Articles from Michael Becker

Family Finances — Involve Teens?

Even if major financial decisions impact all family members, do teens and young adultsget a say? The Wall Street Journal reports that financial advisors differ.

Some advisors say yes, because doing so helps young adults to learn how to manage money earlier in life. Letting teens in on such decisions eases them into adulthood by helping them to understand resource limitations and ramification of different choices.

Others advisors disagree. Teens, they say, often inexperienced in making complex and usually difficult choices, can easily become overwhelmed. Also, young adults can’t give truly valuable input without having ‘skin in the game’ — their own money at stake.

The good news is most advisors do agree that early financial education is best for kids. So over time, they’ll become prepared to manage their own finances.

Recent Articles

Celebrities Mediate, Too!

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship, dating back to the early 2000’s has been one of the most public love stories in Hollywood. And when they recently got divorced, they chose a more private and pragmatic approach: mediation. No doubt, they could have afforded to hire armies of attorneys to fight it out for years…

The 5 Steps in a Troubled Marriage

In her upcoming book, I (Think) I Want Out, couples’ therapist Becky Whitestone lays out the five milestones in a failing marriage. She hopes couples who identify these stages early on can save their marriage before it’s too late.

Spending Limits Help Couples?

Couples that agree on spending limits have less conflict about money.

Legal Documents for College

Critical legal documents parents should have in place for college students.