Refinancing
With our home values increasing we may be paying more than necessary on our mortgages:
Do's
If the mortgage rate on your home is at least ˝ point higher than the current rate on the same terms, calculate you balance owed at the lower rate and evaluate the difference.

Consider refinancing at the remaining term (i.e. number of months) of your current mortgage or perhaps a shorter term at approximately your current monthly payment.

As a rule consider taking money out only if payment amounts can be supported without extending the remaining term on your current mortgage.

Plan for Financial Aid

Most people (99%) don't save enough for college (much less for weddings!).

Do's
Consider saving for college in a taxable account in your name if your income is below 100K per year. In this case your child will more than likely qualify for some financial aid. (Check Collegemoney.com for a free quiz to help determine your eligibility for aid).
Do's
Invest in a 529 savings plan if your income is higher than 100K per year. In this case you probably won't qualify for financial aid anyway. This is a good opportunity for using real estate properties to leverage your investments. A smaller down payment investment can often can leverage a much larger value asset appreciation, while creating income, and offsetting depreciation benefits annually.

Retirement

Don't
Be afraid to take your 401K roll over to create a new diversified IRA account outside the company after you leave, or are terminated. This kind of IRA account can be used for Real properties or the same equities you have participated in previously. The difference is you can make the choice you want, with the team of financial specialists that you assemble.

Don't
Be afraid to consider rolling over your "lump sum" pension amount to the same kind of self directed IRA. The pension plan you create 99% of the time will be better than the one your company offers and you can pass it along to your family in the end.

Don't
Put all you eggs into one basket! Diversify…consult with an expert of your choice. Some diversified investment considerations are listed below with contact information.