Money Wisdom & Musings

Here's your source for thoughts and observations on all things financial (and otherwise). Topics can range from tips on your personal well being to the well being of your investments. As always, we welcome your comments and feedback.

Disclaimer: Our blog posts are for informational purposes only and are not to be considered investment, tax, or financial advice. Cornerstone does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information presented in our blog posts regarding your individual circumstances. Please review your personal situation with your tax and/or financial advisor.

March is B Corp Month!

Posted by Anna Traugh on March 11, 2024
March is B Corp Month!

March is Certified B Corporation™ month, celebrated internationally. Currently there are just over 8,000 B Corps™ around the world spanning 162 industries and 96 countries. Certified B Corporations are leaders in the global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. 

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Budgeting App Options to Replace Mint

Posted by Anna Traugh on December 4, 2023
Budgeting App Options to Replace Mint

The recent news that the budgeting website and app, Mint, will be shut down has caused many people to panic. Mint, by Intuit, has been utilized by millions of people over the last decade, and its closure will disrupt the detailed budget tracking that its users have grown accustomed to and now rely on. 

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A Reminder to Vote

Posted by on November 3, 2023
A Reminder to Vote

Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023. While many of us are quite busy as we head into the holiday season, we encourage everyone to take the time to vote on election day. 

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Maine Property Freeze Tax Repeal

Posted by Anna Traugh on August 18, 2023
Maine Property Freeze Tax Repeal

The Maine Legislature reconvened late last month and voted to repeal the ‘Property Tax Stabilization for Senior Citizens’ was enacted in August of 2022. This repeal is effective October 11th, meaning that after this date the state will not accept any payments that include ME state property tax freeze legislation from 2022. Any taxpayer whose application was submitted prior to December 1, 2022, and approved, will still receive the “freeze” on their 2023 property tax bill through October 11th. Since the program has ended, there will be no re-application process. 

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Preparing for the End of Student Loan Forbearance: What You Need to Know

Posted by Anna Traugh on June 21, 2023
Preparing for the End of Student Loan Forbearance: What You Need to Know

As many recent graduates are aware, the forbearance period for student loan payments will be ending this summer after three years. As the pause on loan payments and interest accrual comes to a close and it’s essential to understand the implications and explore ways to prepare.

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It's About Time!

Posted by on June 2, 2023
It's About Time!

For many years, savings account yields were close to zero. There were virtually no options to make a return on your money if you wanted liquidity and safety. With interest rates rising, you can now earn a substantial yield.

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The 2023 Tax Deadline Has Passed…What’s Next?

Posted by Anna Traugh on May 4, 2023
The 2023 Tax Deadline Has Passed…What’s Next?

For many folks, early to mid-April can bring up feelings of stress or worry as the Federal tax deadline approaches. Now that we are past the April 18, 2023 deadline we thought it would be helpful to outline some next steps that individuals can take to ensure they are prepared for applicable next steps.

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Spring Cleaning: Finance Edition

Posted by on March 21, 2023
Spring Cleaning: Finance Edition

Why is that spring feels like such a perfect time of year to tackle messes and get organized? Cultures all over the world have practiced the tradition of spring cleaning for centuries.

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Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?

Posted by on February 28, 2023
Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?

Our passion here at Cornerstone is helping our clients plan their financial future. One key component to discuss is long-term care. It’s easy enough to keep putting the discussion off for “another time”, but as with so many other things, the sooner you start, the more manageable the task is.

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Striving to Shop & Support Local

Posted by Anna Traugh on December 15, 2022
Striving to Shop & Support Local

With the holidays fast approaching, last minute gift-buying is top of mind for many! Cornerstone strives to shop locally and sustainably, when possible, and encourage you to do the same. Portland and Portsmouth offer many unique and hand-crafted gifts that would please anyone on your holiday list.

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