5 Estate Planning Considerations

Creating a comprehensive estate plan is a key step in ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for after you’re gone. Picture two families trying to find their way forward after losing a loved one. For the first family, Sarah’s father had a clear and up-to-date estate plan. His will outlined […]

Your Year-End Financial Checklist

As we enter the finals days of 2024, the end of the year is a great time to make sure you are on track with your financial goals. Use these 7 reminders as a year-end checklist. And remember, if any of these suggestions seem confusing, our team at Plott and French is always a phone […]

The Real Answer to Your Financial Questions: It Depends

When it comes to personal finance, one of the most common—and frustrating—answers you’ll hear is, “It depends.” Whether you’re asking about the best way to invest, how much you should save for retirement, or how to minimize your tax burden, the response is often the same. And while “It depends” might seem like a cop-out, […]

Take a Retirement Test Drive

When we think about retirement, we often focus on financial readiness. But an equally important aspect is how you’ll spend your time. Without the structure of a job, it’s essential to have a plan for how you’ll spend your time. One way to prepare is to test-drive your retirement lifestyle before making the big leap. […]

Who Was Your First Financial Advisor? 

When we think of financial advisors, we often think of people in suits with charts and financial plans. But our first “financial advisor” is usually someone closer to home—a parent or friend who influenced our money mindsets. While they didn’t provide professional financial advice, they may have shaped your feelings towards saving, spending, and other […]

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?

Being unsure whether to pay off your mortgage or not is a good problem to have. It means you have significant savings and have afforded yourself some choices. While the idea of being debt-free is appealing to many, there are also compelling reasons to keep your mortgage. Let’s explore both sides of the debate to […]

Keep Politics Out of Your Portfolio

The U.S. Presidential election is dominating news cycles, and as an investor, it’s easy to let political fervor influence your investment decisions. However, maintaining a clear boundary between politics and your portfolio is crucial for long-term financial success. Here are several strategies to help you navigate election years without letting politics sway your thinking. 1. […]

7 Keys to Navigating Market Volatility

Market volatility can be unsettling, especially when you see your investments fluctuating day by day. However, staying calm and sticking to a well-thought-out strategy can help you navigate these turbulent times effectively. Here are some key steps to consider when dealing with market volatility: 1. Don’t Forget HistoryMarket downturns are a natural part of the […]

Are You Following the Financial Herd?

Herd mentality is the tendency to follow the actions of a larger group, even when those actions might not be in one’s best interest. When it comes to finances, herd mentality can have significant implications for your investments and retirement planning. The first step to avoiding this common bias is understanding its prevalence. Second, is […]