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Nationwide Celebration of 529 Day
Ask a financial professional about the benefits of 529 college savings plans. May 29th marks the nationwide celebration of 529 Day, an opportunity to highlight the many benefits of 529 college savings plans.As higher education costs...
Read MoreSetting and Targeting Investment Goals
Go out into your yard and dig a big hole. Every month, throw $50 into it, but don't take any money out until you're ready to buy a house, send your child to college, or retire.It sounds a little crazy, doesn't it? But that's what...
Read MoreDiversification and Your Qualified Plan
As a small business owner, you know that a qualified plan can make a big difference in your ability to attract and retain desirable workers. At the same time, you may or may not be aware that sponsoring a qualified plan requires the...
Read More3 Tips for Preserving Wealth in Your Golden Years
After spending so much of your life saving for retirement, it may be challenging to transition from depositing funds to withdrawing them. You may wonder whether there is any way to maintain your lifestyle and preserve your wealth to...
Read MoreTips To Help Your Local Animal Shelter
Are you an animal lover looking for ways to help dogs, cats, and other rescued animals at your local shelter? From spending time with pets in need to helping with administrative tasks, there are a variety of ways you can help improve...
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The Principles of Financial Literacy
Financial literacy refers to the skills and knowledge that allow an individual to make informed and effective decisions through their understanding of finances. Financial literacy starts by building a basic understanding of 'money...
Read MoreUnderstanding 401(k) Loans
Defined contribution plans, such as 401(k) plans, are the most popular employer-sponsored retirement plan in the United States. According to recent statistics provided by the Investment Company...
Read MoreSocial Security - What Should You Do at Age 62
Is 62 your lucky number? If you're eligible, that's the earliest age you can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits. Although collecting early retirement benefits makes sense for some people, there's a major drawback to...
Read MoreLow-or-No-Cost Solutions for Retaining Valued Employees
High turnover of employees often presents a serious problem for many small businesses. Limited budgets generally cannot provide the financial incentives needed to recruit and retain high achievers. As a small business owner, how can...
Read MoreHow to Spring Clean Your Finances with a Financial Review
Spring cleaning presents a great opportunity to clear out any items you no longer need—and the same goes for your finances. Checking in with your finances during tax season may be particularly beneficial, as it allows you to...
Read MoreLuck of the Investor: Making Your Own Luck on St. Patrick's Day
As Samuel Goldwyn once said, "The harder I work…the luckier I get!" 1 But when it comes to investing, luck may play a huge role in outcomes—no matter how hard you work.2 Below, we discuss some ways that luck may...
Read MoreCommon Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Credit
Having a good credit score doesn't just get you the best interest rates. It can also reduce your auto insurance premiums, allow you to avoid security deposits, and in some cases, even help you get hired.1But what goes into your credit...
Read MoreSpecial Needs Trusts
What is a special needs trust?If you have a child or other loved one with special needs you may want to establish a special needs trust. A special needs trust (or supplemental needs trust) is an estate planning tool that can help ...
Read MoreDurable Power of Attorney for Health Care/Health-Care Proxy
A durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC), also known as a health-care proxy, health-care power of attorney, or appointment of a health-care agent, is your written appointment of a representative to make...
Read MoreCold Weather Pet Precautions
Whipping winds, deep snow, and icy roadways—all these things may sound like every human’s winter nightmare, but these hazardous conditions can pose a threat to our pets, too. Just like us, certain adjustments need to be...
Read MoreGive Your Valentine the 3 Best Gifts of All
Valentine’s Day is of course an extremely popular day for marriage proposals. Regardless of which side of the engagement you’re on – or when your engagement occurred – consider how, when and where to wed not just each other, but also your
Read MoreRaising Capital for Your Business
Why finance? An important ingredient to a successful business is adequate financing (capital). The failure to acquire adequate financing often determines whether a business can get off the ground, not to mention whether it can sustain...
