Archive of Rich Best - Weekly Financial Tip
  • When Is It OK to Dip into Your Emergency Fund?
    An emergency fund is for unexpected, essential, and urgent expenses—like job loss or car repairs—not for planned or non-critical purchases.... more
  • What Is A FICO Score and Why Is It Important?
    Your FICO score is crucial, influencing financial opportunities. Understand its key factors—payment history, debt, credit mix—and monitor it regularly.... more
  • Strategies for Funding Long-Term Care Insurance
    Planning early for long-term care, with options like insurance, savings, and HSAs, can help mitigate the high costs and secure future financial stability.... more
  • Should Money be the Only Factor in Choosing Early Retirement?
    Thinking about early retirement? It’s about more than money. Consider your health, quality of life, and passions to ensure a fulfilling new chapter.... more
  • Health Savings Accounts: A Sensible Solution for High Healthcare Costs
    HSAs offer tax advantages, lower premiums, and flexibility, making them a smart solution for managing rising healthcare costs.... more
  • Tips for Maintaining Good Credit
    Maintaining good credit requires ongoing effort: regularly review your credit report, use credit wisely, keep balances low, and limit new credit requests.... more
  • First Things You Should Do When You Get Your First Job
    Start saving early, especially in retirement accounts like a 401(k). Create a strict spending plan to avoid financial pitfalls and secure your future.... more
  • Is an Annuity Right for You?
    Annuities can be beneficial, but they’re not for everyone. Carefully evaluate your financial situation and goals to determine if they’re right for you.... more
  • How Do Credit Cards Affect Your Credit Score?
    Your credit card use significantly impacts your credit score. Manage payments, keep debt low, and maintain account activity for a healthy score.... more
  • Mortgage Myth: You Need a 20% Down Payment to Buy a Home
    Choosing the right down payment depends on your financial situation and goals. Explore options beyond 20% to find what fits your budget and housing needs best.... more
  • The Importance of a Living Will and a Healthcare Proxy
    Having a living will and healthcare proxy ensures your medical wishes are honored if you can’t speak for yourself, sparing loved ones from agonizing decisions.... more
  • Medicare Identity Theft is on the Rise. How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
    Medical identity theft, fueled by the pandemic and increasing Medicare use, demands vigilance. Protect your information and act swiftly if fraud is suspected to avoid serious repercussions.... more
  • Three Reasons to Claim Social Security Benefits Now
    The optimal time to claim Social Security depends on your unique situation... more
  • Insurance Essentials: Protecting Your Family’s Financial Future
    Protect your family’s financial future with essential insurance coverage: life, disability, health, homeowners, auto, and umbrella insurance. Make sure you have the right protection!... more
  • How to be More Purposeful with Your Money
    Find lasting fulfillment by aligning money with your values and goals. Define ambitions, budget consciously, invest wisely, and give back purposefully.... more
  • Why Your Credit Score Still Matters in Retirement
    Maintaining a good credit score in retirement is crucial for managing unexpected expenses, securing housing, and enjoying financial security.... more
  • How to Teach Your Teens the Principles of Money Management
    Teach teens money management: Earn all money, save at least 10%, involve them in family finances, let them shop with a budget, and explain the time value of money.... more
  • Annuities: The Swiss Army Knife of Financial Planning
    In conclusion, amidst volatile markets and rising interest rates, annuities emerge as versatile tools for legacy, healthcare, long-term care, Social Security, and charitable planning.... more
  • Budgeting Wisely: Effective Tips for Multigenerational Families
    Through open communication and shared resources, multigenerational families can thrive financially, fostering harmony and security.... more
  • Combining Passion and Purpose: Steps to Effective Charitable Giving
    Combining passion & purpose in charitable giving leads to impactful philanthropy. Self-reflect, set goals, diversify giving & stay engaged for lasting impact.... more
  • Understanding the Order of Saving Money and the Best Saving Vehicles
    Save 15% of after-tax earnings; prioritize savings in Emergency Fund, 401(k), Roth IRA, HSA, Brokerage Account, and Life Insurance for optimal growth and tax efficiency.... more
  • What is GDP and Why Does It Matter?
    GDP is a vital indicator of economic health, guiding decisions for investors, policymakers, and businesses, crucial for understanding market trends.... more
  • Tax Efficient Investing is the Quickest Path to Wealth Creation
    Tax-efficient investing accelerates wealth creation. Key factors: holding period, hidden taxes in IRAs, proper account allocation, long-term focus, and tax-loss harvesting.... more
  • Should You Pay Your Mortgage Off Before Retirement?
    Mortgage payoff pre-retirement? It depends on circumstances, priorities, and needs. Analyze for the best fit.... more