Author Archives: ajkeown

Mind Games and Fuzzy Math

Posted on September 25, 2013 by ajkeown

You are at your local mall shopping for a sweater for your dad’s birthday. Ever find yourself wishing you had a calculator? How fast can you figure out what 25% off of $52.00 is? Would you make your “decision to … Continue reading →

Posted in 10 Principles of Personal Finance, Ch. 1, Financial Planning Process, Ch. 8, Home and Auto | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Personal Finance Tips for College Students

Posted on September 18, 2013 by ajkeown

Classes have started.  You are technically “on your own” –- or at least on your way.  Ready for a little more advice?  This time it’s not from mom, dad, grandma or grandpa or whoever it is that certainly “knows better … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch. 1, Financial Planning Process, Ch. 2, Measuring Financial Health and Making a Plan | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Trouble with 401(k) Plans

Posted on September 10, 2013 by ajkeown

Graduation is behind you and it’s your first day on the new job. Your boss reminds you to stop in at the benefits department where you will be expected to make decisions regarding health insurance, dental and/or vision insurance, sick … Continue reading →

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As Interest Rates Climb…

Posted on September 4, 2013 by ajkeown

In Chapter 14 of Personal Finance, Turning Money Into Wealth, there is a section titled “Why Bonds Fluctuate in Value.” In that section we look at the relationship between bond prices and changes in interest rates. There is an inverse … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch.11, Investment Basics, Ch.14, Investing in Bonds | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Detroit, Pensions, and Retirement Planning

Posted on August 28, 2013 by ajkeown

In Chapter 16 of Personal Finance, Turning Money into Wealth, retirement planning is discussed.  In that chapter we discuss defined benefit retirement plans.  To say the least they are great, but problems arise if they aren’t fully funded.  On July … Continue reading →

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Planning for Retirement: A Look at Worker Confidence

Posted on August 26, 2013 by ajkeown

According to a recent Retirement Confidence Survey by the 2013 Retirement Confidence Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, worker’s confidence that they will have enough money to “live comfortably throughout their retirement years” continues to decline – in fact, … Continue reading →

Posted in 10 Principles of Personal Finance, Ch.16, Retirement Planning | Leave a comment

The Impact of the Recent Downturn on the Wealth Distribution in America

Posted on May 7, 2013 by ajkeown

The downturn in the economy that we are still trying to dig out of did not impact all Americans equally.  A recent article in the Washington Post titled “As Economy Recovers, the Richest Get Richer, Study Shows” looks at a … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch.11, Investment Basics, Ch.16, Retirement Planning, Ch.18, Financial Life Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Your Financial Personality – Taming Your Emotions When Investing – an Audio Discussion

Posted on May 2, 2013 by ajkeown

When it comes to investing – your financial personality, which is a reflection of your attitude about money based on your behavioral and emotional traits, tends to get in the way of good decision making.  When it comes to money, … Continue reading →

Posted in 10 Principles of Personal Finance, Ch.11, Investment Basics, Ch.18, Financial Life Events | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Living Beyond Your Means?

Posted on April 28, 2013 by ajkeown

There’s no question about it, it’s easier to spend than it is to save.  Saving isn’t a natural event – it must be planned.  Let’s face it, many people don’t save, and on top of that they spend more than … Continue reading →

Posted in Ch. 2, Measuring Financial Health and Making a Plan, Ch.18, Financial Life Events | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Understanding Why You Invest as You Do – A Look at Your Financial Personality

Posted on April 24, 2013 by ajkeown

Use your brain, don’t act emotionally – that’s generally the advice given to individuals when they invest.  Unfortunately, it’s impossible to take your financial personality and your emotions out of investment decisions.  In Chapter 1 of Personal Finance, Turning Money … Continue reading →

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