Financial Therapy Association

One of the interesting observations that comes from almost 30 years of investment experience is that behavior determines success or failure. Truthfully, people tend to focus on fact and figures although that’s a small part of success. This new group is creating a framework to meld financial planning with helpful disciplines of psychology, sociology, and therapy. This is a 10-minute overview by FTA president Dr. Sonya Britt.

401(k) or IRA: Which do you fund first?

Sure, we would all like to max out our annual contributions to both our IRA and company retirement plan. But for those times that you can't, a recent MSN Money article suggests 10 questions to ask when you're not sure which retirement account to fund first:

1) Do you get an employer match?
2) Do you plan to stay with your employer?
3) Will you really save on your own?
4) How much do you want to save?
5) Which option offers the investments you want?
6) What are the costs?
7) Which offers better protection?
8) Are you planning to retire early?
9) Will you want to borrow from your savings?
10) Are you (or your spouse) not working?

Click here to read the full article.

Why shopping pays

Dan Danford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Family Investment Center, answers this week's episode of Money Made Easy.

As a frequent speaker to college students, Danford said he is often asked about spending. The first, and most important, point he stresses is making wise decisions when spending. Most people who suffer from financial hardship tend to have spending issues, he said.

Continuing his series of "back to basics" financial advice, Danford explains "why shopping pays."

Dan Danford joins NAPFA

Dan Danford, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Family Investment Center, was recently accepted to the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). NAPFA is the nation's leading organization for commission-free advisors, focused on delivering unbiased, client-centered advice. Click here to read the announcement.

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