It is time to construct a diversified portfolio once you have decided the percentage of your portfolio that will be invested in stocks. But what is the best way to decide which funds to choose among the myriad of stock mutual funds and exchange traded funds available? The approach I outline below can be used […]
A young couple came to me recently because they received a parental gift of $40,000 and wanted to know how to maximize their college savings. They are DC residents so they were naturally curious about the DC 529 College Savings Plan. If you don’t know already, 529 plans are a great way to save for […]
You may be asking yourself whether there a good way to save for graduate school? You just moved to the Washington DC area and you have a good job that pays pretty well. But you are thinking of going back to school for a graduate degree (or another grad degree – this is DC of […]
I receive a lot of questions on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLFP) as a way to pay off federal student loans. Washington DC is concentrated with public service professionals who are potentially eligible for this program. Be mindful of the answers to the following three questions and you’ll be on your way to […]
Once you have your student loan inventory, it is time to develop a repayment plan that makes real headway to reduce your debt and the amount of interest paid. Of course, if you can only make the minimum payments, then that is what I urge you to do. But if you have the ability pay […]
Repaying your student loans smartly can save money over the long term and increase your credit score. Remember: your federal and private student loans generally cannot be canceled or discharged in bankruptcy because you didn’t get the education or job you expected, or because you didn’t complete your education. So it makes sense to come up […]
