Introduction

• Why Did I Write This Book Series?

• Who Is This Book For?

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Formulate a Financial Plan

• What is a Financial Plan?

• Imperative: Accumulate Diverse Assets

• Imperative: Minimize Debts

• Imperative: Live Within or Below Your Means

• Axiom: Your Most Valuable Asset is Earning Capacity

• Axiom: Your Most Precious Resource is Time

• Axiom: Your Greatest Enemy is Procrastination

• Imperative: Understand the Time Value of Money

• Imperative: Reduce Fees

• Axiom: Your Biggest Dangers Lurk Within

• Imperative: Involve Your Spouse or Partner

• Imperative: Be Skeptical of Financial Advisors

• Final Thoughts on Financial Planning

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Know Your Net Worth

• The Balance Sheet

• Track Net Worth

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Manage & Minimize Debt

• Understand Your Student Loans

• Repay Student Loans

• Federal Loans

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

• Car Purchase vs. Lease

• Mortgage Debt

• Credit Cards

• Your Credit Score

• Does Checking My Credit Score Lower It?

• Which Debts Should I Pay Off First?

• If I Have Some Excess Cash This Year, Should I Invest or Pay Down Debt?

• Must I Live Like an Intern Forever to Overcome My Debt?

• What Happens to Student Loans When You Die?

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Accumulate Assets

• Stock and Bond Pillars

• Cash & Equivalents Pillars

• Rainy-Day Fund

• Real Estate Pillars

• Direct Business Ownership Pillars

• Children’s 529 College Savings Pillars

• Insurance Cash Value Pillars

• Annuity Pillars

• Collectibles Pillars

• Precarious Pillars

• Pillar Diversification

• Where Do The Pillars Come From?

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Budget to Live Within Your Means

• The Household Budget

• Generic Career-Stage Priorities

• Periodic Financial Reviews

• Implications for Net Worth

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Understand Investing Basics

• Understand Risk and Return

• Are You a Passive or Active Investor?

• Asset Classes

• Traditional vs. Alternative Asset Classes

• Create an Investment Portfolio

• The Three-Fund Portfolio

• Thoughts on American Stock Market Returns

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Plan for Retirement

• Golden Goose Principal (GGP)

• Defined Contribution, Defined Benefit Plans, and Social Security

• Qualified Retirement Accounts

• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
  • IRA Phaseout

• Regular Brokerage or Investment Accounts

• Some Tax Considerations

• Prepare for Retirement

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Insure People & Property

• What Exactly is Insurance For?

• Identifying Good Insurance Companies

• What Happens if my Insurer Fails?

• Insurance Types

• Insurance Features & Terminology

• Disability Insurance

• Property and Casualty Insurance

• Life Insurance

• How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

• Term Life Insurance

• Permanent Life Insurance

• The Term vs. Permanent Debate

• Pregnancy and Life Insurance

• Naming a Minor as a Beneficiary of Life Insurance

• Term Life Insurance Application Process

• How are Term Life Insurance Policies Priced?

• When Might a Life Insurance Claim be Denied?

• Long-Term Care Insurance

• Final Thoughts on Insurance

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Deal with Financial Advisors

• DIY versus Using an Advisor

• Should I Accept Advice from Peers?

• The Basic Functions of Financial Advisors

• Advisor Alignment

• Advisor Fees

• Advisor Expertise

• Find an Advisor

• Interview Prospective Advisors

• Advisor Evaluation Template

• Your Responsibilities

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Review Your Employment Contract

• The “Standard” Contract

• Description of Duties

• Compensation

• Benefits

• Medical Malpractice Insurance

• Termination Circumstances

• Non-Compete & Non-Solicitation

• Integration & Fraud

• Indemnification

• Business Ownership

• Interviewing

• Final Thoughts on Employment Contracts

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Make Plans for Your Estate

• Estate Planning Documents

• Asset Protection Planning

• Your Parents’ Estate Planning

• Final Thoughts on Asset Protection

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Make Good Decisions

• Decision Making Paradigms

• Psychological Barriers to Decision Making

• Final Thoughts on Decision Making

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Conclusion

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