12/7/2011
Financial Planning Dos & Don'ts
During these uncertain economic times, financial planning has become a challenge.
By Richard Lipton, CPA
Here are a few financial planning suggestions that can simplify your life and add to your peace of mind about financial matters:
• At least once a year, write down your investment goals and what
strategy you will use to reach them. This will keep you focused.
• Instead of giving money to many different charities, pick a few that
are important to you, and give them a larger amount. This type of
directed giving not only makes more sense, but also makes it easier to
track your donations at tax time.
• Inventory your household possessions, optimally with a camera or
camcorder. Keep the inventory at work or in a safe-deposit box. This
inventory will help should you need to submit a homeowner's insurance
claim.
• Use one insurance agent and one financial advisor for your transactions.
• If you have doubts about entering into a transaction, don’t do it.
You will probably save yourself money, time, and aggravation.
Richard
L. Lipton CPA & Associates LLC, located in Florham Park, N.J.,
draws on its founder’s 10 years as a stockholder and manager of
family-owned automotive business in Paterson, N.J. You may reach by email at
rich@liptoncpa.com.