Retirement should be a time of freedom and fulfillment — a reward for decades of hard work and careful planning. But this next chapter also brings unique financial risks. Recognizing and preparing for these challenges can mean the difference between an independent...
Going through a divorce is emotionally painful and can disrupt one’s life in many ways — but does it also have to be financially devastating? Not necessarily. You can help yourself greatly by making a series of moves. Here are some to consider: Before the divorce is...
In today’s vacation rental market, great photos and clean linens are just the baseline. If you want your guests to leave raving — not just satisfied — it’s time to embrace a whole new level of care. Enter "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will Guidara. Originally set in...
A home is a significant investment, and protecting it with home insurance is critical for homeowners. According to the National Association for Insurance Commissioners, "Home insurance covers the structure of your home and your personal property, as well as your legal...
The financial markets always go through periods of instability. And we may see more of that now, given concerns about tariffs, inflation and the economy. As an investor, how can you deal with this volatility? Some investors try to take advantage of market ups and...
You’ve fluffed the pillows, stocked the fridge with local goodies and picked out the perfect welcome mat — but is your vacation rental truly ready to wow? Enter usability experience: the not-so-secret ingredient that transforms a good stay into a five-star memory....
Metrowest Boston tends to have high levels of radon in many homes, because we have a lot of rock or ledge in the area. As rock and ground erode, it releases a naturally occurring gas called radon into our atmosphere. You can't see it, and you can't smell it. High...
You can find several ways to make charitable gifts — but if you’re looking for a method that can provide multiple tax benefits, along with an efficient platform for giving year after year, you might want to consider a donor-advised fund. Once you open a donor-advised...
Cape Cod’s vacation rental market has grown more competitive, with rising guest expectations. Listing a home for summer no longer guarantees high bookings. To maximize revenue and occupancy, property owners must adapt. Implementing the strategies below will keep your...
Retirement offers the perfect opportunity to explore new places, whether traveling solo, with a partner or with the family. With fewer time constraints, retirees can enjoy dream destinations offering relaxation, adventure and cultural enrichment. Here are some top...
Thinking about selling and wondering what improvements will yield the biggest return on your investment? Let’s start with the entryway! Curb appeal is the first impression. With the snow gone, now is a great time to walk around the home and see how it faired over the...
On March 8, we observed International Women’s Day. Although this event celebrates women’s achievements, it’s still true that women, especially caregivers, face significant financial hurdles. How can these challenges be met? To begin with, let’s look at some concerning...
Recently perceived changes to the structure of real estate commissions haven’t really changed things much at all. This was noted in the Professional Insights article published in the Dec. 18, 2024, issue of the Hopkinton Independent. Many home buyers have long had the...
Once you and your spouse retire, you’ll have some decisions to make — decisions that could affect your quality of life in your retirement years. What are these choices? Here a few of the most important ones: — How much should you withdraw from your retirement...
Mental health affects every realm of a person’s life. When our mental health is negatively impacted, it inevitably will have repercussions in one of the following domains: school, occupation, relationships, sleep habits, physical health, appetite, mood and/or...
The inflation rate is closer to the Federal Reserve's target of 2%, sitting at 2.7% as of December 2024; a significant decline from 9.1% in June 2022. The Fed cut its rates for the first time in four years on Sept. 19, 2024, from 5.5% to 4.5% on Dec 18, 2024, and...
In life, you often get second chances — and the same is true with investing. To illustrate: You might not have been able to contribute to a Roth IRA during your working years due to your income level, but you may get that opportunity as you near retirement, or even...
Tax-loss harvesting is a strategy used to reduce the amount of taxes owed. There are multiple ways to implement tax-loss harvesting, some of which may be more beneficial than others depending on circumstances. Mitigating taxes is a major goal of many investors. About...
As most have heard, changes with how real estate commissions are structured for buyer agents have “changed.” Well, not really. In 2019, Midwest anti-trust lawsuits claimed sellers were paying inflated costs, that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) was...
As we enter the holiday season, your life may well become busier. Still, you might want to take the time to consider some financial moves before we turn the calendar to 2025. Here are a few suggestions: Review your investment portfolio. As you look at your portfolio,...
