• Podcast

    Face The Fear Podcast – Pete The Planner!

    Peter Dunn

    Join us as we discuss all things finances with the famous Pete The Planner! He has written 10 books, has his own podcast (Million Dollar Plan), radio show (Pete the Planner® Radio Show on WIBC), appears on TV and regularly writes newspaper columns. See his contact information below to connect with him and see all that he has accomplished, which is a lot! 

    Peter Dunn:

    Face The Fear: 

  • Budgeting

    Finances: The No. 1 Reason Americans are More Anxious Than Ever Before (+ How to Manage it)

    Written By: David Hessel, Fiduciary Financial Advisor in Brookfield Wisconsin

    As we get older, more and more expenses end up on our plate. From mortgages to car repairs, it can feel like there are endless bills to pay. And as we all know, with more bills, comes more pressure, anxiety and stress. In fact, the American Psychological Association found that money is Americans’ number one stressor.1 Finances have remained at the top of the list since the survey began in 2007.2

    When it comes to stress, the numbers don’t lie. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences conducted a study that evaluated heart health changes before, during and after a recent financial crisis and found that during the recession, both blood pressure and blood glucose levels increased in respondents, signaling a worsening in heart health.3

    While many of us dream of being financially secure, most of us can agree that traditional education in our public schools does not properly equip us with the knowledge and resources necessary to be effective financial decision-makers. There seems to be a growing gap between financial literacy and our population, causing many people to lose hope and get trapped in a deeper hole of debt.

    However, when it comes to money, there are four ways you can more effectively manage your finances so you remain in control of your spending habits.

    Tip #1: Automate Your Savings

    It can be difficult to set aside money every month, especially after you’ve been anxiously awaiting to get your paycheck. If you’re someone who struggles with putting money away, consider setting up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account each month to make sure that no matter what, you’re continuously growing your nest egg. Whether you want to be prepared for any emergencies that may come up or have a dream of buying a house one day, adding money to your savings account every month — even if it’s only $100 — can get you closer to the financial stability you need to feel confident about your future.

    Tip #2: Stay Away from Impulse Purchases

    With so many products out there — ranging from new gadgets to the latest ‘must-have’ accessories — it can be difficult to put a cap on your spending habits. Instead of putting yourself right in front of your guilty pleasures, consider putting your money towards experiences, rather than material items. If your favorite past-time is going to the mall, swap window shopping with a picnic out in the park or a day out at your local museum (some museums offer discounted prices over the weekend). While retail therapy may seem like the solution to your problems, oftentimes, you end up feeling worse than if you had spent your time making memories instead. With these memories, your craving for consumerism may gradually die down, leaving you with more time to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

    Tip #3: Focus on What You Can Control

    While it’s difficult to effectively plan ahead for every single expense we’re going to have, you can at least have an initial game plan for where your money is going to go. Theoretically, every month, you know you’re going to have to pay rent or a mortgage, buy groceries, pay other utility bills and fill up on gas a few times. So, after you get your paycheck, subtract all of these expenses from your total amount. This will give you a clear idea of how much “fun” money you have to spend each month. And, if you plan to put some money into your savings account, you’ll want to make a note of that too.

    The purpose of this exercise is to make yourself more mindful of the money you’re spending each month. When you know — without a doubt — certain specific expenses are going to come up, you can start planning ahead to make sure you’re not spending more money than you have.

    Tip #4: Be More Goal-Oriented

    For some people, the thought of having a goal can be terrifying as it means there is a chance they might fail. However, if you never set goals for yourself, you’ll never have complete control over your financial life. To get started, begin with a realistic goal that can ideally be achieved in less than five years, such as paying off your credit card debt. Once you’ve identified what you want to accomplish, write it down.

    Oftentimes, the simple act of writing down your goals can make it feel more real, therefore making you more accountable. Next, create a rough timetable of how you are going to achieve your objectives. This timetable could include information such as how much money you’re going to save every month, as well as milestones for each payment you’re going to make. Over time, you’ll begin to gain more confidence about your finances, in turn leaving you feeling more in control — and capable — of managing your money on your own.

    Looking for more guidance on how to be financially stress-free? Schedule a 30-Minute Phone Call with David Hessel here or send him an email at dhessel@gvcaponline.com.

