La Canada Flintridge Neighbors Magazine

In late 2015 when BFF Financial's Founder Brad Creger was asked to write a monthly column for a fledgling neighborhood magazine, he jumped at the chance to both share some ideas and have some fun while at the same time helping out the new Editor/Publisher.  Below are the articles Brad wrote for La Canada Flintridge Neighbors Magazine from January 2016 to December 2016.  We hope you get as much enjoyment reading these articles as Brad did when he wrote them as most all of the information shared is still very relevant today!


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December 2016

Re-gifting to YOURSELF this Holiday Season?

When gifting to charity you can always use your cash (i.e. liquid assets) – but is that the best idea?  Probably not. Another good idea on maximizing your liquid assets is actually a “re-gifting to yourself” strategy that also provides income tax benefits.  Click here to read more

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November 2016

Thankful to be able to share ideas that can change lives

One of the biggest differences among advisors centers on whether they are “independent” and if they are a “business owner” or an employee?  These are not the same things, but let’s explore how they are related.  Click here to read more

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October 2016

My Kids Want Me To Dress Up Like A Woman?!!

I promised my kids they could choose my costume for Halloween. They want me to wear “mommy’s clothes” which I know won't fit.  But if I am going to consider “dressing up like a woman” I first did some research into “what it means to be a woman.”  What I found was surprising.  Click here to read more

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September 2016

It’s “Back to School” Time

What does asking good questions have to do with financial advice?  A lot of people are now taking their financial cues from TV but they misunderstand the difference between financial education and entertainment.  What questions do you need to ask your financial advisor?  Click here to read more

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August 2016

Are You Ready for a Market Crash?

What does gambling in Vegas or stealing bases have to do with personal finances? When providing a “second opinion review” I often find that too many people are “risking their financial security (or losing the game)” and don’t even know that they are doing it.  Click here to read more

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July 2016

Are Your Emotions Costing You Money?

There are a few common biases that hurt investors.  Overconfidence, Loss Aversion and Regret Avoidance are at the top of the list.  So let’s explore these biases and how they affect investors.  Click here to read more

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June 2016

To Find A Fiduciary or Not?

I’m sure you have no doubt heard that the Department of Labor (DOL) recently released their controversial fiduciary rule in early April 2016.  You may also have heard that the financial industry was split between those that supported the new fiduciary rule and those that opposed it.  Click here to read more


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May 2016

Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset

What do you consider your most valuable asset? It's your ability to earn an income that is your most valuable asset and source of all of your wealth. You need to be sure you have done everything needed to protect yourself and your family!  Click here to read more

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April 2016

It’s Tax Time… Are you focused on paying less today or more tomorrow?

Is there any other option to save for retirement other than a Roth IRA that will provide you with a tax-free income?  Interestingly… the answer is Yes.  But too many quickly dismiss the second tax-free option without fully understanding it.  You should learn more about it.  Click here to read more

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March 2016

With Too Much GREEN, You Might See RED

Too many investors do not understand asset allocation.  No matter what type of stock mutual fund you have, it is considered to be in the “stock” asset class.  Learn to be truly diversified & reduce risk by having your money allocated into the different types of financial assets.  Click here to read more


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February 2016

Are You Living a Financial Groundhog Day?

Do you remember the 1993 movie, “Groundhog Day” where Bill Murray’s character “Phil” got trapped in a time warp and was doomed to relive the same day over-and- over again until he finally “got it right”?  Do you wonder why the investments selected by your financial advisor for you based on past average returns  never seem to live up to expectations?  Click here to read more

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January 2016

Making Your Fiscal Fitness New Year’s Resolution

With New Year's here... you might want to consider spending a few hours getting a “second opinion” on all aspects of your finances. You probably have heard that many Americans spend more time planning for their next vacation than planning for retirement. Are you in this group?  Click here to read more