Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | May 10, 2023 | May - June 2023, Wisdoms
Having a child with special needs presents unique challenges. When their condition limits their ability to earn a living and pay for living expenses upon reaching adulthood, financial worries can abound. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure your child has sufficient financial resources and a dedicated support system. As you work towards protecting your child’s future, consider these six strategies:
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Mar 6, 2023 | Mar - Apr 2023, Wisdoms
Retirement marks the end of a chapter in your career and the start of a new lifestyle. This unique transition can bring a myriad of emotions, most commonly, excitement and apprehension. If you’re pondering retiring in the next year or so, here are five tips to help you transition smoothly.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan - Feb 2023, Wisdoms
We all know couples who fight about money. You may even be in a relationship where finances are a source of tension. It’s no mystery why these kinds of conflicts are so common — money fuels our ability to take care of ourselves and our dependents. Managing it requires discipline and a plan, but often, couples don’t see eye-to-eye on what that means.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Nov 4, 2022 | Nov - Dec 2022, Wisdoms
Many grandparents spend money on their grandkids, whether by chipping in on big expenses like tuition bills and travel expenses, or covering smaller costs like meals and holiday gifts. The inclination to be generous is understandable and many seniors say it brings them joy to support (or even occasionally spoil) their grandchildren. But lavishing them with gifts shouldn’t come at the expense of your or grandparents own financial security.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Sep 1, 2022 | Sept - Oct 2022, Wisdoms
During times of market volatility like we’ve seen since the start of 2022, it’s natural to feel a bit skittish about the stock market. It’s a potent reminder that there are risks to stock ownership. Individual stocks are not guaranteed to grow and may lose value. The good news is that the stock market has historically delivered a higher rate of return than other forms of investment in the same timeframe.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 25, 2022 | July - August 2022, Wisdoms
The Federal Reserve (the Fed) has begun what it says will be a series of interest rate increases in an effort to slow the economy and temper the current surge in the inflation rate. At the start of 2022, the federal funds rate stood at near zero percent. By May, the Fed moved the federal funds rate 75 basis points (0.75 percent) higher.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | May 8, 2022 | May - June 2022, Wisdoms
Having spent decades saving for retirement, it can feel like a major shift for retirees to spend down their hard-earned assets. Research by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found people with $500,000 or more in savings at retirement spent down less than 12 percent of their assets over 20 years.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Mar 6, 2022 | March-April 2022, Wisdoms
Like most Americans, you’ve probably spent years working to achieve the retirement of your dreams. Then there comes a point when this career milestone changes from a distant goal to an imminent reality. You can make your first year away from work more rewarding and less stressful when you take the time to anticipate potential challenges and prepare for how you will handle this important life change.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jan 1, 2022 | January - February 2022, Wisdoms
If you are among the nation’s more than 31 million small businesses owners1, you likely spend much of your time juggling day-to-day business activities and put off planning for the future. If retirement planning has fallen on your back burner, now is the time to bring it to the forefront.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2021 | October-November 2021, Wisdoms
In many parts of the country, home prices have been soaring. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median existing-home price rose more than 17 percent in the one-year period ending in March 2021. This reflects just how competitive the market has become for homebuyers. If you are among those looking to purchase a new home, you should have a solid strategy in place before entering the market.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 29, 2021 | August - September 2021, Wisdoms
The COVID-19 pandemic reminded Americans how fragile life is. Applications for life insurance policies in the United States increased 4 percent in 2020, according to the MIB Life Index. If you’re thinking about purchasing life insurance coverage, here’s some basic information to help you make an informed decision.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 8, 2021 | June-July 2021, Wisdoms
If a person close to you has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it may be time to address some serious financial questions. It is wise to get financial matters in order as soon as possible due to the debilitating nature of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia that affect your loved one’s ability to make sound decisions.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 4, 2021 | April - May 2021, Wisdoms
Two emotions are likely to strike those who are nearing retirement — excitement and fear. Leaving the world of alarm clocks and offices and having time to pursue your own passions on a daily basis is liberating — but the apprehension of entering a new life stage can easily creep in. Although work-related stress will disappear, the responsibility of filling each week in a satisfying way can be a challenge. Top that off with the ever-present concern about long-term financial security in retirement and the nerves can grow even greater.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 1, 2021 | February - March 2021, Wisdoms
As the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the country, parents saw a wave of adult children move back home. Pew Research recently found that 52 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds now live in a parent’s house. Some children may have moved back simply due to safety during the virus response or because universities switched to e-learning. Others may have returned because of financial reasons.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 3, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Wisdoms
