About Ian Payne

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So far Ian Payne has created 8 blog entries.

The SWMG Opinion on the Election

We have none. Ah yes, another election year full of divisive, negative, and persuasive rhetoric from folks on both sides of the aisle. We all recognize the importance of such a year and the ability to have a vote in electing our leaders, but we cannot help feeling some level of dread and outright exhaustion as the process plays itself out. I (Ian) am sorry to disappoint you if you were hoping to discover Jim’s, Scott’s, Curt’s, or any of the rest of the team’s political opinions in this article. [...]

By |2024-09-03T10:16:43-04:00August 29, 2024|Economic Insights, Financial Planning, Investments|

Interest Rates & Inflation – What Gives?

Last I (Ian) checked, the year is 2024, not 2022, so why are we still talking about interest rates and inflation? The markets seem to be humming along. Our government keeps publishing GDP numbers that put any inkling of a recession in doubt. Consumers continue to spend their money like they always have. But just as we started popping the champagne on easing inflation and the hopes of interest rate decreases, inflation decided it has some life left in it. January’s CPI report came in hotter than expected, a 3.1% [...]

By |2024-02-28T16:46:46-05:00February 28, 2024|Economic Insights, Investments|

A Thanksgiving Conversation with the Family CFO

As we approach Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude and togetherness, it's fitting to acknowledge the unsung hero of the household – the one who manages the family finances. Often referred to as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the family, this individual plays a vital role in steering the family ship through the financial seas. In the spirit of the season, let's explore the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and planning in managing a family's finances. Setting the Thanksgiving Table: Budgeting for Financial Success Just as a well-set Thanksgiving table [...]

By |2024-01-30T18:16:00-05:00November 21, 2023|Financial Planning|

Holiday Financial Planning

The holiday season is a joyful time, but it can also bring about financial stress if not properly managed. As Financial Advisors, we understand the importance of effective financial planning. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare financially for the holiday season: Set a Budget: Start by creating a holiday budget that includes all your expenses – gifts, decorations, travel, and special events. Stick to it to avoid overspending. Save in Advance: Ideally, you should start saving for the holidays throughout the year. However, if you haven't, it's [...]

By |2024-01-30T18:16:49-05:00November 13, 2023|Financial Planning|

Guarding Your Finances Against Halloween Horrors

Halloween is here, and while the spooky season is all about costumes and candy, it is also an excellent time to reflect on the scarier aspects of our lives. Financial scares can be just as bone-chilling as any ghost story, and it is crucial to ward them off. So, grab your favorite Halloween treat, and let us dive into how to keep those money woes at bay. The Phantom Expenses Picture this: You're going about your daily life when, out of nowhere, an unexpected expense creeps up. It is like [...]

By |2024-01-30T18:22:59-05:00October 31, 2023|Financial Planning|

Tackle the Uncertainty

The landscape of professional sports carries continuous change as priorities from the world’s top athletes fits the needs they have in their profession. NFL players model this perfectly. Over the past 3-4 years, NFL athletes are negotiating their contracts to include more guaranteed money, even at the expense of higher potential earnings. Why are they doing this? NFL players are protecting the most valuable asset they have: their income. As individuals, we buy insurance for all the most important things in our lives: cars, homes, health, and our lives. One [...]

By |2024-01-30T18:24:46-05:00October 18, 2023|Insurance|

Understanding Your Student Loan Situation After Your Recent Graduation

Yay! I survived college and graduated with that valuable piece of paper that I was able to afford with the help of student loans. Now what do I need to know to pay them off? This is a common question many recent graduates, like myself, have asked. To complicate things further, there's been a lot of action in Washington DC to change the way student loans are paid off. How do I know if any of these changes affect me? And what do I do if they do or do [...]

By |2024-01-30T18:48:22-05:00August 25, 2023|College Planning|
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