Money Guide with Sterk Financial

What’s your #money philosophy? At Sterk Financial, we design holistic, personalized strategies to help increase #investments, reduce #taxes and risk, optimize portfolio allocation, and create #income streams designed to last a lifetime. Our ultimate goal is to align your overall financial picture to support the life you want to lead.   #moneyinaminute #forbes #financialplanner #investing #fiduciar...

What money really does is fund the things that we value in this life.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey delve into what creates your money philosophy and how to align your money with what matters most. Topics include: Work Family Experiences Financial Planning Retirement Travel Fishing Charity Students Education Property F...

A fire can devastate you financially.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary shares valuable tips on what to store and how to safeguard your records so you stay financially fire-proof. Topics include: Risk Adjustment Homeowners Insurance Renters Insurance Replacement Cost Medical Coverage Emotion Documents Marriage Certificate Drivers License Birth Certificate Social Sec...

People often hear about long term market averages and wonder why their portfolio isn't producing the same results.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Advisor Kelsey Bankey discuss ways to analyze your performance and holdings to try to boost your portfolio results. Topics include: Overlap Peer Group Performance Mutual Fund Morningstar Asset Class Lon...

Wild swings in the market frequently lead to the biggest mistake that people make with their #investments - they let their #emotions rule their judgment. Whatever your emotions are telling you to do, it's probably a good decision to do exactly the opposite. #fear #greed Subscribe to the “Money Guide with Mary Sterk” podcast on Apple Podcasts. Schedule an appointment with one of our advisors t...

What can we learn from #Celebrity money mistakes? #WillieNelson taught us this: Don't Mess with the #IRS! Subscribe to the “Money Guide with Mary Sterk” podcast on Apple Podcasts. Schedule an appointment with one of our advisors today! Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Twitter

What can we learn from #Celebrity money mistakes? #Prince taught us this: Have a Will! Subscribe to the “Money Guide with Mary Sterk” podcast on Apple Podcasts. Schedule an appointment with one of our advisors today! Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin Subscribe on Youtube Follow us on Twitter

#Oprah says, “I've learned that yes, #wealth is a tool that gives you choices, but it can't compensate for a life not fully lived, and it certainly can't create a sense of peace within you.” We love this quote because it completely aligns with our #money philosophy at Sterk Financial - that the only thing money really does is buy you choices. #oprahwinfrey Subscribe to the “Money Gu...

It's back to school time and college savings is on many people's minds.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey discuss several ways to save for college on a tax favored basis. Topics include: 529 Plan Tax Deductions Tuition Beneficiaries Allocation Earnings Higher Education Education Funding FAFSA Policy Loan Cash Lif...

Even if you have laid out a great retirement plan, anxiety and indecision can still get in your way of taking the big leap.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey talk about four common planning pitfalls that can veer you off track, and provide creative solutions to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Topics incl...

Negotiating for assets is part of most divorces.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Advisor Kelsey Bankey will explain how assets differ in real value even if the monetary amount might look the same. Topics include: Settlement Collaborative Divorce Attorney ROTH IRA Investments Capital Gains Tax Taxes Property Sale Hidden Assets Interest Business Inherita...

Here’s the thing: money doesn’t come with instructions. You need a path. You need a strategy. This explains the Sterk Financial motto in a nutshell: Plan. Protect. Grow. Securities and Investment Advisory Services are offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance offered through Sterk Financial Services which is not affiliated with Woodbury. Neither Woodbury Finan...

Are you ready to sell your business?  For many people, your business is like your baby - and it's hard to part with it!  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey discuss critical components of a business sale - from determining the value to structuring the sale to managing family dynamics after the deal is done.  Topics inclu...

The Wall Street Journal featured Mary Sterk in a story about helping two sisters with their Estate Planning - listen to the podcast to hear how she worked with them to help figure out a way to minimize the impact of taxes.  Topics include: Will Financial Power of Attorney Healthcare Power of Attorney Inheritance Beneficiary Funeral Life Insurance Legacy Retirement Trust Subscribe to the “Money Gui...

Are you covered?  Are you sure?  A strong #insurance plan will make sure your risks are limited, or in some cases completely eliminated.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey explore how different types of #risk can affect your #financial situation, and how to make sure your risk gaps are adequately covered. Topics include: Fl...

The prospect of retiring raises some big fears.  What if I run out of money?  What if I have a major health issue?  Are my investments set up right?  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor, Kelsey Bankey, discuss strategies for retirement income to help you feel confident when you are ready to stop working. Topics include: Emergency Money Int...

Summer can get really expensive when the grandkids come to stay! In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey offer some budget-friendly ideas to enjoy the lazy summer days with those grandkids you love - without breaking the bank! Topics include: Games Treasure Hunt Scavenger Hunt Nature Park Movie Marathon Snacks Sandcastles Moats B...

You're getting married! Finances are a major part of your new union. Each person brings their financial background, money philosophies & spending habits into the new marriage. Good communication and planning is the key to a healthy financial future together. In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey share savvy financial t...

Managing your investment portfolio has a lot of moving pieces.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey discuss key pieces of strong portfolio management and share strategies to avoid common pitfalls that investors commonly make. Topics include: Risk Tolerance Level Morningstar Motley Fool Stock Picks Research Strategy Unbiased D...

Life happens.  Job layoffs, sickness, divorce… unexpected events can pop up and derail your financial life.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey dive into four common life events,  sharing strategies to cope with the challenge and help you land on your feet.  Topics include: Budget Income Expenses Job Loss Car Accident Disabi...

Drowning in debt?  Or perhaps you just want to get a better handle on how to manage the debt you have.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey present simple strategies to manage your debt in effective ways.  Topics include: Home Equity Student Loans Dave Ramsey Debt Snowball Interest Rate Excel Spreadsheets APR Retirement Credi...

Graduates have a lot of financial things coming at them. High school grads are contemplating how to pay for college, moving out on their own and getting their first real job. College grads today are often faced with large debt loads and poor credit. In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey educate you on how to start the next phas...

Losing your spouse is a devastating emotional blow.  It also comes with a unique set of financial issues.  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey shine a light on the top five financial issues to focus on if you have lost your beloved partner. Topics include: Unexpected Illness Pension Loss Trauma Emotions Mortgage Moving Proper...

A good financial plan has a lot of  moving parts.  How do you know what should be included?  In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary  draws on her life experience and financial expertise with Sterk Financial Advisor Kelsey Bankey to guide you through the components of a strong plan - one that connects the money you have with the life you want to lead. Topics include: Retir...

Spring is upon us! It's a fresh start, and many people like to freshen their finances! In this episode of "Money Guide with Mary Sterk," Mary & Sterk Advisor Kelsey Bankey share tips to Spring Clean Your Finances. Topics include: Checks Statements Shredding Documents Tax Returns Records Paperless Billing Withholding Tax Refund Tax-free loan Home Inventory Car Insurance Debt Cabl...