Interest rates recently hit all-time lows as the Federal Reserve made cuts to mitigate the financial impacts of COVID-19. If you’re a homeowner with a monthly mortgage payment, you might be wondering if now is a good time to refinance. While a lower interest rate may yield a more affordable monthly payment, there are other factors to consider. Here are seven questions to ask yourself before making the decision to refinance…
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 8, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
Investors are understandably wondering — and maybe even anxious — about how the US presidential election will affect the stock market. Election years often come with increased market uncertainty. And this year, COVID-19 and a fragile economy have added new dimensions to what may be a landmark US election cycle.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
In these challenging economic times, many worthwhile charitable organizations find themselves in a precarious financial position. Meanwhile, they are experiencing unprecedented demand, especially those charities that provide basic needs like food and shelter. Thankfully, new, unique provisions in the tax code have been implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis, creating more incentives for giving.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 17, 2020 | March 2011, Wisdoms
What are you leaving behind? This is a question that all too many of us fail to address before it’s too late. It’s not just a question about money, but about the entire heritage that you want to pass on to future generations—to those in your family and even to society as a whole.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 13, 2020 | February 2011, Wisdoms
A financial advisor can offer valuable strategies and guidance to help you grow your savings and meet your financial goals and dreams. It’s important to select a qualified individual who is also a good match—personally and professionally.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 11, 2020 | December 2010, Wisdoms
As we enter the third holiday season after the onset of the “Great Recession,” American consumers may be battling penny-pinching fatigue. We’ve scrimped. We’ve saved. When do we get to reward ourselves? Sure, it would be fun to celebrate the holidays with a big spending binge, but if there’s one lesson to be learned from the recession, it’s the importance of fiscal prudence.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 11, 2020 | November 2010, Wisdoms
One of the rites of fall for most employees is the opportunity to review and revise their benefit options for the next year (the next benefits year could start in January or sooner). This is often referred to as the “open enrollment” period. Typically, all employees of a company or organization can make adjustments to their benefit options at this time.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 10, 2020 | October 2010, Wisdoms
As you enter retirement, a lot of changes may occur. You need to determine how to generate current income from your existing savings while still trying to keep your money growing to meet your needs well into the future, when the cost of living is likely to be higher. You want to protect your assets from market volatility, but still be an active investor.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 6, 2020 | Wisdoms
It’s safe to say that your retirement will bear little resemblance to that of your grandparents—and even your parents. The world has changed so much in the past 20 years that even the savviest prognosticators couldn’t have predicted all changes in society and technology that have transformed our daily lives. We now know there is no turning back from the life we’ve become accustomed to, but it begs the question: What’s next?
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 4, 2020 | June-July 2020, Wisdoms
Historic market volatility has washed over the globe in recent weeks. The spread of COVID-19 (the disease caused by coronavirus) has precipitated a record drop in the stock market and a sharp plunge in bond yields, sending the U.S. into its first bear market in over a decade. People around the world are facing a health crisis that’s driving an economic crisis, which are leading to high levels of anxiety for families and individuals regarding their well-being and financial situation.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Mar 28, 2020 | April - May 2020, Wisdoms
When it comes to personal finance, what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for another. That’s why money misconceptions can be so d dangerous. Here are four common money myths you may have heard — and perhaps even believe — that need to be put to rest once and for all…
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 3, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
Those who do not have children tend to have more financial flexibility to pursue their goals throughout life and retirement. This makes sense when you consider that the cost of raising a child from birth to adulthood is currently estimated at $233,610 (before you factor in college). However, childless singles and couples still need to manage their future financial needs.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 7, 2019 | Dec 2019 - Jan 2020, Wisdoms
The Federal Reserve, our nation’s central bank, has a fair degree of independence, but it is directly accountable to Congress. Among its primary duties, is to oversee U.S. banking and financial services industries and establish U.S. monetary policy. Here are five ways the Fed impacts us…
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2019 | October - November 2019, Wisdoms
Making financial decisions takes time, attention and energy at any age. In the case of elderly adults, it can become increasingly difficult to manage daily finances, particularly if their health is declining or they’re experiencing cognitive issues. If you’re providing support to aging parents — or plan to in the future — here is some advice on how to handle the situation and prepare for what’s to come.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 2, 2019 | August - September 2019, Wisdoms
