St. Croix Insights Blog | Financial Planning Articles

Personal and Professional Development: Life Lesson of 39 of 50

Whatever industry you’re in, at whatever level, personal and professional development is something all of us should focus on periodically throughout our careers.

Don’t Retire with a Mortgage. Life Lesson 38 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Retirement, Retirement Strategies

Whatever you do, don’t retire with a mortgage—you want to kick back and enjoy your retirement, not spend your time worrying about making those monthly payments.

Which Side of the Check do you Want to Sign? Life Lesson 37 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Financial Advisor

A recent trip to my dentist had me thinking about the financial responsibility of being a business owner. It’s all about which side of the check we want to sign.

Trust the Professionals! Life Lesson 36 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Simplicity

No matter how handy we are or how many side skills we develop, there’s someone who’s been doing it longer. For some tasks, it’s best to trust the professionals.

Looking for Unconditional Love? Get a Dog: Life Lesson 35 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family, Simplicity

Looking for unconditional love, boundless enthusiasm, and a lifelong friend? The solution is simple: get a dog!

We’ve Lost the Art of Being Friends: Life Lesson 34 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family, Simplicity

Remember when we used to practice the art of being friends? There was once a time for meaningful conversations, but many of us have lost the knack for it.

I Don’t Want to Share: Life Lesson 33 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family, Simplicity

Just like Joey in Friends, I don’t want to share—not my food, not my clothes, and definitely not my TV remote. And you know what? That’s just fine with me.

Not All Change Is Good: Life Lesson 32 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Simplicity

We live in a world of amazing technological advancements—but not all change is good. Before embracing new things, it’s worth considering the potential cost.

Putting Family First: Life Lesson 31 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family, Simplicity

I’ve never enjoyed being yelled at by my mom. Even as a grown adult, it always upset me. Putting family first is something I’ve struggled with over the years

The Importance of Friendships: Life Lesson 30 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family, Simplicity

As we grow older, the importance of friendships has remained a constant in my life.

Pursuing Your Passions: Life Lesson 29 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family, Personal Finance, Retirement, Retirement Strategies

Pursuing your passions can feel like a luxury you can’t afford, so it’s easy to put off until the distant future. Do you really have to wait so long to live your dreams?

Living Off Your Investments: The Transition to Mailbox Money: Life Lesson 28 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Financial Planning, Retirement, Retirement Strategies

If you’re on the brink of retirement, the idea of living off your investments—otherwise known as mailbox money—can be a scary one. Take steps now to prepare.

Are You Moving Away from God? : Life Lesson 27 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family, Simplicity

Our pastor said something to our congregation recently that had me reexamining if I was moving away from God. When’s the last time you’ve done the same?

Marry Right the First Time: Life Lesson 26 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family

Marriage is a lifelong commitment, and choosing the perfect partner isn’t easy. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your values align with those of your spouse before you tie the knot.

Everyone Needs a Prenup: Life Lesson 25 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family

Everyone needs a prenup—and no, it doesn’t have to kill the romance! With financial plans agreed to ahead of time, you and your spouse can move forward together in security and trust.

I’m Done Asking for Permission: Life Lesson 24 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family

Loans are like asking for permission to spend someone else’s money. By living within your means instead, you’ll never have to ask someone else’s permission to spend.

When to Leave a Job: Life Lesson 23 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family, Simplicity

Knowing when to leave a job is one of the hardest lessons you’ll face in your professional life, but it’s important to recognize when leaving a job is the right decision for you.

Growing Apart from Your Spouse: Life Lesson 22 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Family

If you’re growing apart from your spouse, it’s up to you to fix it. Commit to making more time together, schedule the vacation of a lifetime somewhere you both love.

Dumb Ways We Spend Money: Life Lesson 21 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Budgeting, Family, Personal Finance

Have you ever thought about some of the dumb ways we spend money? One overlooked way is all those recurring monthly charges: small enough to accumulate but not large enough to cancel.

Debt Sucks: Life Lesson 20 of 50

by Brett Anderson | Financial Advisor, Personal Finance

Whether it’s credit card debt, excessive mortgages, or useless degrees, one thing is certain: debt sucks. Luckily, an easy trick can help you avoid it.

Cash is King. Life Lesson 19 of 50.

by Brett Anderson | Family, Personal Finance, Simplicity

Cash is King BY BRETT ANDERSON/ST.CROIX ADVISORS, LLC You might find my statement hard to believe, but take that extra moment or two to let it sink in. Cash is genuinely misunderstood in our world today and how it fits into one’s own financial plan. This is why I...