Columnist | Your Money

Ross Levin is founding principal and president of Accredited Investors Inc., Edina, a fee-only wealth management firm. His Gains and Losses column runs on the fourth Sunday of the month. A compilation of these columns can be found in his book, "Spend Your Life Wisely." Send emails to Ross@accredited.com


Ross Levin: After a sour year in stocks, focus on understanding your fear and greed

Did the falling markets affect more than they needed to?


Ross Levin: Giving feeds our soul, so why do we worry about it so much?

When you give, you are telling yourself that you have enough.


Levin: How parents can get twisted around on entitlement

Parents need to ask: Am I modeling entitlement or gratitude?


Ross Levin: Taxes are fair and unfair, debt is good and no good

Life is complex and it'll be nice to put aside the political caricatures for awhile.


Levin: Silence the investment critic in your head

Turn that critical voice into something more productive.


Levin: This is the exact moment to put cash to work

It's surprisingly easy to get a better return with your cash than a savings account provides.


Levin: Don't become 'anchored' in your financial expectations

There's a risk to become tied to an idea or price that doesn't really matter.


Levin: Incentives are powerful, but they can also pose hazards

Incentives usually drive big monetary decisions, but they can be misleading too.


Levin: Some people go to the State Fair and see their financial life in front of them

What you can learn from a stroll around the fairgrounds with ideas of money in your head.


Levin: When talking about money, many people could use a do-over

Sometimes people blurt out uncomfortable feelings about a financial situation. Here's to second chances.