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.

What Is Debt Relief? How It Works and Who It’s Actually For

Discover what debt relief is, how debt settlement and other relief options work, and how to evaluate the potential costs, risks, and benefits for your finances.

What Happens If I Can’t Pay My Credit Card?

June 22, 2026 Investment Insights Taxes Financial Planning Cash Management

Learn what happens when you cannot pay your credit card bill, including potential late fees, credit score impacts, collection activity, and steps to manage missed payments.

Where to Get a No-Closing-Cost HELOC: Best Lenders and What to Know

May 21, 2026 Insights Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Find the best lenders offering no-closing-cost HELOCs and compare home equity line of credit rates, fees, eligibility requirements, and repayment terms to understand how to access your home equity while minimizing upfront borrowing costs.

HELOC vs. Personal Loan: Which Is Better for Your Situation?

April 22, 2026 Insights Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare a home equity line of credit (HELOC) vs. a personal loan to understand differences in interest rates, fees, repayment terms, borrowing limits, and collateral requirements so you can choose the financing option that best fits your needs.

4 Ways to Get Equity Out of Your Home Without Refinancing

April 14, 2026 Insights Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover four ways to access your home equity without refinancing your mortgage, including the potential costs, benefits, and trade-offs of each option.

What Is a Good Interest Rate for a Personal Loan?

March 10, 2026 Investment Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Discover what makes a good personal loan interest rate, how credit scores and loan terms affect APR, and how to compare borrowing offers before applying.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Debt Relief vs. Bankruptcy: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose the Right Path

June 23, 2025 Insights Taxes Financial Planning Cash Management

Compare debt relief vs. bankruptcy to understand the costs, credit score impacts, legal protections, and eligibility requirements of each option so you can make an informed decision about managing overwhelming debt.

Shared Appreciation Mortgage Definition and Lender Options

July 16, 2024 Taxes Estate Planning Financial Planning Cash Management

Understand shared appreciation mortgages, how homeowners exchange a portion of future home value for financing, and what to compare when evaluating lenders.

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