Read MoreWhy Exercise Is a Critical Component of a Healthy Lifestyle
When people talk about a healthy lifestyle, one of the first things that comes to mind is exercise. The thought of exercise may be daunting to some, but it is a crucial component of staying healthy and improving longevity. Luckily...
Read MoreMerging Your Money When You Marry
Getting married is exciting, but it brings many challenges. One such challenge that you and your spouse will have to face is how to merge your finances. Planning carefully and communicating clearly are important, because the financial...
Read MoreShould You Buy or Build a Home?
To build or not to build, that is the question. Whether you buy or build a home, it can be a decision-filled, stressful process to try and stay within your budget. This decision doesn’t need to be complicated if you prioritize...
Read MoreMedical Professionals - A Prescription for Your Financial Health
The demands on medical practitioners today can seem overwhelming. It's no secret that health-care delivery is changing, and those changes are reflected in the financial issues that health-care professionals face every day. You must...
Read MoreTime for a Yearly Checkup
Keeping beneficiary designations up to date and accurate is an important part of carrying out your wishes. These designations supersede your will, avoid probate, and dictate how assets transfer after death. Beneficiary...
Read MoreHelp! I Can't Pay My Tax Bill
You're almost done with your federal income tax return, and you're already thinking of ways to spend your refund. Then, the unthinkable happens — instead of a refund, you find that you owe $3,000. Or perhaps you've just received...
Read MoreYour New Year’s (Financial) Resolutions
Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year. But we all know what happens to most such self-promises, so here’s a month-by-month to-do list to help cultivate better financial health.
Read MoreBe Winter Storm Ready with These Tips
Preparing your home for a winter storm can be a hassle, especially when done last minute, so make sure to plan ahead and take these necessary precautions this winter season...
Read MoreTax Planning and Financial Planning Go Hand in Hand
With tax season coming to an end, it’s the ideal time to use this year's tax return to help update your financial plan. If you’re in the group of one in four Americans who do not already have a financial plan, it may be...
Read MoreMust-Ask Questions for Your Vet
Must-Ask Questions for Your VetEvery pet owner has to take his or her companion to the vet, but sometimes the right questions to ask slip your mind. Avoid a repeat visit by knowing what to ask and when, to ensure you get the most out...
Read MoreWhy You Should Factor Long-Term Care Into Your Estate Plan
A solid estate plan should not only provide for your assets after you pass, but also plan for your long-term care while you're alive. With the median cost of a long-term care facility approaching $8,000 per month, paying for long-term...
Read MoreResources for First-Time Entrepreneurs
For many people, entrepreneurship is the ultimate American dream. Five years ago, there were already more than 25 million Americans running their own businesses. And with the COVID-19 pandemic leading many W-2 workers to...
Read More3 Common Social Security Scams and How To Avoid Being Fooled by Them
Targeted scams have become even more popular with the amount of personal information readily available on the internet. Social Security recipients are, unfortunately, targeted by some of the most sophisticated scam artists out there....
Read MoreTrick or Treat, Wall Street! 4 Helpful Halloween Lessons for Investors
With the spooky season already approaching, you may wonder if there is anything that can be done to enter 2023 as financially secure as possible. This is a great time of year to look back —and forward — to set goals...
Read MoreCharitable Giving: Making a Positive Difference
There are countless benefits of charitable giving. Through generous donations, you can make a difference in your community and society. You may also feel happier and even save on your taxes. Here are some key things to need to know...
Read MoreHow secure is your data when it’s stored in the cloud?
As cloud storage becomes more common, data security is an increasing concern. Companies and schools have been increasing their use of services like Google Drive for some time, and lots of individual users also store files on Dropbox,...
Read MoreSave More Every Month with These Smart Strategies
Saving money can be difficult, even when you stick to a budget. It’s easy to feel like you’re not getting anywhere. You wish you could save more, but where do you start?At home. Implement these simple strategies around your...
