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If you're living paycheck-to-paycheck or stuck in a job you don't love just to pay the bills, it can be easy to feel as though you're financially trapped. But financial freedom doesn't need to be elusive—with some focused and...

Financial education is constantly evolving. As investments, financial priorities, and the economy change, so do financial strategies and plans. To stay on top of your retirement and ensure that you are on your way toward your financial...

Do you know the answer if your financial professional asks you what type of investor you are? While it may be challenging to classify yourself off the top of your head, knowing what type of investor you are might help you avoid making...

Family vacations don’t always have to be trips to far-away lands or epic road trips across the country. A local staycation is a great way to explore your own city while spending time with the ones you love. So before you pack a...

Today, younger adults face a variety of challenges in their pursuit of financial independence. Some of these challenges are similar to those faced by previous generations, while others are unique to the times. Here are five financial...

Employee financial wellness programs are important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they help employees manage their finances and reduce financial stress, which can have a significant impact on their overall well-being....

Estate planning helps disperse your assets according to your wishes. The effort may seem daunting at first, but estate planning does not have to be overly complicated. With the proper planning, you may find yourself resting a little...

What is selecting property to give?Not surprisingly, this explains the process of choosing a particular piece of your property that you want to give away. Selecting the property is a final and yet most difficult decision you'll need to...

Having enough retirement income is a top concern for many Americans nearing or in retirement. Even though they may have saved consistently throughout the working years, they may be concerned that their retirement plans will succeed. A...

When you prepare to have your first child, the to-do list may seem endless—from purchasing a car seat to furnishing a nursery, lining up day care options, and planning for time off from work. These tasks, while sometimes...

In today’s business climate, it may be more important than ever for companies to operate at maximum efficiency and with a keen awareness of the potential impact of changes in their industry and the economy. Using a SWOT analysis...

If you are or have ever been a pet owner, I probably don’t need to explain the joy of having a furry (or not so furry) friend around the house, but maybe you didn’t know all the actual health benefits they can provide. For...

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...

It All Adds Up. It can be fairly easy to underestimate your net worth. After all, predicting the future value of your home and savings is merely hypothetical. On the other hand, you can rely on the fixed amount of the death benefit...

When market volatility takes investors on a wild ride, fear and panic are common responses to this stock market roller coaster. Acknowledging these emotions may be a good first step, but acting upon them could result in impulsive,...

Teaching children about financial wellness should start at an early age. Learning how making money, saving, and spending is related and the first step in teaching your child how to understand the value of money. Children learn from...

If you've been wondering how to optimize your finances and ensure your money continues to work for you, a financial professional may be able to help. But the thought of turning over your most sensitive financial information to a...

Have a PlanAre you worried about the current state of the Social Security system and how its future may affect your retirement income? It’s important to take a long, hard look at your current savings strategy to ensure...

The Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970 has stood the test of time, and the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act has provided additional protection to the American consumer. If you take the time to understand the credit reporting system...

Single parents are faced with the pressure of supporting an entire household on their own—which can often make paying for college seem like an insurmountable goal. Fortunately, there are several different ways for single parents...

You're ready to buy an insurance policy, but you feel a bit uneasy embarking into the insurance world. After all, the language can be technical, and you're wary of insurance agents throwing sales pitches at you. Whether you're buying...

As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start saving for your child's college education. Or you might be concerned about planning...

Today, many people are concerned about saving for retirement or paying for a large ticket item, such as a child’s college education. If you belong to this group, now may be the time to organize your finances. It is never too...

Your time is important. For some people, time is as important as money. While most people are concerned about spending their money wisely, few consider spending their time wisely. By budgeting your time, you may accomplish your goals...

Practice putting positivity into the world during this World Kindness Day! Here are a few ways to simply make the world a better place.DonatePick a new organization to support! If you are having trouble finding an organization to...

Take the time to ask your Valentine how they derive joy from moneyValentine’s Day, which falls in the cold month of February, is really about happiness. But instead of rushing out to Walgreens to get that last minute box of...

A busy schedule is never an excuse to ignore your health– but more often than not, we all fall victim to putting our work, social, and family life, ahead of our well-being. Especially when it comes to our heart health....

Getting married is a joyous time, but one that comes with numerous considerations. From living arrangements to future goals, marriage may quickly change a lot of things in your life. One thing that may drastically change after your...

I think it’s safe to say micro goals are the individual pieces of your long-term puzzle—which together, make your end goal more clearly laid out with each piece you complete. Micro goals are easier to plan...

Financial wellness studies over the past few years indicate that investors desire financial wellness. The recent pandemic, economic and inflationary conditions, changes in work-life balance, and more responsibility for financial...

Regardless of whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Below, we've listed some key...

You know about the famous ball drop in Times Square and the firework spectacle over the Sydney Opera House, but don’t forget about these other stand-out places that ring in the New Year in style.

As we approach the last quarter of each year, it is a good time to plan for the next one. Year-end planning is especially important for existing retirees and those hoping to retire in the next few years. There are tax and income...

Socially responsible investing (SRI) is a strategy to make your investments more impactful by supporting ecological and social causes. SRI investors invest their money to support companies that value transparency in their business...

In an apparent break with their technology-obsessed millennial predecessors, members of Generation Z who are starting to enter the workforce are ready to put down their devices, and are more aligned with Generation X in their...

