Most-Read Blog Posts From 2022
As the year comes to a close, I wanted to reshare a few of my most-read blog posts from this past year in case you missed them. Thank you all for your engagement over this year – see you in the new year!
DO HOME RENOVATIONS INCREASE RESALE VALUE?
Maybe you’re considering renovating your master bath or kitchen – or doing something simple like changing out the toilets or garage door. There are plenty of reasons to do projects like these but one I hear most often is “to increase resale value.” But does it really do that?
According to the Cost vs. Value 2022 report, below are the national averages for what you can expect to recoup from various home renovation projects…
GETTING A 91% CHARITABLE TAX DEDUCTION IN VIRGINIA – NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
If you live in Virginia and are searching for charitable organizations to give to, you may want to consider the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).
According to their website, “In return for [your] contributions...individuals may receive tax credits equal to 65 percent of the donation that may be applied against their state income tax liability.” That’s right - a 65% dollar-for-dollar credit on your Virginia taxes!
HOW MUCH DOES PRIVATE HEALTHCARE COST BEFORE MEDICARE?
Retiring before 65 when Medicare begins can bring significant healthcare costs as early retirees are forced to find private healthcare plans.
When considering premiums and out-of-pocket health care expenses, $1,000/month per person is typically a good estimate, although it varies by the type of plan selected…
HOW TO THINK CRITICALLY ABOUT FEAR-INDUCING MARKET NEWS
Earling this year after a down day in the stock market a headline read “Dow falls more than 500 points…” These attention grabbers are designed to do just that – grab your attention and then sell ad space while your anxiety rises.
It reminded me of the book I read a few years ago, Factfulness, in which the author talks about the importance of bringing in the denominator to any statistic…
Some of the best things in life come with a significant cost.
At the top of my list is being a dad. Zeke’s face, as he comes barreling across the living room to tackle me, will never get old. But being a dad cost me time with friends, time with Emily, and time by myself.
A great family vacation comes at the cost of a hectic few days upon reentry into reality.
And the 8th wonder of the world – compound interest – comes with the cost of immense volatility and sometimes long periods of time where no money is made…
WHAT I'M TEACHING MY 5-YEAR-OLD ABOUT MONEY
Zeke just turned 5! I have to say, despite how crazy these past few years have been, they are so, so sweet. I told Emily this week that I would do his ages 3 to 5 on repeat for the rest of my life and be perfectly happy.
If you’ve ever stepped inside a Costco food court, the churro has probably called your name. This is the story for Zeke every time we walk by the food court on our way out from buying our 10-year stockpile of toilet paper. “Dad, I neeeeeed it” Zeke whined pointing at the churro…
Happy Planning and Happy New Year,
Alex
This blog post is not advice. Please read disclaimers.