The column
Brian’s monthly column on money runs in the Aspen Times and the Aspen Daily News. Roth conversions, down markets, estate plans, the illiquid millionaire. Plain language and real numbers, written for people who live here. If you want to know how he thinks before you call, start here.
Seven Essential Estate Planning Moves Every Family Should Make
Seven estate planning moves, starting with the simplest one: having a plan at all.
You'll see how to keep your plan current, name backups for key roles and tell your family what to expect.
Don’t ignore the emotional side of estate planning
When we think about estate planning, we often picture legal documents, attorneys and the related processes.
Nervous about U.S. investments? Good
If you’ve been looking at the U.S. markets lately and feeling a little twitchy, you’re not alone.
Are your investments really diversified?
Diversification is one of the tenets of successful investing.
Social Security insecurity — separating facts from misunderstandings
For nine decades, Social Security benefits have been an important part of the mix of retirement income for American retirees.
Are we in a stock market bubble?
The investment question of the year for 2025: “Are we in an AI-driven stock market bubble?”
Earn too much for a Roth IRA? Consider the backdoor approach
Who doesn't appreciate tax-free investment growth, tax-free withdrawals and not having to take required minimum distributions from their retirement account?
Could you benefit from a Roth IRA conversion?
It might seem counter intuitive to decide to pay MORE taxes now, rather than defer them, but in some cases, that can be a smart, tax-efficient strategy.
Doing less could mean earning more
\"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs.\
Should you buy gold?
While the financial markets have been on a roller coaster ride for a few months, reacting to sudden changes to U.S. tariff policy and the latest economic news, gold has been the star of the show.
Protecting women’s wealth
In the Roaring Fork Valley, where independence and prosperity are valued, protecting women’s wealth is more than a financial strategy … it’s a key to empowerment.
Sitting on some cash from the holidays? Here are some things to consider before investing it
What should you do if you’ve just received a big bonus at work, inherited some money, sold a business, or otherwise enjoyed a recent windfall you’d like to invest?
529 plans – versatile gifts for students
As a parent or grandparent, you may have diligently saved money in a 529 account to help fund your child’s or grandchild’s college education.
8 steps to take in the wake of a windfall
In a world where financial windfalls are often deemed a stroke of luck, many individuals find themselves facing unexpected challenges when managing newfound wealth.
Five financial missteps to avoid during a divorce
Divorce is undoubtedly one of the most stressful life events.
6 mistakes DIY investors make
During the first half of this year, I spoke with several self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022, approached me for advice.
The pitfalls of working with multiple investment advisers
Diversification can be an effective tool for managing risk in an investment portfolio.
How to raise financially wise kids
Every parent wants the best for their children and strives to prepare them to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life.