When overseeing your finances, “build an emergency fund” is one of the first pieces of advice from the experts. While that advice is sound, many people still treat their emergency fund as a checkbox item—something to create and forget about.  But the reality is most emergency funds fall short of requirements not because people don’t save but because they don’t know how much to save, where to keep it, or why it matters beyond the basics. In this article, we’ll […]

If you’re approaching retirement and feel uneasy every time the market dips, you’re not alone. Market volatility creates feelings that are more personal the closer you get to being increasingly dependent on your savings accounts.  When you’re 10, 20, or 30 years from retirement, market swings may feel uncomfortable—but they don’t usually cause real long-term damage as long as you stay invested. Hanging in there becomes a bigger problem when you are retired and depend on the assets to produce […]

Financial crises are inevitable, but their impact on wealth needn’t be as devastating if certain strategies are implemented before they happen.  Crafting a financial crisis-proof portfolio requires a strategic blend of diversification, disciplined behavior, proactive planning, and ongoing oversight. This ensures that your wealth can withstand the economic headwinds that impact public companies’ earnings.  In our blog today, we’ll look at various tactics you can use to protect and grow your wealth through diversification, behavioral discipline, and proactive planning. This […]

Financial crises—like the 2008 housing collapse or the 2020 COVID-19 market shock—can feel like sudden storms, shaking the foundations of your financial security. But what sparks these crises, and how do they affect your long-term wealth accumulation? More importantly, how can behavioral finance strategies help you weather sudden storms?  As a fiduciary financial advisor in Buffalo Grove, IL, we’ve spent over thirty years helping individuals and families build and preserve their wealth, even during turbulent times. Our team of financial […]

Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it—a car repair, a medical bill, or even a sudden job loss. At SGL Financial in Buffalo Grove, IL, we’ve seen firsthand how an emergency fund can be your financial lifeline when you experience the unexpected.  With over 30 years of experience, our team of fiduciary financial advisors in Buffalo Grove can assist you in constructing a financial plan that includes creating an emergency fund to ensure you are […]

One thing in life is certain…uncertainty! As an investor in the stock and bond markets, constant change can be your greatest challenge or, viewed differently, as a strategic opportunity if you make informed, objective decisions. Market volatility can also feel like a rollercoaster you didn’t sign up for. One day, your portfolio is soaring; the next, it’s plummeting, leaving you wondering how to safeguard your hard-earned wealth over longer periods. Our Buffalo Grove CFP® professionals understand the intricacies of market […]

Cryptocurrency has been one of the most talked-about topics in the financial world over the past decade. With headlines boasting of overnight millionaires and disruptive technology, it’s no wonder people are curious about diving into this digital frontier.  But before you transfer some of your hard-earned assets into Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets, it’s crucial to understand what cryptocurrency is and isn’t. Cryptocurrency investing can feel exciting but comes with new risks, complexities, and opportunities.  SGL Tip: Never invest […]

One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to improve your financial health during the next calendar year. The New Year symbolizes a fresh start, encouraging reflection on past financial behaviors and setting new goals for your financial future. Long-term financial objectives like home ownership, education funding, or retirement planning require ongoing management, making early in the New Year an ideal time to reassess your progress and update your current plan.  If one of your resolutions is to gain […]

In today’s blog, we’ll explore the differences between choosing a robo-advisor or a human financial advisor to assist in managing your wealth. There are many factors to consider, and we’ll explore several of them in more detail. One way of thinking about differences is to consider it a decision between algorithms and personalization. Each option has unique strengths and some limitations that suit different needs and preferences. Understanding how they compare in terms of models, flexibility, cost, and communication can […]