Read MoreRandom Kindness is the Best Kind
Random acts of kindness are just that, random. But, in the hustle and bustle of life, oftentimes these simple actions are pushed to the back burner. However, everyone—from mere strangers to family members—could greatly...
Read MoreReading, Writing, and Education Planning
The earlier you start saving, the easier it will be to send your kids to collegeThe month of August is when many parents are preparing to send children back to school this fall. While the checklists grow and the kids soak in the last...
Read More5 Tips for Navigating Medicare in Retirement
One of the main concerns about retirement is health care. As healthcare costs continue to rise, medical bills may quickly derail your retirement plan. The good news is when you turn 65, you will be able to apply for Medicare, which...
Read MoreThe Greatest Football Movies of All Time
Some of the best stories come out of sports, and whether based on real-life events or completely fictional, there are no shortage of incredible football movies that have kept fans cheering for years.Rudy, 1993As far as great underdog...
Read More3 Ways To Improve Your Finances for Self-Improvement Month
September is self-improvement month and a great time to work on your financial health. When you think of self-improvement, you likely think of your health or career but may pay little attention to your finances. Getting your financial...
Read MoreHousing Options for Older Individuals
As you grow older, your housing needs may change. Maybe you'll get tired of doing yardwork. You might want to retire in sunny Florida or live close to your grandchildren in Illinois. Perhaps you'll need to live in a nursing home or an...
Read MoreWhat is Sandwich Generation?
Parents who make up the "Sandwich Generation" find themselves in financial constraints at both ends, leaving little room for their own finances and retirement saving.
Read MorePay Down Debt or Save for Retirement?
You can use a variety of strategies to pay off debt, many of which can cut not only the amount of time it will take to pay off the debt but also the total interest paid. But like many people, you may be torn between paying off debt and...
Read MoreAmerica’s Favorite Pastime Through the Years
Baseball has been America’s favorite game for well over two hundred years now, but how did our obsession begin, and where?
Read MoreRevive Your Family Game Night
Board and card games remain household staples for a reason; they spark a childlike joy. Regardless of how busy life is, your stress will melt away while playing these games.Family game nights connect household members and teach life...
Read MoreVets, Don't Miss Out on 'Hidden Benefits'
After his grandfather died more than a decade ago, Lamarr Couser and his family were caught by surprise when the funeral director asked whether the World War II veteran was covered by a life insurance policy from the Department of...
Read MoreCyberSecurity Made Simple
You won't want to miss out on this valuable information. Watch the video below to learn best practices for protecting your information and securing your online accounts!
Read MoreSun, Fun, and Summer Savings: 5 Thrifty Tips for Summer Traveling
Summer is here, and it could be time to hit the road on a new adventure. If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to give up your summer vacation dreams. Here are a few tips you may be able to use to create the perfect...
Read MoreTips To Help Your Local Animal Shelter
Are you an animal lover looking for ways to help dogs, cats, and other rescued animals at your local shelter? From spending time with pets in need to helping with administrative tasks, there are a variety of ways you can help improve...
Read MoreCelebrate Summer at Your Local Parks or Rec Center
Summer is here, and many Americans are ready to get outside and enjoy it! As every state warms by June, outdoor activities help us rise from our winter dazes. Outdoor activities offered by your local parks and rec centers are a great...
Read More3 Things to Know about College Planning and Financial Aid
Planning how to pay for the expenses of attending college or a technical school is essential, and there are ways to save to make secondary education more affordable. Here are three things to know about secondary education planning and...
Read MoreEveryone Is Working From Home—Here’s How to Do It Effectively
Our homes are supposed to be an escape from reality. A safe place we can go to unwind from the stresses of the day, be that from work or from life as a whole. But when this place of comfort becomes your work space, it can be...
Read More3 Ways to Invest in Our Planet on Earth Day
A green future is a prosperous one, and it is essential for everyone to do their part to ensure the future stays bright. Earth day may be the ideal time to find ways to invest in the planet so that the current generation and future...