    You can find the original article here.

    1. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2015/02/money-stress
    2. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/one-big-reason-americans-are-so-stressed-and-unhealthy-2018-10-11
    3. https://www.pnas.org/content/115/13/3296

    GVCM is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm, headquartered at N14W23833 Stone Ridge Drive, Suite 350, Waukesha, WI 53188. PH: 262.650.1030. David Hessel is an Investment Adviser Representative (“Adviser”) with GVCM. Additional information can be found at: https://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov/IAPD/Global View Capital Insurance, LTD. (GVCI) insurance services offered through ASH Brokerage and PKS Financial. David Hessel is an Insurance Agent of GVCI. Global View Capital Advisors, LTD is an affiliate of Global View Capital Management, LTD (GVCM). This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

  • Wedding

    The Perfect Dress

    Ladies, we know wedding dress shopping can be an amazing and fun time where you get to try on extravagant, beautiful dresses that make you feel confident and beautiful as you walk down the aisle to your future spouse, who is crying tears of pure joy. However, the price tag on these dresses may make you cry tears of pure stress.

    Season 4 Drinking GIF by Friends - Find & Share on GIPHY

    According to the Huff Post, American brides spend an average of $1,289 for their wedding dress – that’s a lot of dough.

    If you are on a budget, there are options to get the dress of your dreams while not breaking the bank and I have composed a list of a few:

    • Attend a Bridal Show: Often times when you attend a bridal show, dress shops will give discounts just for setting up an appointment to shop and try on dresses. This is a great way to begin planning a date to shop for dresses, and if you find “the one,” you already have a sweet discount waiting for you.
    • Sample Dresses: Say you find that one perfect dress, but it is WAY over your budget. Some bridal shops will hold sales to buy sample dresses and floor models, so you can get that dress for a discounted price. You can also look online and, if you know the style and fit you want, there are a ton of sites that offer sample sales.
    • Go With a Less Traditional Color: This option is not for everyone. But if you are not stuck on a white wedding dress, picking a different color could be a great option. These are less common, so it is easier to find at a lower price.  
    • White Bridesmaids Dress: If simple is more your style, choosing a white bridesmaid dress could save you a lot of money. Still beautiful, still elegant, and no one will know the difference!
    • Reuse and Upcycle: Typically, you only wear your wedding dress one time. Why not buy it second-hand? Doing this will give you an amazing dress, still in good quality, but for a fraction of the price. And if there are things you don’t like or want to change to make it perfect, you can find a seamstress to fix it to your liking (within their ability). This option allows you to customize your dress while keeping money in the bank.
    •   Rent, Don’t Buy: Realistically, you are going to wear your wedding dress one time. If you don’t plan to keep it, consider renting. This is a great way to not only save money, but now you also don’t have to keep the dress tucked away in your closet taking up space.

    These are just a few ways you can save money shopping for a wedding dress. While this can be a big expense, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming and stressful. There are so many ways to save money for the perfect dress. If you have any additional recommendations, leave a comment below! We would love to share your ideas to help a fellow bride.

    Written By: Dakota Otis

  • Videos,  Wedding

    Our Story Q&A! We’re ENGAGED!

    Join us on our 22 hour road trip from Texas to Michigan! We answer all your questions about how we met, what challenges we have in our relationship, and how we’ll handle our finances as a newlywed couple.

    (Public Service Announcement: This video is LONG. So long, in fact, that we almost ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere Arkansas because we didn’t realize how long it would be. Miraculously, we made it to a gas station on fumes & somehow filled my 14-gallon tank with 16 gallons of fuel. We also conveniently grabbed lunch from the gas station Subway, where the lady, as she prepared our sandwiches, explained in graphic detail how she’d recently castrated her goat. All that to say, THANK YOU for watching this video. Our followers make it all worth it.)

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  • Budgeting,  Wedding

    7 Steps to Set and Follow a Wedding Budget

    Written By: David Hessel, Fiduciary Financial Advisor in Brookfield Wisconsin

    A wedding can be an exciting time, and sometimes it can be easy to let your emotions get the better of you and spend more than you anticipated on spending. While it is a special day in your life, it is important to set and stick to a budget you can afford so you do not have the stress of paying off excess debt when you are embarking on the next stage of your life. So how can you stay on track with your wedding budget and still have a day you’ll never forget? Take a look at these 7 tips.

