Charlie Pastor, CFP®

Expert Contribution: Writer

FINANCIAL INDUSTRY WRITER SINCE 2020

NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 60 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 10-31-2024

Charlie Pastor, CFP® is a full-time financial planner dedicated to overserving the underserved. He has a degree in Finance, Accounting, and Personal Financial Planning from the University of Colorado Boulder. His professional experience includes founding a Registered Investment Advisor firm dedicated to serving young professionals. Outside of writing for Motley Fool Money, Charlie enjoys serving as political advocacy chair for the Financial Planning Association of Colorado.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Financial Areas of Expertise

Credit cards, Banks, Brokers, Mortgages, Insurances, Small business, Wealth management, Retirement, Personal finance, Taxes

Featured in Renowned Media Publications

• Journal of Financial Planning's Next Generation Planner

Professional Accomplishments

• Named BizWest's Boulder Valley 40 Under Forty
• Founded a Registered Investment Advisor firm
• Advocated for the Financial Planning Association in Washington, D.C.

Education

• B.S.B.A Finance and Accounting
• Personal Financial Planning from the University of Colorado at Boulder

Charlie's Recent Articles

• 2025 Income Tax Brackets Were Just Released. Where Do You Fall?
  Oct 31, 2024
  Changes to the tax code could see you owing the IRS less next year. Keep reading for what you need to know.
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• Nearly 3 Million 401(K) Accounts Are Lost Every Year. What if Yours Is One of Them?
  Sep 8, 2024
  Thirty million 401(k)s have been funded, invested, and ultimately forgotten. Here's how finding yours could make a big difference for your retirement.
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• This Tax Strategy Is to Die For -- Literally
  Aug 19, 2024
  With current step-up in basis rules, the most tax-efficient way to pass on your assets may be to kick the bucket. Learn more here.
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• Here Are the Fastest Ways to Save on Your Prescription Drugs
  May 5, 2024
  Looking for ways to spend less on medication? Sometimes, all you have to do is ask. Keep reading to learn more.
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• More Young Americans Are Investing. Here's How to Build Wealth if You're One of Them
  Apr 28, 2024
  The next generation of investors has arrived -- and they have a chance to excel financially. Keep reading to learn more.
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• This Supreme Court Case Could Make Major Changes to the Tax Code. Here's What You Need to Know
  Dec 21, 2023
  A suit before the Supreme Court could take a bite out of the tax code, and change the way investors and business owners alike calculate …
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• Savers Are Cashing In on a Chance to Win Big With a Prize-Linked Savings Account
  Nov 24, 2023
  Your direct deposit could net you a whole lot more with a prize-linked account. Keep reading to find out how.
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• House Republicans Have a Bold Strategy to Boost the Standard Deduction
  Nov 24, 2023
  The Tax Cuts for Working Families Act could boost your 2024 standard deduction by $4,000. Read on to find out how.
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• Biden Is Taking Aim at This Retirement Saving Strategy. Here's What It Means for You
  Nov 13, 2023
  The proposal would expand fiduciary requirements to insurers -- and could mark a change in annuity fees. Read on to learn more.
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• This Is How Much You Should Have in Savings by 40. How Do You Compare?
  Aug 30, 2023
  Experts recommend saving two to three times your salary -- but there's still time to catch up! Read on to learn how to boost your …
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• This Is How Much You Should Have in Savings by 65. How Do You Compare?
  Aug 30, 2023
  For many Americans, the mark lies over $500,000. Read on to learn more -- and what to do if you haven't saved enough.
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• Have a Pension? You May Want to Pursue This Option to Make Sure Your Family Is Secure
  Aug 20, 2023
  Understanding your payout options is an important step in protecting your income -- and your family's -- for years to come. Here's why.
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• This Is Why the United State's Credit Rating Matters for Investments
  Aug 17, 2023
  Stocks tumbled early this month, but experts are warning against an overreaction. Read on to find out more.
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• Don't Miss Out on These Tax-Free Shopping Weekends
  Aug 14, 2023
  Tax-free weekends are an easy way to save money. Here's which states are helping back-to-school shoppers find a little extra room in their budgets.
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• Americans Have Borrowed Over $1 Trillion in Credit Card Debt. Here's What to Do if You're One of Them
  Aug 11, 2023
  Borrowing to cover living expenses? You're not alone. Keep reading to find out what to do about it.
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• Considering a 40-Year Mortgage? You Could Pay Hundreds of Thousands More in Interest
  Aug 10, 2023
  Lower monthly payments might sound nice, but getting a 40-year mortgage could be a costly mistake in the long run. Here's why.
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• Biden Seeking to Tax the Ultra-Wealthy. Here's How
  Aug 3, 2023
  Radical tax reform is on the agenda of Democrats in the House and President Biden. Take a look at the details of what they're proposing.
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• The Golden Handcuffs Shackling Millions of Homeowners
  Aug 2, 2023
  The prospect of moving and potentially doubling their interest rate is giving some homeowners pause. Read on to learn the impact.
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• Tax Cheats Beware: This IRS Program Makes Whistleblowing Lucrative
  Jul 26, 2023
  Cheating on your taxes? The IRS will pay big money to find out. Read on to learn how it works.
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• Using AI to Invest in the Market? Here's Why You Shouldn't
  Jul 21, 2023
  Artificial intelligence has many uses. Managing your investments shouldn't be one of them. Read on to learn why.
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• Battle of the Sexes: Here's How Men and Women Differ in their 401(k) Savings
  Jul 16, 2023
  Men and women generally save for retirement in different ways. Here's how they compare and why that matters.
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• Here's How to File Your Taxes for Free in 2023
  Apr 4, 2023
  Filing taxes may be a pain, but some Americans can get free help. Read on to find out how.
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• Biden Uses First Veto to Protect ESG Investing
  Mar 29, 2023
  The latest battle in the heavily politicized ESG fight saw President Biden use his first veto. Keep reading to learn more.
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• Why Some Wealthy Americans Are Abandoning Homeownership
  Mar 19, 2023
  Across America, affluent households are becoming more likely to rent. Keep reading to learn why.
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• How to Pay for College Like a Millionaire
  Mar 8, 2023
  College expenses have outpaced inflation in recent years. Read on to learn how the wealthy make do.
  Read More