The financial planning and investment landscape changes at a dizzying speed – and often with conflicting messages. Read our team of experts’ advice on saving, spending, investing, retirement, taxes, giving and more to help you enjoy a full life.
The financial planning and investment landscape changes at a dizzying speed – and often with conflicting messages. Read our team of experts’ advice on saving, spending, investing, retirement, taxes, giving and more to help you enjoy a full life.
July 16, 2019
One of the biggest questions and potential points of contention when going through a divorce is: what happens with the family home? Finances for any successful couple are bound to be complex and challenging to unwind. It’s prudent to keep in mind the entire potential divorce settlement including child and spousal support as well as […]
July 9, 2019
Summer feels like it just started, and back-to-school is already around the corner. Whether you are dropping off your fifth child for the first time at college – or your first child for the fifth time – you’re ready for this. You made good decisions along the way and tackled a lot: Filled out your […]
June 25, 2019
I’m a lifelong Cubs fan as required by my grandfather who took me to my first Cubs game back when you could buy a bleacher ticket for $3 and bring your own cooler full of drinks into Wrigley Field (Grandpa Tom liked his Old Style). Wow, have times changed. My 12-year-old son Kevin and I […]
June 18, 2019
“What do I do with this whole life insurance policy I have?” I am constantly asked this question when I work with financial professionals (private equity professionals, investment bankers, and asset managers). Within this industry, a lot of professionals are sold this policy early in their career to protect a budding family and save money, […]
June 11, 2019
As a lawyer, you spend your career climbing the ladder from first-year associate to (hopefully) equity partner. But have you spent enough time thinking about life after the law? Are you taking a proactive approach to retirement planning? Here are some common retirement planning mistakes that lawyers often experience. Starting too late As a lawyer, […]
June 4, 2019
Long Term Care Environment Shifting Towards Hybrid Plans When reviewing our client’s insurance coverages, a question we’re often asked is whether to purchase long-term care coverage. To answer that question there are a lot of factors to consider from your family health history to your experience dealing with a loved one going through that difficult […]
May 28, 2019
Beneficiary designations are an extremely important component of an estate plan. They are found on many types of assets such as IRAs, 401Ks, life insurance and annuities and designate who receives the asset after the account owner passes away. The primary advantage of a beneficiary designation is that asset ownership transfers without the complexities and […]
May 21, 2019
I’ve been married to my wife for almost 7 years, and early on in our marriage she once jokingly said, “don’t learn how to do something you don’t want to do the rest of your life”. Somehow, I ended up being the only one that knows how to use the lawnmower. In practice it actually […]
May 14, 2019
I am not a patient person. Just ask my wife, kids, co-workers, family, pedestrians I’m walking next to and the guy parallel parking in front of me. I think you get the point. Why is that? Why am I so anxious for certain things to happen in life that I miss all the good stuff […]
May 7, 2019
In March of this year, information was released regarding Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed tax plan, otherwise known as the “Fair Tax for Illinois.” There are a number of items in this proposal which, should this become law, could impact both individual and corporate taxpayers in the state of Illinois. Here are a few of […]
April 30, 2019
The combination of all the documentation that is needed during divorce negotiations and the never-ending stack of documents needed by your tax preparer often create an important pile of clutter. The good news is that you don’t need to hold onto it forever. Learn more about what should be done post-divorce in this podcast featuring BDF’s […]
April 23, 2019
“Hi my name is Chris, John suggested I call you regarding my book of business. I am wondering if you can help me understand what the value of my agency is and what buyers are paying the large multiples I keep hearing about.” Chris is not alone as this is a frequent question from both […]