Read MoreHow Much Can You Contribute to a traditional IRA for 2022?
Good news for retirement savers: The maximum amount that can be contributed to a traditional IRA remains the same as it was last year. In fact, the last time the limit was increased by $500 was in 2019 and that was the first increase for...
Read MoreGet Healthy, Go Outside
Being in nature can increase your happiness and improve your health. The spring equinox on March 20 ushers in warmer temperatures and longer days, and as a result, there will be more time to enjoy being outside. Learn how opening the door..
Read MoreGetting Up to Speed as Retirement Draws Near
As you approach retirement, many important decisions await you. If you have a qualified employer-sponsored retirement plan, whether it is a traditional pension or defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k), you will have to decide how to..
Read MoreWhy You Should Not Take Early Retirement Withdrawals
When money gets tight, it can be tempting to think about your retirement accounts as a potential source of financial help. However, an early withdrawal from your retirement account may be costly. Learn more about the taxes, fees, and...
Read MoreStrategies for Entrepreneurial Confidence
Whether you’re planning to start a new business, trying to grow a fledgling business, or working to keep an already established enterprise competitive, your business plan is your “roadmap” toward entrepreneurial...
Read More4 Ways to Be Your Own Financial Valentine
Whether you're single, paired, or somewhere in between, Valentine's Day may present the perfect opportunity to show your bank account some love.
Read MoreProtect Financial Information from Prying Eyes on the Web
Individual investors are now faced with growing concerns about keeping their financial matters private. Here are several ideas to help you maintain confidentiality and keep your private matters truly private:
Read MoreSmart Investing to Reduce the Bite of Taxes
Three things to look for when buying an index fund or ETF As tax season comes to a close, you realize exactly how much you paid in taxes and naturally will ask the question, “what can I do to reduce my taxes next year?”
Read MoreCapital Gains for the 2021 Season Could be Huge
Mutual fund investors could see a record year for capital gain distributions When an investor sells a stock for more than the purchase price, the investor experiences a capital gain (it is simpler to call it a profit, but let’s...
Read MoreEnvisioning a Better Future
You may be wondering: if you know your goals, why go to all the trouble of cutting out images or making a digital collage? Simply put, it encourages you to actually follow through with your goals. Visualization is a powerful tool.
Read MoreHow to Manage Savings For Retirement
Whether you dream of a travel-filled retirement or would prefer to relax and enjoy spending more time at home, you are probably wondering what you might consider to make your golden years as stress-free as possible.
Read MoreWriting a Business Plan for a Small Business
Running a business without a written business plan is like heading out on a cross-country trip without a map or GPS. Although you may be able to make it to your destination, you may spend far more time and money navigating through...
Read MoreThe Science of Gift Wrapping Explains Why Sloppy Is Better
They say appearances can be deceiving. In the case of gift giving, they might be right. Consumers in the U.S. spend billions of dollars a year on wrapping gifts, in most cases to make their presents look as good as possible. This...
Read More8 Tips to Stay on Track with Your Holiday Budgeting
8 Tips to Stay on Track with Your Holiday Budgeting It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the end of another year, and holiday season will soon be here. Since holiday spending doesn’t include just gifting,...
Read MoreWhen Your Flight Is Canceled
When Your Flight Is Canceled Your flight getting canceled is a pain, but doesn't have to be a disaster With winter weather already blowing in, travel can get complicated. And considering the number of people affected on the busiest...
Read MoreOn Veterans Day – Think About Health Care
On Veterans Day – Think About Health Care Consider adding medical services freedom to your financial planning goals The problems historically plaguing the Veterans Administration underscore an unpleasant truth about aging:...
Read MoreHow to Beat the Daylight Savings Blues
How to Beat the Daylight Savings Blues It’s nearly that time of year again: turning the clocks back an hour and experiencing less sunlight. While it seems like there’s nothing you can do about this natural, yearly...
