Smart Financial Blog

What Are Three Ways to Lower the Cost of College?
College can be a financial burden, but there are ways to ease the strain. Many students and families struggle with the costs associated with higher education, from tuition fees to...

Tony Robbins The Holy Grail of Investing: Key Insights for Financial Freedom
Tony Robbins is back with his latest book, "The Holy Grail of Investing," where he shares insights from some of the top investors in the world. This book isn't just...

Little Book of Common Sense Investing: A Must-Read for Smart Investors
If you're looking to invest wisely, the "Little Book of Common Sense Investing" by John C. Bogle is a must-read. This book breaks down the essential principles of investing in...

How Are Inheritance Checks Mailed?
Mailing inheritance checks can seem like a straightforward task, but there are several important steps and precautions involved. Executors must navigate various methods to ensure that checks reach the beneficiaries...

How Long Does It Take to Receive Inheritance from a Will?
If you've recently lost a loved one and are expecting to inherit from their will, you might be wondering how long it will take to receive your share. The process...

How Much Is Inheritance Tax in PA?
Inheritance tax can be a confusing topic, especially in Pennsylvania. If you've recently lost a loved one or are planning your estate, understanding how this tax works is crucial. In...

How Do You Receive Inheritance Money?
Receiving an inheritance can be both a blessing and a challenge. It often comes with a mix of emotions as you deal with the loss of a loved one while...

How Long Does It Take to Receive Inheritance from a Trust?
When a loved one passes away, many beneficiaries wonder how long it will take to receive their inheritance from a trust. While the process can vary widely depending on several...

How Long Does It Take to Get Inheritance Money?
When you lose a loved one, dealing with their estate can be overwhelming. One of the big questions many people have is, "How long does it take to get inheritance...

The Opportunity Cost of Earning an Advanced College Degree
When considering an advanced college degree, many people focus on the potential benefits, like better job prospects and higher salaries. However, it's crucial to also think about what you might...

How to build wealth in your 30s? Start now!
Learn how to build wealth in your 30s with essential tips on saving, investing, and financial planning.

How to prove undue hardship for student loans? Tips
Learn how to prove undue hardship for student loans with expert tips and legal insights to ease your financial burden.

How to build generational wealth? Key steps.
Learn how to build generational wealth with key strategies for financial security and future opportunities.

What is wealth planning? Learn more today!
Discover what wealth planning is and how it can secure your financial future. Learn more today!

How To Invest Inheritance: A Quick Guide
Getting an inheritance can be both exciting and overwhelming. It's not every day you find yourself with a sudden boost in your finances. But before you rush into spending or...

Can you pay student loans with a credit card? Explained
Explore if you can pay student loans with a credit card, benefits, risks, and alternatives in this comprehensive guide.

How Long Does It Take To Receive Inheritance From A Trust?
Figuring out how long it takes to get your inheritance from a trust can be a bit of a puzzle. It's not always a quick process, and there are a...

Can I Use Student Loans For Rent?
So, you're wondering if you can use student loans to cover your rent, huh? It's a question a lot of students have, especially with rent prices going through the roof....

Can You Pay Student Loans With A Credit Card?
Ever wondered if you could tackle your student loan payments with a credit card? It's a question many have asked, especially when eyeing those potential credit card rewards. But, the...

Investing for Dummies: Gold Isn’t the Golden Ticket
Introduction: The Modern Gold Rush It was January 24, 1848, when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. This discovery sparked the California Gold Rush, where 300,000 people...

What does greenwashing mean in sustainable investing?
Greenwashing is a term we're hearing more and more, especially when talking about sustainable investing. So, what's it all about? Basically, it's when companies or funds make themselves look more...

Investing for dummies: A Complete Beginners Guide.
Investing can feel like a maze, especially if you're just starting out. But don't worry, it's not as scary as it seems. With a bit of guidance, you can learn...

Which Resource Has Unreliable Student Loan Info?
Student loans can be a real maze to figure out. With so many options and rules, it's easy to get lost. And let's be honest, not every source out there...

Avoiding Student Loans: A Step Toward a Debt-Free Life
Thinking about your future without a mountain of student loans can change everything. It's not just about dodging debt; it's about setting up your life to handle money smartly. Imagine...

