Rick Brooks
Rick Brooks's Latest Posts
What Financial Documents Do I Need to Keep on File?
Here’s a question I get a lot: How long do I have to keep these records, and when can I finally start shredding them? It’s a fair question. Between tax returns, investment statements, insurance policies, estate planning documents, and healthcare records, the paperwork piles up quickly. The good news is that you don’t need to […]
The Cost of Complexity: Why Simplifying Your Financial Life Matters
An old friend passed away recently, and his family is now left with quite a large mess. Unfortunately, over the years they didn’t take my advice to consolidate accounts and clean up their account titling, among other things. Now the real work begins. His wife passed away a few years ago, and with his death […]
Your Financial To-Do List After a Death in the Family
When a loved one passes away, the emotional weight can be immediate, but the financial responsibilities arrive in waves. Some are urgent, others unfold over months. Knowing the sequence can help to bring order during a difficult time. The goal is not to do everything at once. Move deliberately, focus on the most important steps […]
Don’t Let Your Digital Assets Disappear: Estate Planning for Crypto, Photos, Music and More
A Google search suggested that approximately one trillion dollars of crypto currency assets have been lost, either to theft or lost passwords. In the digital age, your estate isn’t just real property and bank accounts—it also includes your online world: photos in iCloud, email and cloud files, subscription accounts, and cryptocurrency. Without clear instructions, these […]
A Falling Dollar Impacts Consumers First
But it isn’t all bad. Currency markets tend to feel distant from daily life. Exchange rates move quietly in the background, tracked by traders and economists, not households. But when the U.S. dollar weakens, the effects don’t stay confined to financial charts. They show up first—and most clearly—in everyday decisions about what to buy, where […]
Life Insurance for Empty Nesters: Smart Pre-Retirement Planning Tips
As your kids grow up and move out, your financial priorities shift. The mortgage may be nearly paid off, college tuition is hopefully behind you, and you’re thinking about retirement. But what about life insurance? Do you still need it? Let’s break it down. Do I Still Need Life Insurance After My Kids Move Out? […]
5 Smart Retirement Planning Moves to Make Before Year-End
As the end of the year draws closer, it is a natural time to reflect and prepare, for the year ahead. Thoughtful year-end planning can help you feel confident about your financial future. Here are some steps you can take this year to make the most of your retirement planning. If you are still working, consider […]
Seven Financial Habits to Stay Wealthy Why Rich People Rarely “Act Rich”—And What They Do Instead
A friend recently told me that his ex-wife needed some money. When he asked her why, she said it was because her credit cards were maxed out and she needed the money to pay bills. When he asked her how that happened, she replied, “If you want to be rich, you’ve got to act rich.” […]
Retirement Planning Isn’t a One-Time Project: Here’s Why You Need Ongoing Support
When it comes to preparing for retirement, many people think of it as a box to check off. You meet with a financial advisor, create a plan, and then you’re done—right? Not quite. Retirement planning isn’t a one-time project. It’s an ongoing process that needs adjusting as your life, the markets, and your priorities evolve. […]
Auto Insurance and Delivery Driving
Delivery driving, whether for pizza shops or gig platforms, involves unique insurance risks that most personal auto policies do not cover. Personal use auto insurance typically will not cover business use of a car for things like delivering pizzas. Commercial auto insurance is required for anyone using their vehicle for business purposes, including food delivery. […]