Read MoreHalloween Safety: Trick-or-Treating Tips
Halloween can be one of the most exciting nights of the year—especially for kids. But in the excitement, it’s easy to lose sight of practical safety measures that we may think of every other day of the year. Adhere to some...
Read MoreA Year-End Planning Checklist for Everyone
Your 2021 Year-End Planning Checklist It may be easy to forget we're nearing the end of the year. Even during the busy end of year rush, it's a good time to reevaluate your 2021 finances and turn an eye toward 2022. What can you do...
Read MoreThe Lowdown on Health Savings Accounts
With longer life spans come extended healthcare needs — and significantly more dollars required to pay for them It’s more likely today that you’ll live longer than your grandparents did. The flip side is that you may...
Read MoreWomen Have Different Financial Planning Worries
Unique health and caregiving worries and an industry that doesn’t listen well Women have special concerns about financial security that financial professionals might need to address. For one thing, they tend to live longer than...
Read MoreHow To Keep All Your Financial Accounts & Assets Neatly Organized
Don’t let disorganization become one of your biggest money problems. It’s easy to lose or misplace money. But unlike finding $20 in an old jacket, what if a bank or investment account containing thousands goes untouched...
Read MoreWhy It's Scary When You Ignore Your Credit Score
Most people know how important and necessary good credit may be to obtain the things that you want in life. Yet, sadly, many people fail to stay on top of their credit. They may not monitor their credit score and taking advantage of...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read MoreHealthy Mind, Healthy Life
There are many things you can do to keep your brain active: going outside more, listening to classical music, or learning a new skill. As you get older, it’s imperative to take care of your mental and physical health. Both are...
Read MoreA Retirement Planning Primer
Does your retirement seem years and years away? While it may appear this way, you owe it to yourself to look ahead and begin giving thought to a time in your life that may account for 20 or more "golden" years. Granted, time may be on...
Read MoreFour Common 401(k) Mistakes to Avoid
While there is no one-size fits all, avoiding these mistakes is a good start A lot of 401(k) investors end up making the same mistakes when choosing their investments. The results are low returns and unbalanced portfolios. Avoiding...
Read MoreEstate Planning for Everyone
Have you every wondered how estate planning might fit into your overall, future plans? Even if you are just starting to build your estate and do not need complex estate planning, here’s a quick look at some steps you should...
Read MoreInvesting In Your Vacation
Why do most avoid this important investment? Why do so many of us not use our vacation days? Salespeople talk about “leaving money on the table.” Well, employees leave vacation on the table. And the cost to us is...
Read MoreIs it Finally Time to Adopt the 4-Day Workweek?
COVID changed minds about working from home, maybe this is next...
Read MoreThe A, B, C, & D of Medicare
BREAKING DOWN THE BASICS. Whether your 65th birthday is on the horizon or decades away, understanding the different parts of Medicare is critical, as this government-sponsored program may play a role in your future health care...
Read MoreWhy the Inflation Rate Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Why the inflation rate doesn’t tell the whole story – all it takes is a spike in a category like used cars to cause consumer prices to soar. Markets, economists and policymakers have been fretting about inflation for months...
Read MoreSummer of 2021, the Fed & Interest Rates
Be prepared as rates will inevitably go up – whether that’s 2022 or 2023 A few days before the official start of summer on June 21st, Wall Street’s eyes and ears were on the Federal Reserve, and as expected, the...
Read MoreFinancial Freedom Starts with Financial Literacy
Celebrate Financial Freedom Day in July by understanding what financial literacy is and how to increase the financial literacy of all Americans so they can work towards financial freedom. By definition: “Financial literacy refers...
Read MoreWhat Can A Financial Professional Do for Non-Profits?
As of 2017, about two-thirds of all nonprofit organizations in the U.S. had annual budgets of less than $1 million.[1] For these non-profit organizations where every penny has a purpose, having the services of a financial professional...
Read MoreDo You Need Financial Wellness?