Many couples are choosing to start families later in life compared to their parents and grandparents. And, increasingly, mothers are waiting to have their first child at age 35 or older. This trend has financial implications. On one hand, parents may be more financially secure and have clear priorities for the future. On the other hand, these parents are closer to retirement, so balancing kids’ expenses with saving can be a juggle.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | May 26, 2019 | June - July 2019, Wisdoms
Professionals in many industries tout their education and professional experience as a way to demonstrate their expertise and set themselves apart. The financial industry is a prime example. With almost 200 professional credentials available, advisors can sharpen their ability to serve clients well. If you are searching for a financial advisor and seeking clarity on what the acronyms after each professional’s name means, here is a primer on eight of the most commonly used designations.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Mar 29, 2019 | April - May 2019, Wisdoms
Searching for warmer weather, moving closer to adult children and grandkids or pursuing a change in scenery are just a few reasons why many Americans choose to move in retirement. These retirees often relocate for emotional reasons, but it’s important to consider the financial impacts, too.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 2, 2019 | February - March 2019, Wisdoms
The most important goal for many of my clients is to retire on their terms – which often means planning a long, secure retirement that enables them to check off items on their ultimate bucket list. Retirement requires careful planning in addition to avoiding financial missteps along the way. Here are five common mistakes, and strategies to avoid them…
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 2, 2018 | Dec 2018 Jan 2019, Wisdoms
Setting New Year’s resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans who see January 1 as a fresh start. However, we all know how easy it is to have resolutions fall to the wayside as the year progresses.
Fortunately, if the goal you have in mind is a financial one, there are ways you can break it down into steps that will keep you motivated and on track to achieve it.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Sep 27, 2018 | October - November 2018, Wisdoms
Many parents, in addition to planning for their own future, care deeply about helping their children find their financial footing as they enter adulthood. Having spent decades building up their nest eggs for retirement, they recognize the power of long-term financial planning and hope their children will capture the same benefits by starting to invest while they are young. Convincing someone just starting off in their careers to set aside money for retirement — which to them, may seem like light years away — can be a tough sell.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 29, 2018 | August - September 2018, Wisdoms
Another way to consider gifting assets is to set up a charitable trust. Trusts can help you manage highly appreciated assets in a more tax-efficient manner while, in some cases, allowing you to split assets among charitable and non-charitable beneficiaries
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | May 19, 2018 | June - July 2018, Wisdoms
Inflation is the normal state of affairs in the U.S. economy. Most economists consider an annual increase in the cost-of-living of two or three percent per year to be a manageable level of inflation. This increase usually is a good trend, because it is an indication of a growing economy.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 11, 2018 | April - May 2018, Wisdoms
Traditionally, retirement means leaving the workforce to pursue decades of relaxation. However, today’s retirees and pre-retirees are reshaping what it means to leave the workforce. Retirement may be an opportunity to pursue a small business, start consulting or land...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 2, 2018 | February - March 2018, Wisdoms
The wrath of natural disasters has been on full display as hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and floods have ravaged large swaths of the world. While our first thoughts go to the victims of these tragic events, it may also cause you to step back and think about your own preparedness for a natural disaster.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 2, 2017 | Dec 2017 - January 2018, Wisdoms
The stock market has enjoyed an extended period of strong performance that dates back to the end of the last bear market in early 2009. While stock market performance can be measured in myriad ways, it’s the Dow Jones Industrial Average that has surpassed several...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2017 | October - November 2017, Wisdoms
Think about this analogy: When an airplane is preparing to land, it doesn’t descend 30,000 feet in a matter of seconds. Rather, it happens gradually. The pilot adjusts to the landscape and weather conditions to assure a soft landing. In the years leading up to...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jul 25, 2017 | Aug-Sept 2017, Wisdoms
By Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner Saving for — and even thinking about retirement can be overwhelming. While it’s natural to worry about your financial future, be careful not to let preconceived notions prevent you from actively...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 6, 2017 | June-July 2017, Wisdoms
According to the Family Wealth Checkup study by Ameriprise Financial, there’s a correlation between financial confidence and communication. While many families are discussing financial issues, they tend to shy away from topics like inheritance and estate planning, leaving some with unrealistic expectations.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 11, 2017 | April – May 2017, Wisdoms
It’s not too late to align your spending with your priorities. If charitable giving is an important part of your budget, take a step back and reevaluate your giving strategy. There are a myriad of causes and organizations you can support, which can leave even...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jan 26, 2017 | February - March 2017, Wisdoms
