Posts by Steve Pollock
How important is a 20% down payment?
When it comes to putting a down payment on a home, the 20% rule may be less important than your personal budget. Ultimately, your ongoing monthly mortgage payments are going to have a much bigger impact on your finances than your initial down payment, so as you think about how much to save and put…
Read MoreWe Asked AI
Great Question – Let Ask AI When we asked AI if they are coming for us this is how they responded: If you’re asking whether AI will replace jobs or disrupt industries, it’s important to note that AI has the potential to both create and replace jobs, depending on the industry and specific roles. Some…
Read MoreCalifornia Special Extension Notice
This email applies only to California residents and businesses, except for those residing in the following counties: Imperial, Kern, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta and Sierra. Dear Clients: As many of you are probably now aware, most of California has been deemed a disaster zone because of the recent storms, except for those counties listed above.…
Read MoreJanuary 2023 – Economic and Market Update
Executive Summary Much of the focus in our last economic update remains in play today. The last three months have not brought much in the way of either increasing optimism or decreasing pessimism. The end of 2022 was a snuffed out Santa Claus rally providing a fitting ending to an otherwise unexciting year. For the…
Read More2023 Predictions
This Visual Capitalist “Official Bingo Card” from the Global Forecast Series lays out 25 expert predictions for 2023 in a five-by-five grid. The makers say they drew on 500-plus articles, reports, podcasts, and interviews. Colored dots tag each square by theme (economy, technology, markets, geopolitics, and everything else), with more dots signaling more frequent mentions.…
Read MoreMarriage Checklist
Whether you’re already engaged or just starting to discuss it, marriage can be a financial decision as well as a romantic one. Thinking through some of the bigger questions early on can help set you up for success long beyond the wedding. After all, the goal is alignment and cohesion in all areas of married…
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 – Top 10 Provisions
The SECURE ACT 2.0, or the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act 2.0, was recently signed into law and brings with it several important changes that may affect your retirement planning. If you are a small business owner or an individual saving for retirement, it is important to understand these changes and how…
Read MoreReason Tax + Michael R. Boulger, CPA
There are some new faces at Reason Financial! In August we merged with Michael R. Boulger, CPA, an accounting, tax, and planning firm we have worked with closely for the last 12 years. The opportunity to add experienced and knowledgeable tax professionals to the Reason Financial & Tax brain trust was something we could not…
Read MoreHow Americans Spend Their Money
Homeownership: Should you take the plunge?
For many Americans, the decision to buy a house is the biggest financial decision of their lives up to that point. It’s also a topic surrounded by misinformation, from TikTok videos advocating real estate over a 401(k) to experts who warn against incurring any debt even in the form of a mortgage. With home prices…
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