Financial wellness is the ability to have a healthy financial life and feel good about your financial situation. Financial wellness doesn't have just one meaning because it can mean something different to each person. Financial...
Read MoreRefinancing Your Mortgage
When you refinance your mortgage, you take out a new home loan and use some or all of the proceeds to pay off the existing one. Why refinance your mortgage? There are a variety of reasons why you may want to consider refinancing your...
Read MoreHealthcare and the Sandwich Generation
Members of the "Sandwich Generation"—or adults who have at least one parent over age 65 and at least one child who still requires financial support—often find themselves torn between their dual caregiving responsibilities.1...
Read MoreFive Factors that Impact Your Retirement
Retirement can be a risky business if you don’t consider all the factors that can impact your retirement during your planning process. Although it’s hard to know what will happen in the future to you or your investments,...
Read MoreEligibility Requirements for IRAs
A 401(k) isn't the only way to save for retirement—Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) can provide you with another savings vehicle regardless of whether your job offers a 401(k). Traditional IRAs allow you to contribute funds...
Read MoreHow to Stay Committed to Your Financial Goals
Setting healthy financial goals is critical. Even more important is staying committed to those financial goals. Keeping yourself committed to your goals may be difficult, especially when times may be financially tough. But by staying...
Read MoreThree Tips for Planning Your Income in Retirement
If you've been diligently saving for your retirement, you may often find yourself wondering when you can afford to set an official retirement date. The answer to this question can often depend on how much monthly or annual income your...
Read MoreMaintaining the Investment You Made in Your Home
For many Americans, the home is the single biggest purchase made during their lifetime.[1] As a result, it's important to do everything possible to keep it in good condition. Even moderate or short-term neglect can be dangerous, as...
Read MoreCreating an Income Plan While in Retirement
Taking money out of retirement without a plan is a recipe for trouble You‘ve saved for years. Now that you are retired, did you create an income plan from your savings? The financial industry and media constantly talk about the...
Read MoreEight Key Facts to Know About Social Security
A whopping 70 percent of adults in their 20s through 50s fear that the Social Security program might be reduced or eliminated by the time they retire, and don’t know what to expect.1 It's important for all adults to be informed of what...
Read MoreThink You Know Retirement? Take Our Five-Question Quiz
Even if you're saving money in a 401(k), IRA, or another type of retirement account, you may not be paying much attention to the specific rules and regulations governing these accounts. After all, if you're years away from retirement,...
Read MoreHow to Increase Your Financial Literacy
Unlike verbal literacy, financial literacy isn't often taught in schools—which means that many people may enter adulthood without having all the tools they need to make informed and effective financial decisions.1 Fortunately,...
Read MoreShort-Term Goals vs. Retirement Savings
Too many focus on immediate needs versus saving for retirement. American workers find it difficult to save for retirement because their distant financial needs tend to take a backseat to more immediate economic concerns, even if they...
Read MorePlan Your Finances as You Would Your Exercise
You exercise to benefit from your sweat equity in the future, right? Waking up early in the dark mornings of winter to exercise comes hard. Once your workout ends, though, you often begin the day with the payoff of a tremendous energy...
Read MorePlanning for Retirement? Don't Forget About Long-Term Care
Your plans for retirement may include travel, home improvements, and more time spent with family. Few people enter retirement with the expectation (or even the thought) that they soon may be unable to live independently. However, this...
Read MoreYour Credit Report and Identity Theft Detection
Identity theft is a serious crime, with increasingly greater numbers of consumers being affected every year. As part of a protection strategy, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other consumer credit organizations recommend a...
Read MoreHow Financial Asset Management May Help Investors Stay the Course
Most people who decide to purchase stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other investment vehicles do so understanding that there are risks associated with investing, but believing that the potential growth they may realize over time...
Read MoreUnderstanding the Earned Income Tax Credit
The EITC was enacted in 1975, yet 20% of eligible taxpayers fail to claim it The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit that can provide great benefit to families. According to the IRS, in 2019 alone, approximately 25...
