Optimal Planning Partners, Inc.

Check out this informative video on bull and bear markets to better understand how the stock market works!

Bull and Bear Go To Market Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

The truth is a little more complicated with these personal finance idioms.

The Latte Lie and Other Myths Check out this video to begin separating fact from fiction.

**Lessons Beyond Finance: Trust Is the Whole Business**

A few weeks ago, I got an alert that a client's retirement account was being transferred out — to a firm I didn't recognize, with no heads-up from her. This is someone I've worked with for 18 years, with a strong personal and professional relationship the whole way through. We'd spoken six weeks earlier about updates to her portfolio. It didn't add up.

I reached out. No response. For a stretch, I didn't know what I was dealing with — had I missed something, had she simply decided to move on, or was something worse going on.

It turned out she'd been signing paperwork she believed was for her estate plan — a will, a trust.

It wasn't.

It was a transfer authorization. A significant penalty, waiting to happen.

We caught it. Cancelled before it went through.

Here's the lesson: 18 years of trust didn't stop this from almost happening. Trust isn't a soft skill in this business — it's the entire foundation. Not just trust in your advisor, but a standing rule for yourself.

Not sure what you're signing? Stop. Call your advisor first.

Even better, ask your advisor for 3 trusted people they work with to handle estate planning.

Verify before you sign. Every time. No exceptions.

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion? This piece helps answer those questions.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

The beans brewed for your morning coffee may have changed hands many times.

The Economic Journey of Your Morning Coffee Few contemplate the complex journey that brought their coffee from farm to kitchen table.

Thinking about a prepaid debit card? Consider the pros and cons.

Weighing the Benefits of Prepaid Debit Cards It's important to understand the pros and cons when considering a prepaid debit card.

Ever wondered what ETFs are (and no, we're not talking about electronic transfers)? Check out this simple guide that breaks down everything you need to know about this popular investment option!

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

What happens to your 529 account if your kids don't go to college? With rising college costs and changing job markets, more students are considering alternatives to traditional four-year colleges.

What If Your Kids Decide Against College? Rising college costs prompt students to seek alternatives; 529 account funds can be used for other education options.

Where there's a will there's a way. Don't leave your estate unattended—update your documents.

Critical Estate Documents Sound estate management includes creating financial and healthcare documents. Here's an inside look.