Ross Levin

Minneapolis, United States

Contributor at Freelance

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Articles

Is a Vacation Home Worth It? 6 Considerations to Help You Decide

1 week ago | advisorpedia.com | Ross Levin

In Minnesota, people love their cabins. The experiences and memories our cabins give us are irreplaceable. Wellies and rain suits, hanging by the shore looking for frogs, watching fireworks over the lake on the Fourth of July, driving slowly at night, hoping to spot deer, fires in the fire pit and games on the porch. And then our kids get older, with sports and activities occupying their weekends. Maybe we eventually decide to sell the cabin.
Don't consider just your conflicts of interest. Be wary of your advisors', too

2 weeks ago | startribune.com | Ross Levin

There are two opposing camps when it comes to conflicts of interest. One camp believes temptation doesn't make us bad; it allows us to be good. Then there is the Oscar Wilde camp: "I can resist anything but temptation." When it comes to your personal finances, understanding your professional advisor's conflict is an important consideration.
Love vs. Money: Why Financial Opposites Spark the Most Relationship Drama

3 weeks ago | advisorpedia.com | Ross Levin

You’ve heard the saying, “opposites attract.” Well, when it comes to couples and money, too often “opposites attack.” Here are different money styles I have seen through the years, and some steps we can take to avoid an all-out war. One client is conservative with money, and the other is a risk-taker. The risk-taker might consider themselves brave and their partner scared. The problem is, there is generally more at stake for the scared client.
How to know if buying a vacation home is right for you

4 weeks ago | startribune.com | Ross Levin

In Minnesota, people love their cabins. The experiences and memories our cabins give us are irreplaceable. Wellies and rain suits, hanging by the shore looking for frogs, watching fireworks over the lake on the Fourth of July, driving slowly at night, hoping to spot deer, fires in the fire pit and games on the porch. And then our kids get older, with sports and activities occupying their weekends. Maybe we eventually decide to sell the cabin.
The Fatal Flaw No One’s Talking About in Today’s Tariff Strategy

1 month ago | advisorpedia.com | Ross Levin

Written by: Sean P. Smith, CFA The details of the tariff strategy that were unveiled at the White House on April 2nd have roiled global financial markets, and every update on the issue in the days since has resulted in heightened market volatility. Economists can debate the potential merits and drawbacks of a shift toward returning to broad-based domestic manufacturing. But such debates miss a critical challenge with the current tariff-based approach toward achieving that ultimate goal.
Opposites attract in love and money, which makes for financial tension

1 month ago | startribune.com | Ross Levin

You've heard the saying, "opposites attract." Well, when it comes to couples and money, too often "opposites attack." Here are different money styles I have seen through the years, and some steps we can take to avoid an all-out war. One client is conservative with money, and the other is a risk-taker. The risk-taker might consider themselves brave and their partner scared. The problem is, there is generally more at stake for the scared client.
How to react to stock market volatility

1 month ago | startribune.com | Ross Levin

As the markets fall, it is natural to have a visceral reaction to your investment losses. If you have been invested appropriately, this market volatility shouldn't pose a threat to your ability to have the money you want to have when you want to have it. But with any perceived threat to our financial security, it is natural to adopt our protective measures: fight, flight, freeze or fawn.
Know your finances in order to make investing, retirement decisions

2 months ago | startribune.com | Ross Levin

By Ross Levin There are many ways to describe groups of animals: murder of crows, charm of hummingbirds, school of fish. What would it look like if we took those descriptions and used them for financial planning? Debt for consumption is never good. I know there are times when it may be unavoidable, such as job loss. But constantly accessing debt for lifestyle hinders your financial planning. Credit card interest payments are empty financial calories. Having said that, not all debt is bad.
Take Charge: How to Regain Control of Your Financial Future

2 months ago | advisorpedia.com | Ross Levin

I tend to be even-keeled — that is, until I talk to our cable provider. I was trying to cancel an add-on that I never signed up for (nor used) before the free subscription trial period ended. I miraculously found a number to call and was greeted by Jessica, who immediately tried to sell me on some medical warning service. After repeatedly telling Jessica I wasn’t interested, she continued undeterred. I became more frustrated.
Let Money Support Your Values, Not the Other Way Around

2 months ago | advisorpedia.com | Ross Levin

Most of us need to work to support ourselves and our lifestyles. We cash a check and use the money to pay for things we need today or to cover anticipated future needs. But the question to ask yourself is: Does your money support your values or does money dictate them? Money supports your values when your spending is directed toward what’s most important in your life. If family time is a priority, is the amount of work you are taking on reflective of that?