Blogs

Last minute shopping…It’s how guys operate. Statistics show that 99% of guys don’t think about buying Christmas gifts until one week before Christmas (I just made that up). Fortunately, my Holiday Shopping Tips are beneficial to both men and women, no favoring around here.

After the Bernie Maddoff scandal in 2009, most people have heard the term Ponzi Scheme used at least once or twice. So what is a Ponzi Scheme, anyway? Well, Dictionary.com says it is a form of fraud in which success of a non-existent enterprise is fostered by the payment of quick returns to the first investors from money invested by later investors. Let’s try to use an example.

Whether your student is an incoming Freshman or a rising Senior, helping them become financially astute will pay dividends for the rest of their lives. Effective money management must begin now.

Last week, my wife and I enjoyed a little vacay, if you will, in the Pacific Northwest. It was a great opportunity for me to indulge my people-watching itch. I saw people swimming out into the ocean as far as they could go, with little regard for personal safety, and people climbing the rocky terrain off the coast like they were competing against one another on a reality show. It got me thinking about what folks are willing to do and risk as long as others are doing the same. From what I saw, people are willing to go to the limit as long as others join in on the fun.

WARNING: Please do not read this blog post before you go to bed, it may keep you up all night with sheer excitement and enjoyment.  I recommend reading this out loud to a large audience at a party or social gathering.  Instant friends and joyful applause when applied.  I dare someone to do this and send me the video...please, it will make my day. Okay, here we go...

If there’s one thing you want to know about your financial planner, it’s this: Is he or she qualified? This isn’t necessarily something you can find out from surfing the Web. Here are five things you’ll want to know when you’re selecting a financial planner.

So, my brother just finished an insane 10-mile endurance obstacle course designed by British Special Forces called Tough Mudder. The course is filled with 20 different obstacles ranging from wall climbing, mud terrain, running through fire, swimming and even running through a 10,000 volt electric shock! (I’m not kidding). So it got me thinking, why? Why in the heck would someone do this? Are they trying to prove something? Are they just bored? After taking a minute to reflect on this seemingly ridiculous idea, I put myself in my brother’s shoes and I’ve come up with two reasons—personal accomplishment and teamwork.

At Bedel Financial, we do not sell life insurance, in fact, we do not sell any products. We simply give unbiased financial planning advice to help you and your loved ones reach your goals.

If you know someone who works in the public service industry, i.e. employed by the government, military, public safety and law enforcement, nurse, teacher, childcare, social worker, etc, and currently has a student loan balance, then keep reading!

Life is full of incentives.  Incentives are relevant in the business world through potential bonuses and salary increases.  For a child, it could be an allowance for mowing the lawn.  How ever people might be motivated, offering incentives is a great way to separate your business from competing talent recruiters.  Most of the time, you find a monetary reward as the most influential type of incentive.  The government’s public service loan forgiveness plan is no different.