Cyber Monday is one of the most popular shopping days, competing each year with Black Friday when it comes to scoring holiday deals. While online shopping continues to grow in popularity, it also opens the door even wider for those...

Anyone involved in financial matters of any kind will have to deal with interest, either working for or against you. A quote often attributed to Albert Einstein provides readers with insight into the benefit or crutch of interest in...

Celebrated on November 19th, Women's Entrepreneurship Day was established by Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) in 2013 to bring awareness to the hundreds of millions of women and girls living in poverty and to help...

Many people are familiar with the scammers who promise to pay millions of dollars in exchange for briefly holding funds in your bank account or those who offer to enhance certain body parts risk-free. Today's scammers are clever at...

If you're like many, you may associate long-term care with nursing homes and end-of-life care. But far more people will need long-term care in a crisis—an injury or illness that requires long-term care or rehab before you can...

September is National Preparedness Month, part of an effort by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to raise public awareness and inspire disaster readiness. Most communities could be impacted by some type of natural disaster...

The Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970 has stood the test of time, and the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act has provided additional protection to the American consumer. If you take the time to understand the credit reporting system...

A recent survey by Caring.com found that a whopping two in three American adults do not have an estate plan1—an alarming statistic, considering that an estate plan can protect your assets and ensure that they go to the right...

Nearly 75% of American adults report that they don't regularly follow a budget, while 10% have no budget at all.1 A lucky few may earn enough, or have low enough expenses, making budgeting unnecessary. But for the rest of us, the...

Many businesses start small, begun by people seeking the exciting and potentially rewarding experience of "being their own boss" while doing something they enjoy. If you're thinking about starting your own business, you'll need a sound...

In 2021, women-led companies only received 2% of all venture capital funding, a figure considered the lowest percentage in more than five years.1  Data shows this figure does not necessarily reflect the potential success of...

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...

Running out of income is a primary concern for most retirees. Immediate annuities offer a financial alternative to help meet retirement income needs by providing a steady stream of income designed to last through retirement. What is an...

The 401(k) pension plan, named after that section of the Internal Revenue Service Code that created it, has become one of the most popular retirement plans in the market. (A similar plan, the 403(b), is often available to employees of...

Given the daily responsibilities of running a business, planning for an event that may or may not happen may not seem to be a priority. But by preparing for a major disaster, your company will be in a better position to cope with more...

You will need to think about the disposition of your assets at your death and any tax implications. Statistically speaking, women live longer than men. So if you are married, you'll also probably have the last word about the final...

There was a time that retirement meant, for many people, sitting in the sun in a southern retirement community along with a host of fellow retirees. However, today retirement means many different things to different people. Why settle...

Ahh, back to school time. It’s a dreaded season for most kids, and some parents, too. Getting back into the grind of waking up early, packing lunches, and fitting in extracurricular activities can be tough—but waiting until the last...

There are no great secrets where tax planning and tax cutting are concerned. The principles around which all tax-cutting strategies revolve can be reduced to six basics:  Income splitting. Taxes are reduced for the total family...

In the college savings game, all strategies aren't created equal. The best savings vehicles offer special tax advantages if the funds are used to pay for college. Tax-advantaged strategies are important because over time, you can...

ESG investing enables investors to participate as stewards of the planet and its inhabitants by leveraging environmental, social, and governance factors when they invest. The impact must benefit beneficiaries for it to be tagged as an ESG.

Homemade ice cream has never been simpler. With a 3-ingredient base and no churning required, your freezer is bound to have a never-ending supply of this delicious frozen dessert!

Most pet lovers would agree that the animals we bring into our homes become more than just pets—they become members of the family. So why not celebrate them as you would any other family addition by incorporating their images in your home.

Working towards financial independence can often be a lifelong process. But for many, financial freedom may come far sooner—and include some fun along the way. Learn the differences between financial independence and financial freedom.

Insurance is crucial for any small business. Small-business owners may find themselves in a difficult situation without proper coverage if they suffer building damage or face a lawsuit. While obtaining adequate insurance for your...

The market skyrockets one day, plunges the next. Is this the wobbling before the crash? Should you invest now? If so, how? Everything at once? That’s tempting, but not always wise. A common question investors ask their financial...

The challenges of pursing financial wellness and managing finances are common concerns for many married couples. Read on for important factors that play a role when same-sex couples manage their finances.

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 continue to soar, many parents find themselves faced with the nagging question,...

Preparing for retirement may be an exciting and stressful time. While the idea of leaving the workforce and enjoying more leisure time may be appealing, the prospect of no longer receiving a regular paycheck might be intimidating for...

In golf, as in finances, there are a few rules of thumb that may improve your game: keep a level head, avoid traps, practice before trying something new and stay the course. Applying lessons from the golf course to your financial life...

Economists and pundits predicted that the baby boomer generation's retirement would be dramatic, and the COVID pandemic sped things along. According to the St. Louis Fed, the number of retirees in the U.S. increased by 7% between...

Teaching your children about finances may seem like a weighty topic; however, it does not have to be challenging. By opening the lines of communication early and demonstrating good financial decisions of your own, you may set your...

The financial world is a complex one to navigate. New investment products, global investing opportunities, employee-driven 401(k)s — these (and many more) collectively underscore the value of seeking professional financial advice...

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...