Save and Invest

Working Moms: Take Care of Your Retirement

Women take on many roles throughout their lives – daughters, wives, mothers, and, increasingly, entrepreneurs. According to American Express, the number of U.S. businesses owned by women continues to rise and exceeds 12 million. The growth is not fueled by female millennials; two-thirds of women business owners are 45 or older. Women business owners need to diligent and disciplined about planning for retirement. Whatever your timeline, there are many unknowns—where and how long you will live, how much money you will need for day-to-day expenses, the state of your health. Many women find the retirement planning process intimidating. However, it is important to start thinking about the unknowns and variables now, regardless of your age. Make a Plan As we are living longer, we need to plan for a longer retirement, especially since women tend to outlive men. According to the Social Security Administration, a 65-year-old woman on average will…

WGN Radio – Saving For Retirement: Start Early, Be Disciplined, and Plan Prudently

Compounding investment returns are the gift that keeps on giving. This is the perfect time to re-post the important lessons I discussed as a guest on WGN Radio Wintrust Business Lunch. The topic was how millennials can save a million dollars. It is important to start early and be consistent. Save and invest every year. You also must be disciplined. Once you invest that money, you cannot touch it. Last, use reasonable assumptions for annual investment returns, or what you expect to earn on your money every year. Note – the segment begins at 23:45. WGN Radio Wintrust Business Lunch

Strategies to Dig Out of Debt

Want to dig out of debt, but not sure of where to start?  In this post, I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know to create your own strategy to dig out of debt, effectively. First the good news: The unemployment rate is near an 18-year low. Housing values nationwide continue to climb as does the stock market. Now for the bad news: According to the Federal Reserve, total household debt has risen for the 15th straight quarter. This may appear counterintuitive. If the economy, housing values, and stock market are strong, why do consumer debt levels continue to rise? I think there are two reasons. First, upbeat consumer confidence often leads to higher spending and a greater comfort level with taking on debt. Second, as we all make more purchases online and through mobile applications, it is harder to track overall spending. If not monitored closely, spending…

Manage Your Financial Life: Just Starting Out Featured on Working Woman Report

Working Woman Report, workingwomanreport.com, featured a summary of my new book Manage Your Financial Life: Just Starting Out. “Financial author Nancy Doyle has a new, easy to digest book about MONEY! Manage Your Financial Life: Just Starting Out is for those who are new to managing their money. She educates her readers and lays out a solid action plan for those faced with first-time financial realities.” Working Woman Report

Unorthodox Retirement Strategies That Actually Work

Planning for retirement looks very different than it did for previous generations. Most Americans working today do not have a defined benefit pension plan, or a traditional pension. The primary sources of retirement funds come from defined contribution pension plans, such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s, and from IRAs. In her piece, “11 Unorthodox Retirement Strategies That Actually Work”, Karen Doyle shares retirement planning ideas that diverge from traditional approaches. These strategies – mine and those of other financial experts – are helpful for all of us to consider. See link below. Karen Doyle “11 Unorthodox Retirement Strategies That Actually Work” www.gobankingrates.com GOBankingRates

Creative Approaches to Philanthropy

Managing your financial life also involves philanthropy, or investing in others. November is a time when we all think about giving back. There are many facets to philanthropy besides contributing financially. We have numerous opportunities to support important causes and not all involve money. You can donate items, give your time, or share a talent. In this guest column for the Daily Herald Business Ledger, I profile two impactful organizations that enable you to give in innovative ways. Check out the full article below: 

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