It’s no secret that healthcare becomes a bigger concern for most of us as we grow older. More ailments are likely to develop, which means more money is spent to visit health professionals and purchase medications. Even if you remain healthy through your later years,...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 2, 2016 | December – January 2017, Wisdoms
Like most Americans, you’ve probably spent years working to achieve the retirement of your dreams. There comes a point when this milestone changes from a distant goal to an imminent reality. You can make your first year away from work more rewarding and less stressful...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2016 | October - November 2016, Wisdoms
Prepare for Retirement Milestones by Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner from the Oct-Nov 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 1, 2016 | August - September 2016, Wisdoms
Medicare Facts You Need to Know by Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 1, 2016 | June - July 2016, Wisdoms
Paying Yourself in Retirement by Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 1, 2016 | April - May 2016, Articles, Wisdoms
You have the resources to turn your house into the dream home you’ve always wanted. Now, what? Here are some tips to help you plan your remodel. Compile your wish list. Prioritize your list by identifying what projects and features are important to you and your...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 1, 2016 | Articles, February - March 2016, Wisdoms
As a small-business owner, one of the greatest benefits you can provide to your employees is a retirement plan that helps them save for their financial future. Your contributions to a retirement plan are a deductible business expense, and a strong compensation package...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 1, 2015 | Articles, December - January 2016, Wisdoms
One challenge to living a good life is learning how to balance the realities of today with what lies ahead — to live in the present while you wisely plan for the future. Since change is always around the corner, you owe it to your future self to consider what you’d...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2015 | Articles, October - November 2015, Wisdoms
If you’re like most people, you periodically set aside time to clean out your home, garage or closets. It’s equally important to organize your finances. This checklist can help you get started: Cancel unused credit cards: Don’t throw away money on annual fees for...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 1, 2015 | Articles, August - September 2015, Wisdoms
Summer vacations are perfect for hitting the road for adventure or staying close to home to simply recharge. The slower pace and rest a vacation offers are priceless, but you can still practice financial vigilance. Here’s how to get the most for your money as you...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 1, 2015 | Articles, June - July 2015, Wisdoms
For most people, it isn’t a question of whether to own life insurance, but what kind of coverage is most appropriate for their circumstances. There is no “one-size-fits-all” policy. You need to determine what works best for you. Choosing life insurance involves...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 1, 2015 | April - May 2015, Articles, Wisdoms
You finally feel ready to make that dream purchase. Before you put an offer in for a getaway on a neighbor island or a city lights apartment, consider the realities of owning a second property. Can you afford it? Owning a second home entails additional expenses such...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 1, 2015 | Articles, February - March 2015, Wisdoms
While many people are forced to stop working earlier than they’d planned due to health or employer issues, others dream of early retirement. The upside of early retirement is easy to understand – more time to pursue your interests, while you are still healthy. The...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 1, 2014 | Articles, December - January 2015, Wisdoms
With all the uncertainties of the future, it’s difficult for people to know exactly how much to save for retirement. While it may be relatively easy to gauge just how much you’ll need for everyday living expenses like food and housing, other expenses, such as the...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2014 | Articles, October - November 2014, Wisdoms
Money is a powerful influence on our lifestyle, emotions and behaviors. If you’re serious about improving your financial life, examine your money mindset Acknowledge your personal history. If you grew up in poverty, you may have an underlying sense of...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 1, 2014 | Articles, August - September 2014, Wisdoms
The state of the economy can make a big difference in our lives. It affects opportunities in the job market, drives stock market, determine prices and influences buyer behavior. When economy is robust, there’s optimism in the air. Companies’ hire, investors invest and...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 1, 2014 | Articles, June - July 2014, Wisdoms
Americans in general have strong work ethic, so a life of extended leisure doesn’t appeal to everyone. With the average U.S. life expectancy estimated at 80.1 years, there’s no reason why you can’t pursue meaningful work in retirement especially if your health is good...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 1, 2014 | April - May 2014, Articles, Wisdoms
Two emotions are likely to strike those who are nearing retirement — excitement and fear. Leaving the world of alarm clocks and cubicles is liberating, but feelings of apprehension about entering a new life stage can easily creep in. The responsibility of pursuing...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 1, 2014 | Articles, February - March 2014, Wisdoms
When it comes to planning for retirement, women feel less prepared than men. That’s according to the New Retirement Mindscape® 2013 City Pulse index survey, commissioned by Ameriprise Financial. Only 38 percent of women surveyed say that they feel on track for...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 1, 2013 | Articles, December - January 2014, Wisdoms
The long-struggling housing market is finally showing signs of recovery, giving many homeowners more equity in their properties. This is prompting more pre-retirees to consider if, and how, home equity can be turned into a source of cash to help fund their retirement....
