Our Firm Financial Planning Investment Analysis Programs Blog

Schoenbrunn Castle, Vienna

By the time you get this newsletter, I will be touring Eastern Europe! It's been fun learning about the history of this region. The Ottomon empire, the Hapsburgs, both World Wars. Can't wait to see these sites and cities in person!

It's also been interesting reading about money while traveling overseas. I haven't been to Europe since 2006 so definitely needed to brush up. From what I've read, an ATM card is the way to get local currency with the best exchange rates. But you have to use the right ATM to avoid excessive fees. The travel books say to stay away from the currency exchange booths.

A credit card can be used for big purchases. Visa and Mastercard charge a 3% fee though. I called my credit card company to let them know I'll be traveling. They informed me the transaction fee reduces to 2% if you let the merchant convert purchases to US dollars. I found that intriguing because the guide books warn to never let a merchant convert a credit card purchase into US dollars. Apparently the merchants take you to the cleaners on the exchange rate.

Sounds like many potential traps with money. And then you have the pickpockets on top of all this. I'm sure there will be some stories to tell when I return.

Thanks to everyone who shared your travel stories and recommendations! See you when I get back.

Steve

Don't let hackers steal your money!

No one has time to keep changing passwords every few months. Most people are probably like me. I have a long list of login information in the desk drawer. It's not exactly secure or very effective. I feel completely defenseless to protect my financial accounts.

Identity theft is real and has happened to clients and friends. It seems like it's only a matter of time before... Read more

Get help to pay off credit card debt.

35 percent of Americans have a debt in collections according to a new study by The Urban Institute. This means people have not made payments on things like credit card debt, medical bills or even a parking ticket. This is a serious problem that shows how much financial distress Americans are under.

Now there may not be one in three people in financial distress, but millions have debt in collections they are not aware of. So the first thing everyone should do is... Read more

Free Financial Workshops

Sign up online for one of our free monthly financial workshops. Click this link to learn more about our upcoming workshops: Workshops.

These workshops are NOT a sales pitch! All workshops are offered through a non-profit organization called the Garrett Financial Education Alliance (GFEA).

Next Workshop: Protecting Your Assets Workshop

Date: Wednesday, September 17th

Time: 3:45PM - 5:00PM

Where:

Rowling & Associates, 8889 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108

Register Now

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Doster Financial Planning is a Registered Investment Advisory firm located in San Diego, California. We are commission-free, which quite simply means we don't sell financial products or get paid by 3rd parties for our recommendations. Our only interest is in educating our clients to understand and select the best ways to achieve their unique financial future.

Steve Doster, CFP�

Doster Financial Planning

619.688.1192

steve@dosterfinancialplanning.com

www.dosterfinancialplanning.com

Steve Doster, CFP�

Steve never sells financial products! Regardless of how much you have saved, Steve will work with you on an hourly basis just like an attorney or accountant. You maintain control of your brokerage and retirement accounts. Steve prides himself on using straight-forward, understandable language to help you be a do-it-yourself investor.

Member:

Commission-FREE

You need a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional who works for you - not a commission check.

Doster Financial Planning (DFP) in San Diego is a commission-free firm, which means we don't sell financial products or get paid by 3rd parties for our recommendations.