What is generational wealth? Learn the right way.
Ever wondered what generational wealth really means? It's all about passing down assets, like money, property, or even businesses, from one generation to the next. It's not just about the...

How to set up a trust fund: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Thinking about setting up a trust fund? It's not just for the super-rich. Trust funds can be a smart move for anyone looking to manage their assets and ensure they're...

How much money do you need to start a trust fund for a child?
Ever wondered how much cash you need to kickstart a trust fund for your kid? It's a question that pops up for many parents, grandparents, or guardians. The idea of...

Disadvantages of investing in gold.
Thinking about putting your money into gold? It's not all shiny and perfect. Sure, gold seems like a safe bet, but there are some downsides you might not have considered....

The biggest mistake parents make when setting up a trust fund.
Setting up a trust fund for your kids is a big deal. It's like the ultimate safety net for their future. But here's the kicker: it's not as easy as...

Best investing books: Top Must-Reads for You.
Diving into the world of investing can feel like stepping into a maze, but books can be your compass. There's a ton of wisdom packed into the pages of some...

Navy federal student loans: Trusted Debt Solutions.
Thinking about Navy Federal student loans? They're a solid option if you're looking for reliable ways to fund your education. Whether you're an undergrad or going for that advanced degree,...

Retirement Planning and Crypto - 2025 Tips
Explore the intersection of retirement and crypto in 2025. Learn how Bitcoin’s rise, evolving regulations, and new investment options can impact your financial future. Discover key insights for balancing risk and...

Get Retirement Income For Life - Stop Hating Annuities
Discover why annuities provide retirement income for life and why financial advisors may criticize them. Learn how modern annuities offer guaranteed income, no annual fees, and financial security for your Smart...

What to Do With Inheritance - Financial Longevity Planning
"Discover Smart Financial Longevity Planning for Gen X. Learn how to secure lifetime income, optimize savings, and plan for the future—including what to do with inheritance—to ensure a financially stable...
Max Tax Savings Strategies for the Middle Class on a Budget
Paul Mauro's Guide to Middle Class Tax Strategies Tax-saving strategies vary greatly depending on wealth, income, and goals. For middle-class families—about 54% of Americans—effective, budget-friendly approaches can lead to meaningful...
5 Step - Smart Financial Longevity Planning Checklist
The Paul Mauro Financial Longevity Checklist Start with Housing PlansDecide where you will live during your later years. Will it be in your current home, a retirement community, or with...
Winter Heating Costs for 2025
There Are Smart Financial Decisions Everywhere You Look In 1967, Jim Morrison and The Doors recorded “Light My Fire,” a song filled with imagery and innuendo. While it’s an iconic...
Long-Term Nursing Care Costs Can Be Overwhelming – Not Anymore
Don't Be Overwhelmed By Long-Term Nursing Care A 77-year-old couple came to our firm with one big concern keeping them up at night. They were healthy for their age and...
Get Your Free Money – Just Be Aware
Here's a Way To Thank Yourself in 2025 The race to give away deposit bonus money is heating up.Back in the 1950s and 1960s, the banking industry came up with...
The True Cost of a Bachelor’s Degree in 2025—and Smarter Alternatives
What This Means for College Savings and Student Loan Debt In 2025, a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree is expected to start their career earning about $52,000 annually, according...
IRS Rev. Ruling 2023-2
The IRS Deals a Big Blow to Working Families Many middle-class families rely on irrevocable trust documents in their estate plans and for Medicaid planning as seniors age. These trusts...
MAX ROTH CONVERSIONS 2025
Why You Should Do a Max Roth Conversion You must be under 80 years old to get the best deal. Everyone would love to own a MAX ROTH IRA. Roth...
Financially Smart Dream Retirement Location
Retiring In Your Dream Location There is a state death tax in 30% of the states in the USA. So the real question becomes, where do you want to be...
Social Security Fairness Act - Big Change 2025
Social Security Fairness Act How Municipal Workers Will Win in 2025 The Social Security Fairness Act is now the law of the land. President Biden signed it into law in...