Category Archives: Personal Wealth Management

RETIRE Right: Six Keys to a Stronger Financial Plan

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Mr. Market:

This morning I had the pleasure of speaking at the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the Beach House … a room full of business owners, community leaders, and friends. For those who don’t know me, I’m Matt Pixa, founder of My Portfolio Guide, LLC, an independent fee-only wealth management firm. I’ve been honored to serve on the Chamber’s Board of Directors in the past, and was named 2021 Businessperson of the Year. While my schedule doesn’t allow me to attend as often as I’d like, it’s always a privilege to come back, reconnect, and hopefully provide a few takeaways that help people make smarter financial decisions.

Instead of giving a 15-minute “commercial” about my firm, I wanted to do something more interactive. So I asked everyone to take one of my business cards, flip it over, and write down the word RETIRE. Each letter became a conversation point for one of the six key areas of financial planning every person should be thinking about — no matter their age or stage of life.

These are the pillars that determine whether your financial plan can withstand market volatility, economic uncertainty, and life’s inevitable curveballs. If you missed the breakfast, here’s a recap of the discussion (and yes, you can watch the full 18-minute video below).

Read more: RETIRE Right: Six Keys to a Stronger Financial Plan Continue reading →

From Big Wheels to Ford Escapes: A Father’s Car Payment Hack That Pays for Life

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Mr. Market:

Isabel and her "new" and full paid Ford Escape!

I usually write to you…this fictitious embodiment of economic mood swings and investor psychology, to share thoughts on the markets, interest rates, fiscal policy, or whatever headlines are currently flashing red or green.

But today’s note is personal.

It’s about a different kind of return… not just from stocks or bonds, but from a mindset shift that I believe can serve people for a lifetime. One that came full circle this past weekend when my daughter, Isabel, got engaged and drove off in her first “new” car (a gently used 2024 Ford Escape). As a newly minted TCU graduate about to begin work as a NICU nurse in Fort Worth, Texas, she’s stepping into adulthood with independence, purpose… and a financial hack I hope will serve her for decades to come.

Read more: From Big Wheels to Ford Escapes: A Father’s Car Payment Hack That Pays for Life Continue reading →

42% More Likely to Succeed? Write Down Your 10 Financial Goals for 2025!

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Mr. Market:

Ah, the start of a new year—the smell of fresh planners, gym memberships, and resolutions destined to be abandoned by February. But not this year. Not for you. Why? Because when it comes to financial planning, you’re ready to write it down—and studies show that writing down your goals makes you 42% more likely to achieve them. So, grab that pen and let’s get to work. Here’s your top 10 financial planning checklist for the new year.

Read more: 42% More Likely to Succeed? Write Down Your 10 Financial Goals for 2025! Continue reading →

Die with Zero: A Financial Planner’s Paradigm Shift in Paradise

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Mr. Market:

A few weeks ago I took a long weekend for a getaway with my wife to our favorite place. As empty nesters we have this opportunity every once in a while so after spending a serene few days on the beaches of Maui, I finally took the opportunity to dive into Die with Zero by Bill Perkins. As someone deeply entrenched in financial planning and chronologically standing on the threshold of pre-retirement, the book was more than just a leisure read—it was a revelation.

Continue reading →

Farewell Mint: Top Budgeting Apps to Try Now

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Mr. Market:

Budgeting apps play a vital role in helping us keep track of our spending, save for future goals, and maintain control over our financial health. With the retirement of Mint, many are left wondering which tool to turn to next to stay on top of their financial game. The sun has set on Mint, and for many of us, it feels like a beloved companion has gone away. But fear not, for where one app leaves, others rise to the occasion. That may actually be part of the problem since like anything on the internet there’s almost too much information, choices, and places pitching you things.

Today, we dive into six promising alternatives: YNAB (You Need A Budget), PocketGuard, EveryDollar, Goodbudget, Honeydue, and NerdWallet. Each brings something unique to the table, and it’s worth exploring what makes them shine and where they might fall short. One quick caveat before we dive in…Unlike so many articles and product reviews on the internet, we have embedded links to each of of the budgeting apps but do not get paid to promote any one of them. (Please do you your own due diligence!).

Read more: Farewell Mint: Top Budgeting Apps to Try Now Continue reading →

Letter of Final Wishes (LFW)

Posted on by
1

Dear Mr. Market:

This entire personal finance blog is about “letters” being written to you (Mr. Market), the fictitious character that exhibits all sorts of emotions due to the gyrations of the stock market. What letter, however, is the most important one YOU could ever write?

A Letter to My Family

It’s called a “Letter of Final Wishes” (LFW), or as we’ve described it to our clients at My Portfolio Guide, LLC, a “Letter to My Family: Things you should know“. On page 6 of the Spring edition newsletter of “the Guide” (click here if you have not seen it yet), we touch on this very important gesture that you can do for your family. Aside from the legalities of estate planning, this exercise is perhaps the single most loving and considerate document you can create for your family that they will forever be grateful for.

Our template (which we share below) is not a legal document and should never replace your will or living trust along with all the other ancillary documents such as a health care proxy or power of attorney.

Continue reading →

The Best Worst Days Ever

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Mr. Market:IMG_1253

Behind the curtain of this investment blog and our series of letters to a fictional market character (Mr. Market)…there are actual human beings. We’re certainly not hiding behind a fluffy topic, but on days like today we want to share how life can parallel with things like the stock market; it can also really put things in perspective as we look back at where we were at certain points in life. Additionally, it sometimes helps people know that unlike many other articles and financial advisors you’ll find on the internet, My Portfolio Guide doesn’t cut and paste regurgitated garbage or use a ghost writer to relay our message.

Today is March 13th…Friday the 13th! Today it’s also me, Matthew Pixa, who is writing to you and letting you know that it’s the day my daughter Isabel turns 18. Perhaps we’ll do more of these personal articles but it won’t hurt our feelings if you don’t want to read about my baby girl’s birthday when the stock market is down -25%. You be the judge, but please read on and see where I’m going with this. Continue reading →