Ross Levin

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

Latest from Ross Levin

When giving money, ensure you’re not expecting some kind of payment in return

Whether appreciation, love or reciprocity, gifting something financial often comes with some expected gain.
November 29, 2025
An anonymous secret Santa looks over a stack of hundred dollar bills before giving them out in Lincoln Park, Mich. on Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. A Metro Detroit couple spent the day giving $11,000 to random working people to help make their Christmas better. The couple says they wanted to give money to people impacted by Detroit's struggling auto industry, poor economy, high unemployment and numerous home foreclosures.

Talk to yourself about money

Asking yourself, and answering, your personal finance questions can help you make the best decision.
November 8, 2025
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In an uncertain economy, take these precautions when investing

Raising cash, buying bonds and paying some taxes are just a few methods to insulate your money now.
October 25, 2025

Tips to help you avoid car rental claim chaos

From asking the Better Business Bureau for help to checking insurance coverage, use every resource to ensure your next car rental is affordable and easy.
October 11, 2025

Question internal vs. external motivations when it comes to money matters

“Do I want to do it or do I want to be praised for it?” There can be overlap, but the answer to this question reveals primary motivation.
September 27, 2025
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Paying attention to all budget areas ensures the best money management

When it comes to personal finance, it’s easy to overlook some things and hyper-focus on others. But considering all angles is the smartest strategy.
September 13, 2025
Hundred dollar banknotes under magnifying glass

Sequence matters when it comes to retirement finances

Planning out withdrawal strategies for your later years will help your money last.
August 23, 2025
retirement plan documents and pen

How to age (financially) gracefully

Making sound money decisions can keep a smile on your face in later years.
August 9, 2025

Insurance is a cost you hope goes to waste

Some insurance, like for health or property, is a necessity. Other options will rarely provide enough benefit or peace of mind.
July 26, 2025

Generosity in relationships can help make financial decisions

True generosity comes from exploring your own experiences with money, contextualizing how they enlarge or diminish you and working with your partner to overcome or enhance those.
July 12, 2025
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In unpredictable economic times, focus on what you know

There’s a lot of speculation about what’s next, from tariffs to the markets to the budget deficit.
June 14, 2025

Don’t consider just your conflicts of interest. Be wary of your advisors’, too

Fiduciaries and real estate agents are a few examples of professional personal finance guides to manage.
May 24, 2025
FILE - In this Feb. 6, 2018, file photo, a woman walks through the front doors at a Fidelity Investments office on Congress Street as the ticker displays stock market numbers in Boston. Federal regulators are moving to require that brokers provide their customers with detailed disclosures of their potential conflicts of interest when dispensing advice for retirement planning and other investments. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)
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