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2013 | Articles, October - November 2013, Wisdoms
Just five years after the onset of the financial crisis, Americans’ confidence about retirement is rising with the strengthening economy. According to the New Retirement Mindscape® 2013 City Pulse index, two in five (42%) Americans feel on track for retirement. This...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 1, 2013 | Articles, August - September 2013, Wisdoms
If you never experience chronic illness or an accident resulting in extended care, you won’t need long-term care insurance (LTCI). But, if either were to happen to you today, a nursing home in Hawai‘I could cost you $100,000 – $120,000/year and could last up to 3...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 1, 2013 | Articles, June - July 2013, Wisdoms
The “million dollar” question many of those preparing for retirement ask themselves is simply stated but not necessarily easy to answer — “how much money do I need to save to secure a comfortable retirement?” In some circles, this is referred to as “the number” — that...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 1, 2013 | April - May 2013, Articles, Wisdoms
As the parents of boomers age, more family members are managing eldercare responsibilities. Healthcare and finances aren’t easy topics for many families to broach. In fact, research from the Money Across Generations IISM study shows that 36 percent of boomers’ parents...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 1, 2013 | Articles, February - March 2013, Wisdoms
Speaking from experience, the relationship between financial advisors and their clients is incredibly important. Whether you rely on your advisor to help with retirement planning, saving for college, or meeting other goals, this individual will help determine how you...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 1, 2012 | Articles, December - January 2013, Wisdoms
Dos and Don’ts on Preparing for Retirement As baby boomers near retirement, many are discovering that they aren’t yet financially prepared to leave their careers. Moving from a full-time job to a life of travel, volunteer work and time spent with family and friends...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2012 | Articles, October - November 2012, Wisdoms
If you enjoy supporting your grandchildren financially — or if this is one of your goals — you’re not alone. Eighty-four percent of seniors say that creating a financially secure life for themselves and their family is an important goal.* Yet, deciding how to best...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 1, 2012 | Articles, August - September 2012, Living Life
In 1957, brothers Al and Clayton Naluai attended Glendale Junior College in California where they befriended two other Native Hawaiians, Bernie Ching and Pat Sylva. They started to compile Hawaiian tunes together for the choir director and came up with a signature...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 1, 2012 | Articles, June - July 2012, Wisdoms
How to plan for retirement as a small business owner If you’re a small-business owner, protecting yourself and your business goes beyond securing proper insurance agreements and building an emergency financial cushion — it also means ensuring that your savings will...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Apr 1, 2012 | Articles, Wisdoms
What does this all mean? You hear it regularly in the news: “The dollar rose today against other major currencies,” or “The dollar lost ground today on foreign exchange markets.” Just like stocks or bonds, currency’s value can fluctuate in comparison to each other on...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 1, 2012 | Articles, February - March 2012, Wisdoms
According to research done by Freddie Mac, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. dropped below 4% for the first time ever in 2011. Rates on shorter-term, 15-year mortgages are even lower. For some, this creates a great opportunity to refinance the...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 1, 2011 | Articles, December - January 2012, Wisdoms
Investors are being forced to cope with what many perceive as unprecedented circumstances in the economic and political environment. At the same time that the U.S. economic recovery appears to be slowing, Standard & Poor downgrades the U.S. credit rating on debt...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 1, 2011 | Articles, October - November 2011, Wisdoms
In this economic and political environment, investors are being forced to cope with unprecedented circumstances. At the same time that our economic recovery appears to be slowing, the S&P downgrades the U.S. credit rating for the first time. Confidence that...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 1, 2011 | Articles, August - September 2011, Wisdoms
Are you dreaming of a leisurely retirement enjoying a second cup of morning coffee, or is a sunrise round of golf more your speed? Either way, know the facts so you can guide your retirement dreams to reality. Historically the road to retirement hasn’t been smooth for...
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Jun 1, 2011 | Articles, June - July 2011, Wisdoms
As parents age, it often becomes more difficult for them to live independently and manage their own affairs without outside help. The thought of mom or dad leaving the comfort of the family home can be a painful and challenging proposition for everyone, but when it’s...