Read MoreTax Planning for Income
You don't want to pay more in federal income tax than you have to. With that in mind, here are five things to consider when it comes to keeping more of your income. 1. Postpone your income to minimize your current income tax liability...
Read MoreGameStop and a Modern-Day David vs. Goliath
Wall Street bets against companies all the time, thinking that they are overvalued, destined to fail, or both. The reality is that at any given time, the big companies are usually getting a lot of attention from institutional...
Read MoreConsiderations for Home Buying
There's no doubt about it--owning a home is an exciting prospect. After all, you've always dreamed of having a place that you could truly call your own. But buying a home can be stressful, especially when you're buying one for the...
Read MoreYour 2021 New Year’s (Financial) Resolutions
Cleaning up personal finances remains one of the top resolutions every New Year. But we all know what happens to most such self-promises, so here’s a month-by-month to-do list to cultivate better financial health. January:...
Read MoreTips for 2020 Tax Preparation
In 2020, the government gave taxpayers an automatic six-month extension due to the coronavirus. Individuals who were affected by the damaging wildfires were also given additional time to meet most tax deadlines. However, in 2021, the...
Read MoreRetiring Debt When You Retire
Credit card usage is ubiquitous for Americans. Online purchases are just a click away when paying with a card, while other transactions — car rentals, for instance — require a credit card for both payment and security....
Read MoreHow to Evaluate a Charity and Whether to Donate
Responsible giving doesn't only involve making sure to help those in need, but also ensuring that you perform your proper research by evaluating the charity. Proper evaluation will help you to make sure that your funds are being used...
Read MoreSurviving the Holiday Season Debt-Free
With the holiday season just around the corner, you may be ready to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Unfortunately, for many, holiday shopping easily gets out of control. When you are in the giving spirit, you may find yourself...
Read MoreGiving Thanks for Challenges: A Healthy Exercise of Gratitude
Life is filled with challenges: finding a job, paying for college, affording your retirement. While this may seem paradoxical, on Thanksgiving we should be thankful for frustrations and obstacles. Often on Thanksgiving we think of the...
Read MoreRecognizing and Avoiding Online Scams
According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the number of U.S. data breaches hit a new high in 2017. Nearly 20% of breaches included credit and debit card information, a nearly 6% increase from the prior year. The actual number...
Read More3 Tax Strategies to Consider at Year-End
With the year rapidly coming to a close, and the upcoming tax year looming with uncertainties, you should consider updating your tax strategy to best preserve your assets into the future. Don't wait to make these adjustments. Check...
Read More6 Essential Tips for Retirement Planning
Retirement planning is all about the future, your future. Whether you are classified as a millennial, Gen Xers, women, or you are in your 40s-50s, retirement planning is a must. The key to successful retirement planning is starting...
Read MoreHow Financial Planning Helps You Work Towards Your Self-Improvement Goals
Many self-improvement goals focus on stability and personal growth — and financial goals are often no different. From buying your first home to saving for retirement, planning your finances can also help you work toward your...
Read MoreInvesting in an Election Year
The world's events always affect the markets, and making smart investment choices requires you to look at what's happening around the world. But what about during an election year? How should you invest while the country is deciding...
Read MoreA Financial Plan for All Seasons
Grab your sunglasses -- summer's here, and it's time to kick back and relax. If only it were that easy. It would be great if all your worries disappeared when summer arrived, but that doesn't happen. Actually, if money is stressing you...
Read MoreFirefighters and Financial Advisors
We have more in common than people think As I saw the pictures documenting the devastating fires in California, my heart hurt. Three fast moving wildfires swept through multiple towns in California and the toll so far is heart-breaking...
Read MoreBuild a Solid Financial Foundation
When the markets and the economy are behaving badly, as they tend to do from time to time, it's easy to feel helpless. But creating a solid financial foundation can help you gain control of your investments and possibly avoid mistakes...
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