digest today’s sobering headlines, conflicting reports and startling predictions related to COVID-19, it’s easy to feel rather powerless. Across the globe, researchers are scrambling to learn about the disease and leaders are struggling to protect their citizens’ health and their nations’ economies. On an individual level, our normal routines have been shattered, and…
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