John J. Diak, CFP®Dec 4, 20184 minHow to Succeed at Your New Year’s ResolutionsMost people set aside time ahead of January 1st to make New Year’s resolutions. While some people have long lists and others have short ones
John J. Diak, CFP®Dec 4, 20185 minEnd-of-the-Year Money MovesIf notable changes occurred in your life, you’ll want to review your finances before this year ends. Even if 2018 has been uneventful, it’s
John J. Diak, CFP®Nov 6, 20183 minRetirees, Check Your WithholdingThe IRS is using new withholding tables for 2018, so you may need to adjust the amount you have withheld - or the amount of your estimated t
John J. Diak, CFP®Oct 2, 20183 minGetting Your Personal Finances in ShapeYou need not wait for the new year to plan improvements to your finances. You can begin now. The last few months of the year give you a prim
John J. Diak, CFP®Sep 18, 20183 minFinancial Considerations When Buying a CarA car is a big purchase. It’s worth taking your time and making sure that you’ve covered your bases in terms of making the most responsible
John J. Diak, CFP®Aug 21, 20184 minWays to Repair Your Credit ScoreWe all know the value of a good credit score. We all try to maintain one. Sometimes, though, life throws us a financial curve and that score
John J. Diak, CFP®Jul 31, 20183 minWho Is Your Trusted Contact?Investment firms have a new client service requirement. They must now ask you if you want to provide the name and information of a trusted c
John J. Diak, CFP®Jun 26, 20184 minThe A, B, C, & D of MedicareBreaking down the basics of Medicare and what each part covers can get confusing. Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades aw
John J. Diak, CFP®Jun 12, 20183 minBeware of Lifestyle CreepAs people establish themselves as doctors and lawyers, executives, and successful entrepreneurs, they see living well as a reward. It can ha
John J. Diak, CFP®Jun 5, 20183 minManaging Money Well as a CoupleWhat are the keys in planning to grow wealthy together? At some point, you will have to ask yourselves some money questions – questions that
John J. Diak, CFP®May 1, 20185 minThe Major 2018 Federal Tax ChangesThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made dramatic changes to federal tax law. It is worth reviewing some of these changes as 2019 approaches and house
John J. Diak, CFP®Apr 24, 20183 minWhat Should You Keep?The big picture of personal financial recordkeeping has not changed much. It is still wise to keep records pertaining to financial, health c
John J. Diak, CFP®Apr 10, 201810 min2018: A First Quarter ReviewStocks rallied in January, corrected in February, and slumped in March as volatility and economic policy changes took some of the enthusiasm
John J. Diak, CFP®Apr 10, 20183 minWhat Do You Have in Reserve for 2018?Living without an emergency fund can invite worry. It is an anxiety too many households have had to accept. Plan to save a little each month
John J. Diak, CFP®Mar 30, 20183 minFear Must Not Inhibit a Financial StrategyFear dissuades some people from sticking with a long-term financial strategy and discourages other people from developing one. Patience and
John J. Diak, CFP®Mar 20, 20183 minThe Risk of Being a Suddenly Single WomanWith a clear understanding of where she stands, financially, a widow may evaluate her investment and wealth management options and take step
John J. Diak, CFP®Feb 27, 20183 minAvoiding the Money Pitfalls of Past GenerationsYou have a chance to manage your money better than previous generations have. Some crucial financial steps may help you do just that. Avoid
John J. Diak, CFP®Feb 13, 20183 minYou Will Probably Pay More for Medicare in 2018You Will Probably Pay More for Medicare in 2018. Was your monthly Medicare Part B premium less than $110 in 2017? This year, you may pay con
John J. Diak, CFP®Feb 6, 20184 minBad Money Habits to Break In 2018Do bad money habits constrain your financial progress? Many people fall into the same financial behavior patterns year after year. If you so
John J. Diak, CFP®Dec 5, 20178 minYour 2018 Financial To-Do ListWhat financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for 2018? Now is a good time to think about the investing, saving, or bu