Hi Gang, if you’re like me, you like to figure things out on your own. I don’t want to just know the answer; I want to know how I got there! Even today, I still wrestle with the quest for knowledge that, despite the heavy cost of my time, gives me the satisfaction that it was me who figured “it” out. If you share this trait, you’ve probably had a highly successful career and are also the go-to person when people need the right answer ASAP. Am I correct?
Sometimes, however, the cost in time, energy, and yes, even money, is just too much. If my time is worth $25 an hour, $50 an hour, $100 an hour(!), does it make sense for me to spend 5 hours a month doing “this,” when I can pay a company a nominal subscription fee to get the outcome I’m looking for that is at least as accurate—and usually more insightful—than my own work in a fraction of the time?
The answer to this question is the premise behind using a highly selective suite of financial tools as opposed to endless spreadsheets, calculators, or my favorite—a pencil and paper!
Below are financial planning tools that I personally use. Some we have a financial relationship with as an affiliate, which means they pay us a small fee if you subscribe to their software, and others we have no financial relationship with whatsoever. None will charge you more because of our relationship, and all of them are tools we would recommend regardless.
Boldin (NewRetirement) Personal Financial Planning Software – From Free to $120 per year
There are a lot of financial planning software options out there. They range from not very good to what I call “Franken-Software”—software that was once useful but is now so commercialized that the user gets bombarded with ads for things like mortgages, credit cards, in-person financial planners, etc. The list goes on and on. What I like about Boldin is what you don’t see. I’m a geek who actually reads the release notes, and there you can see how the company built its software over time. But what I like most is Boldin’s user simplicity. It kind of reminds me of the new AI world we live in—but not end-of-the-world scary. Boldin knows the questions you should be thinking about and directs you through the interview.
I’ve also personally met and exchanged dozens of emails with the management team regarding the software and the company, including several with the founder, Steve Chen. Before Boldin became part of our “Core 10” affiliate relationships, I wanted to make sure this company was as good in person as it was online. We believe in the company and its product. Boldin is the only personal financial planning software we recommend—we feel it’s that good. Here’s what I like about it:
Boldin makes it simple to create and manage your own comprehensive financial plan. As a user, you will go beyond savings and investments to organize your entire financial life—money, taxes, income, Social Security, benefits, Roth conversions and more. With easy-to-use tools, you can take control of your finances and plan for both today’s priorities and tomorrow’s goals.
Run personalized “what if” scenarios to see how different decisions impact your future. Discover your chance of financial success (which can be both fascinating and eye opening) and explore actionable ways to improve your outcome. BTW, as a general observation, people who manage their own financial plan feel more confident, achieve better outcomes, and gain greater clarity about their financial future.
With Boldin, you’ll have the tools to know exactly where you stand today and how to change direction if you are a little off course.
Use our affiliate link: https://go.boldin.com/Schmidt to get a two-week free trial on the premier version of their software, PlannerPlus. If you decide to continue, the software is $120 per year thereafter. Boldin also offers a free version (called Free Planner) with more limited capability, but to see Boldin software in it’s full form, I recommend starting with the two free trial of PlannerPlus using our link above to make a more informed decision.
As a CPA, I do my own taxes every year. This is the software that I use and have used for over 15 years. TurboTax is a trusted leader in tax preparation software, designed to make filing your taxes quick, easy, and stress-free. Whether you’re filing a simple return or managing more complex finances, TurboTax offers a tailored experience to fit your needs. Its intuitive platform guides you step-by-step through the process, ensuring you don’t miss any deductions or credits that could save you money. With a range of options, including TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employed, the software is ideal for everyone—from first-time filers to experienced taxpayers.
Backed by advanced technology and a team of tax experts, TurboTax provides accuracy and peace of mind. Features like real-time error checks, personalized recommendations, and the option to connect with live tax professionals ensure your return is filed correctly. TurboTax also guarantees maximum refunds, helping you keep more of your hard-earned money. Accessible across devices, TurboTax lets you file your taxes anytime, anywhere, making it a reliable and efficient choice for millions of users every year.
My Social Security: Your Personal Social Security Resource – Free
The my Social Security webpage is a secure and convenient online platform provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It allows individuals to manage and monitor their Social Security benefits and personal records, anytime and anywhere. Designed for people at all stages of life, this portal simplifies access to essential services, whether you’re planning for retirement, already receiving benefits, or managing Social Security for a loved one.
With a my Social Security account, you can view your personalized Social Security Statement to track your earnings history, estimate future benefits, and ensure your records are accurate. If you’re already receiving benefits, you can update your personal information, change your direct deposit details, and even request replacement documents like your Social Security card or benefit verification letter.
This online tool saves time by eliminating the need for in-person visits or calls to the SSA. It’s accessible on any device and features user-friendly navigation, ensuring you can easily find the information you need. Whether you’re budgeting for retirement or simply keeping your records up-to-date, my Social Security provides the tools to stay informed and in control of your Social Security benefits.
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