Life Planning

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    Sticker Shock in Richardson

    ByMichael

    I officially live in a “HOT” place. No, I am not talking about August in North Texas. I am taking about the real estate in my neighborhood.

    Just like many of you, I got sticker shock when I received my 2016 Notice of Appraised Value from the Dallas County Appraisal District. Since 2013 real estate in North Texas has been rising and I have experienced it. How much is my increase?
    2013 Base year

    2014 +3.27% Increase

    2015 15.35% Increase (capped of course at “only” 10% for tax purposes)
    2016 9.22% Increase

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    How Much is Your House Worth? 2016

    ByMichael

    Which is better for you?
    Going to the Doctor when you are sick or going to the Doctor regularly for preventive checkups and maintenance?
    Just like everything else in your life it is always better to be proactive versus reactive. Being proactive in retirement means getting the most from your 401(k) plan retirement plan.
    These are my FIVE Steps for participating in and having a successful 401(k) whether you are a participant or the company administrator/fiduciary.

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    Five Top Tips for 401(k) Participants

    ByMichael

    Which is better for you?
    Going to the Doctor when you are sick or going to the Doctor regularly for preventive checkups and maintenance?
    Just like everything else in your life it is always better to be proactive versus reactive. Being proactive in retirement means getting the most from your 401(k) plan retirement plan.
    These are my FIVE Steps for participating in and having a successful 401(k) whether you are a participant or the company administrator/fiduciary.

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    Why 1% makes a difference

    ByMichael

    In our life, we spend a lot of time thinking about problems. What if we say a magic word and make them all go away? Maybe we can.

    The words aren’t like Dorothy clicking her red heels together and saying “There’s no place like home”. You don’t need Greek phrases or a special diet/pill you saw on the shopping channel to make it work, either.

    Surprise is it not a four letter word, it is worse, it’s a simple six-letter word: growth.