Menninger & Associates Articles

Financial Planning Articles by Michael Menninger, CFP and Kyle Ryan, CFP, ChFC

Michael and the team are widely quoted in publications nationwide. Check out some articles on financial planning that they have been featured in.

*Topics discussed and disclosures displayed in articles dated prior to November 28, 2022 reflect the requirements from previous Broker-Dealers. Please see the footer of the website for how services are currently provided.

Do Deferred Student Loans Affect Your Credit Score?

Understand how deferred student loans can affect your credit score, credit report, and debt-to-income ratio while preparing for future borrowing needs.

Balance Transfer Card vs. Personal Loan

February 27, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare balance transfer credit cards and personal loans for debt consolidation, including interest costs, fees, repayment timelines, and the best option for your financial situation.

What Are 401(k) Loans, and Should You Get One?

February 25, 2026 Retirement Funding Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how 401(k) loans work, including borrowing limits, repayment rules, potential tax consequences, and the retirement savings trade-offs to consider before taking a loan.

How Much Is a Gold Bar Worth?

February 24, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn what determines the price of a gold bar, how gold spot prices and purity affect its value, and what buyers should know about premiums and resale costs.

What Is the IRS Failure-to-File Penalty?

February 18, 2026 Insights Taxes Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how the IRS failure-to-file penalty works, when it applies, how it differs from late-payment penalties, and what taxpayers can do to address overdue tax returns.

How Much Does a Tax Attorney Cost, and Is It Worth It?

February 17, 2026 Insights Taxes Business Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore how much a tax attorney costs, what services tax attorneys provide, and when professional help may be worthwhile for tax disputes, audits, or complex tax issues.

How to Store Your Gold Investment

February 5, 2026 Investment Retirement Funding Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore gold storage options, including secure home storage and professional vaults, while comparing costs, insurance, security risks, and considerations for protecting your investment.

How Much Do Tax Relief Companies Charge? The Full Breakdown of Cost Per Service

February 3, 2026 Taxes Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare tax relief company fees by service type, understand common pricing structures, and learn what to evaluate before paying for professional tax debt assistance.

Best Jewelry and Engagement Ring Financing

January 12, 2026 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore jewelry and engagement ring financing options, compare interest rates and repayment terms, and learn how to manage the cost of a major purchase responsibly.

How to Read Your Student Loan Statement

January 9, 2026 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Understand student loan balances, accrued interest, payment history, and repayment details so you can monitor your education debt and plan your next payment.

What Is a Home Equity Investment Loan? Pros, Cons, and How It Works

January 8, 2026 Insights Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover how home equity investment loans work, including their costs, benefits, risks, and key differences from traditional home equity loans and HELOCs.

Physical Gold vs. Gold ETFs: Which Is the Better Investment in 2026 and Beyond?

January 8, 2026 Investment Taxes Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare physical gold and gold ETFs in 2026 by examining fees, liquidity, storage, tax considerations, and investment risks to help determine which approach fits your portfolio.

Are Student Loans Installment or Revolving Credit?

January 7, 2026 College Planning Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn why student loans are generally classified as installment credit, how they differ from revolving credit cards, and how each type of debt can affect your credit score.

Best Free Financial Literacy Courses to Take Online in 2026

January 6, 2026 Investment Retirement Funding Insights Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover free online financial literacy courses in 2026 that can help you improve budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, and overall personal finance knowledge.

Scholarships for Lefties

December 11, 2025 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Explore scholarships for left-handed students, learn how to evaluate eligibility requirements, and discover tips for finding legitimate college scholarship opportunities.

How to Ask for More Financial Aid (Even Mid-Semester)

December 11, 2025 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to appeal your financial aid award during the semester, document changes in your financial circumstances, and work with your college to explore additional assistance.

Best Classic Car Loans: Top Lenders and Tips for Financing

December 8, 2025 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare classic car loan options and lender requirements while learning how interest rates, vehicle value, and repayment terms affect financing a collectible automobile.

Should You Use a Home Equity Loan or HELOC to Pay Off Credit Cards?

December 7, 2025 Insights Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare using a home equity loan or HELOC to pay off credit card debt, including interest rates, repayment terms, potential savings, and financial risks, to understand whether home equity debt consolidation fits your budget and financial goals.

How to Pay Off $100K in Student Loans in 6 Steps

November 14, 2025 College Planning Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn how to pay off $100,000 in student loans in six steps, including choosing the right repayment plan, reducing interest costs, exploring loan forgiveness programs, and creating a realistic budget to accelerate debt repayment.

Why Gold Can Lose Value and How to Protect Your Investments

November 12, 2025 Investment Insights Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover why gold prices can fall, including the impact of interest rates, inflation, the U.S. dollar, and market conditions, and learn how diversification and risk management can help protect your investment portfolio.

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