by Michael Lecours | Jul 25, 2014 | Economy, Rule of Thumb, Saving, Uncategorized
At first it sounds silly; use the cost of McDonald’s Big Mac to gauge purchasing power in different countries. What first started as a humorous approach to addressing the pricing discrepancies between countries for similar goods, has been taken more and more seriously...
by Michael Lecours | Jul 12, 2014 | Rule of Thumb, Uncategorized
1 in 10 Americans have had their smart phone stolen. Make sure you protect your personal information with these three tips: Make sure you have a security PIN set up to lock your phone. Consumer Reports states only 36% of all smart phone have some sort of security....
by Michael Lecours | Jul 10, 2014 | Investment Strategies, Rule of Thumb, Taxes, Uncategorized
Sick of the high costs to live in Connecticut? Some residents (and our clients, too) are taking action and moving to cheaper states. If you’re curious to see how much you could save, start with these resources: How Money Walks:Wealth is leaving this state, mostly to...
by Michael Lecours | May 27, 2014 | Rule of Thumb, Uncategorized
Great interactive chart showing the difference between median income and cost of living for major cities at NPR Most Interesting – Hartford metro area has a pretty high wage after adjusting for the cost of living.
by Michael Lecours | Apr 29, 2014 | Rule of Thumb, Saving, Uncategorized
Last fall, I completed a series of energy efficiency upgrades to my home – most significantly I added insulation to the attic. I’ve been curious to see if the touted claims of energy savings were reflective of my actual experience. It may be too soon to tell, but my...
by Michael Lecours | Apr 29, 2014 | Retirement, Rule of Thumb, Uncategorized
If you manage your own investments, even if it’s only a portion of a larger portfolio, you should have a plan in place. All too often we see situations where a loved one passed away unexpectedly and left a messy situation for the spouse to deal with. The following...