    1. Take a Hard Look at Your Finances

    The first step, and most often the least exciting when planning an event, is taking a good, hard look at your current financial situation. You will need to come up with an amount that you will be able to save in time or that you can afford to cut from your budget or savings accounts. Once you have determined the most you can spend, a number 10 to 20 percent less, that will give you your budget range. While this can be an awkward conversation for many new couples starting out, it is a good way to build a strong foundation for discussing money matters throughout your marriage. 

    2. Create a Reasonable Guest List

    One of the largest expenses of a wedding is the food and drink, and the amount you will need to provide for your guests will have a direct effect on the total costs. While it can be tempting to invite everyone that you know, including distant family you may rarely contact, it is best to set an amount on your guest list that is reasonable and stick to it. Start out by determining numbers for close family and friends to make sure you have the most important guests on the lists before you begin adding more.  

    3. Determine Contribution Amounts From Others

    While some couples may tackle their wedding expenses all on their own, often times the bride’s and groom’s family will contribute to the wedding expenses. It can sometimes be awkward determining how much they plan to contribute or what items they plan on paying for, but it is an important discussion to have sooner rather than later. Just remember that if you accept monetary contributions from family, they will probably expect to be able to provide some input. 

    4. Create a Wedding Account to Stay on Budget

    The best way to stay on budget and keep track of your wedding spending is by opening a banking account and setting aside the money budgeted in it. Use the money in the account only for the wedding expenses. If you end up with some extra in the account at the end, you will have some spending money for your honeymoon or be able to pick up a couple of items from your registry.

    5. Decide What Parts of the Wedding Are Most Important to You

    There are primary parts of your wedding that will require a significantly larger expense than others such as the food and the venue rental. Though aside from the standard big-ticket items, wedding expenses can come with a wide range of price tags. Determine with your future spouse which items you are willing to splurge on and which items you care about less. You may be willing to choose a more reasonably priced dress to be able to have an open bar, or limit flower options to have a live band for music. Have some fun and plan a date night where you write a list of your wedding priorities.

    6. Set a Budget-Friendly Wedding Date

    Having flexibility in your wedding date is a great way to shave some bucks off of your budget as well as get the vendors you want most. Some of the most popular times of year to have weddings are around holidays so it is best to avoid these weeks as you may have problems securing a vendor or be required to pay an increased rate. Your specific area may also have seasonal trends with popular wedding months. If this is the case, choosing an off-month will give you the best bang for your buck.

    From personal experience, allowing yourself to enjoy your engagement and waiting 2-3 years before the big day gives so much flexibility with spending and discounts. One example here is, typically when you book a vendor, they will lock you in at current pricing. (ask if not clearly stated) Most are bound to increase over the next 2-3 years; so by giving yourself more time to plan, you end up saving a decent amount of cash too.

    7. Fight the Urge to Splurge

    It can be easy to get caught up in the money and excitement of unique items that will make your wedding perfect. Just remember that it is the wedding vendors job to upsell as much as possible to try and resist the temptation to have add-ons as they can cause your budget to quickly get out of control. It is also good practice to make sure you bring a list with you when picking up wedding items, so you do not find yourself distracted and purchase items you do not need. 

    Try following the seven tips above to give you a better chance of staying on budget while still having the wedding that you always dreamed of. 

    Looking for more guidance on how to budget for your big day? Schedule a 30-Minute Phone Call with David Hessel here or send him an email at dhessel@gvcaponline.com.

    You can find the original article here.

    Global View Capital Advisors, LTD is an affiliate of Global View Capital Management, LTD (GVCM).  GVCM is an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm, headquartered at N14W23833 Stone Ridge Drive, Suite 350, Waukesha, WI 53188. PH: 262.650.1030. David Hessel is an Investment Adviser Representative (“Adviser”) with GVCM.  Additional information can be found at:https://www.adviserinfo.sec.gov/IAPD/

     Global View Capital Insurance, LTD. (GVCI) insurance services offered through ASH Brokerage and PKS Financial. GVCI is headquartered at N14W23833 Stone Ridge Drive, Suite 350, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188-1126, PH: 262-650-1030. David Hessel is an Insurance Agent of GVCI.