Asking for a Friend - I heard that my kids will have to start repaying their student loans this fall, do you know any of the details?

July 10, 2023

Question:

I heard that my kids will have to start repaying their student loans this fall, do you know any of the details?

Answer:

Here is what we know so far: Video: Important Update on Student Loan Repayment


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Pass those questions on to us at AskRPG@rootedpg.com and we will feature them in our future newsletters.

Asking for a Friend - What Issues Should I Consider When Creating My Estate Plan?

June 26, 2023

Question: I've been listening to your podcast about estate planning and while they have helpful, I don't know what issues I should consider when creating my estate plan, any suggestions?

Answer: Thank you for listening! We have "What Issues to Consider When Creating My Estate Plan" checklist on our new resources page, this may help get the juices flowing.


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Pass those questions on to us at AskRPG@rootedpg.com and we will feature them in our future newsletters.

Asking for a Friend - Why do I need an estate plan?

June 12, 2023

Question: Why do I need an estate plan?

Answer:

  • CONTROL Don’t let the wrong person make important decisions. You can make the important decisions now.

  • PEACE OF MIND When you die, your will goes through probate, and your assets become public record. A trust keeps your assets private.

  • PRIVACY Accidents happen all the time. Make sure you and your loved ones are protected.

Also, see our checklist: What Issues Should I Consider When Reviewing My Estate Planning Documents?


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Pass those questions on to us at AskRPG@rootedpg.com and we will feature them in our future newsletters.

Asking for a Friend - My daughter just graduated from college, what advice should I give her regarding her student loans?

May 22, 2023

Question:

My daughter just graduated from college, what advice should I give her regarding her student loans?

Answer:

First, Congratulations! Although she does have a grace period, the sooner she gets a plan together, the better! Here is a checklist of things she might want to consider: "What Issues Should I Consder When Paying My Student Loans?"


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Pass those questions on to us at AskRPG@rootedpg.com and we will feature them in our future newsletters.

Asking for a Friend - Should I sell my Restricted Stock Units?

May 15, 2023

Question: Last year I was awarded RSU (Restricted Stock Units) that vested this year, it looks like some of the shares were sold to cover taxes, but should I sell the rest or hold on to them?

Answer: I wish I could give you a yes or no answer to this question, but it really does depend. You might find this checklist helpful in making the right decision for you: "What Issues Should I Consider Regarding My Restricted Stock Units?"


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Pass those questions on to us at AskRPG@rootedpg.com and we will feature them in our future newsletters.

Asking for a Friend - Should I Consider Doing a Roth Conversion?

May 8, 2023

Question: I am considering a Roth Conversion because my accounts are still recovering from last years decline, are there things I should consider?

Answer: Everyone's situation is very different, so this is a hard one to answer in general terms. However, the attached flowchart might be helpful to you: "Should I Consider Doing A Roth Conversion?"


Do your friends ask you financial questions?
Pass those questions on to us at AskRPG@rootedpg.com and we will feature them in our future newsletters.

Asking for a Friend - What's the difference between APR and APY?

May 1, 2023

Question: I feel like I should know this, but I don’t - what’s the difference between APR and APY?

Answer: Never “should” on yourself. We weren’t born to know this stuff!

  • APR = Annual Percentage Rate - this is the interest rate plus any other borrowing costs, meaning this is what you pay.

  • APY = Annual Percentage Yield - this is an earnings term, meaning the interest you earn on your investment.


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Asking for a Friend - What's the difference between simple interest and compound interest?

April 24, 2023

Question: What’s the difference between simple interest and compound interest?

Answer: Great question!

The best way to explain is to give an example:

Let's say you put $10,000 in a CD at 5% per year

  • Simple Interest would give you $500 per year. You would get this same amount each year.

  • Compound Interest would give you the same amount the first year, but then the following year you would earn 5% on $10,500, so the interest would be $525, and the next year you would earn $551.25 ($11,025 * 5%), and so on.


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Asking for a Friend - I keep hearing that the Fed raised interest rates by basis points - what does that mean?

April 17, 2023

Question: I keep hearing that the Fed raised interest rates by basis points - what does that mean?

Answer: Basis points is a fancy way of saying interest rates. For example if they increased rates by 25 basis points, that means 0.25%; 100 basis points would be a full 1.00%.


Do your friends ask you financial questions?
Pass those questions on to us at AskRPG@rootedpg.com and we will feature them in our future newsletters.