Financial stress often comes from constant thinking without action. Many people spend hours worrying about saving, spending, or retirement but never take the small steps that actually create progress. In this article, Laura Rotter explores why overthinking finances keeps people stuck and how one simple action can create clarity, reduce financial stress, and help you move forward with confidence.
I'm sharing this story of the unexpected grief I experienced when I changed careers close to a decade ago, in the hope that, if you see yourself in my story, you find one or two of my suggestions helpful. Thank you @Susanna Harkonen for contributing your expertise to this article.
A client of mine recently reached out about whether or not to fund a 529 plan for his granddaughter – and she’s not due to be born for another four months. Talk about getting a head start on college planning!
If you own a home, applying for a home equity line of credit before you quit (and lose your pay stubs) can provide added security. “You may not need it, but it is a nice thing to fall back on for extra cash because it is much cheaper than drawing on credit cards,” said Laura Rotter, a financial planner in White Plains, N.Y.
Once upon a time, we worked for the same company for 40 years and retired with a gold watch at 65. We were expected to live another five years, financing this remaining time with a combination of social security and a pension from our employer. Well, times have changed!
“What is the burning issue that prompted you to call me?” That’s the first question I ask people who reach out for financial guidance. Often, they want to know, “How soon can I retire?”