money Archives - Atlanta Financial Associates, LLC

Tough Talks: Two Impactful Yet Difficult Money Conversations for Parents of Young Adults

December 8, 2020

There are very few concepts that can strain relational dynamics and provoke anxiety quite like discussing money with family, especially your young adult children. It generally isn’t something many parents are comfortable doing, and that is under “normal” circumstances. The stress is typically compounded when these conversations occur under duress or will inevitably induce major conflict within the family unit. Sometimes the circumstances are unforeseeable and the stress unavoidable. But many times, the contention can be avoided by simply being intentional and having these tough conversations now and on your terms.

Why People Who Spend Money on Experiences are Happier

September 15, 2020

When we spend money on ourselves and the people we care about, we’re likely doing more than simply buying things. On a deeper level, our ultimate goal is to create feelings of happiness, satisfaction and well-being. 1

But are we actually spending our money in the best ways to achieve those results? Many of us spend in ways that do little to help us get what we truly want. Researchers say that there is a relationship between how we spend money and happiness, so the good news is that we have the opportunity to shift our spending patterns to help increase our happiness and help us create more meaningful lives. So, where do we begin?

Marriage-Killing Money Issues

September 3, 2019

Divorce can be one of the most painful transitions an individual or family can experience. And once the litigation is done, family members often continue to suffer. Adults often experience a decline in their physical and emotional well being, with a heightened rate of stress-induced illnesses, depression and a loss of identity and social connections¹. Children often suffer in less obvious ways, with educational and adjustment problems in early childhood, and emotional problems related to the divorce increasing in young adulthood². Many couples fight hard for their marriage and family, but simply aren’t able to overcome their differences. What are the top causes they report for ending their marriage? Most of us know…

CAN Money Buy Happiness?

May 13, 2019

For most of our lives many of us have heard the old adage “Money can’t buy happiness.” And we can all think of numerous examples of individuals where this certainly seems to be true – whether among the powerful and famous, or within our own family or group of friends. But is that really true? Research over the last few decades suggests “NO!” In fact, many studies show that in one sense money can buy happiness. But it’s not the amount of money we have, but rather how we SPEND our money that can indeed increase our happiness – although perhaps not in the way Madison Avenue or Amazon Prime would like us to think. First, let’s address the skeptics among you who feel sure that if you simply had MORE money you would indeed be happier. Statistics show that certainly isn’t true, since 70% of all lottery winners or those with a sudden financial windfall end up bankrupt within a few years.1 Carl Jung, famous psychologist, said in fact that the keys to happiness were five things.

So, You Just Received a Financial Windfall

April 8, 2019

What would you do if you received a major financial windfall? Would you buy a new house or vacation home, give some to your family members, donate to your favorite charity, or take the trip(s) that you have always dreamed about?While most people will not receive a major financial windfall during their lives, it is not uncommon. You might receive a financial windfall by:

Marriage and Money: Taking a Team Approach to Retirement

June 19, 2018

Now that it’s fairly common for families to have two wage earners, many husbands and wives are accumulating assets in separate employer-sponsored retirement accounts. In 2018, the maximum employee contribution to a 401(k) or 403(b) plan is $18,500 ($24,500 for those age 50 and older), and employers often match contributions up to a set percentage of salary.

Tag: money