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Since the beginning of our existence, humans have associated long life as a gift, a stroke of luck, or the result of good genetics. With advancements in technology that help enable medical breakthroughs and the increasing knowledge on...

Medicare is a healthcare program offering coverage to eligible individuals aged 65 and older and those with certain disabilities. It operates as a federal health insurance program, primarily funded through payroll taxes, providing...

Open enrollment is the annual designated period where employees review, adjust, or select coverage plans to accommodate their evolving needs. This year's timeframe begins from November 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024.    ...

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...

Selecting beneficiaries for retirement benefits is different from choosing beneficiaries for other assets such as life insurance. With retirement benefits, you need to know the impact of income tax and estate tax laws in order to...

Fixed rates provide stability. Understanding the concept of fixed rates is crucial for financial security. With payments that remain constant over an agreed period, loan borrowers are protected from interest rate fluctuations....

Real estate has been all the rage over the years as a safe and reliable investment, but does it live up to the hype? Discover the ups and downs of investing in real estate, shedding light on the potential drawbacks despite its apparent...

The entertainment industry has always been a major influence on the U.S. and global economies. One of the biggest sporting events of the year, The Super Bowl, generates billions of dollars in economic activity. Super Bowl LVI, in 2022,...

It's difficult to imagine functioning in today's world without credit. Whether buying a car or purchasing a home, credit has become an integral part of our everyday lives. Having easy access to credit goes hand in hand with having a...

Warren Buffett is often considered a man of great wisdom and unparalleled success in the world of investing. Buffett's journey is a testament to the power of knowledge, patience, and staying true to one's principles. With a net worth...

You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you'll need to fund your retirement. That's not as easy as it sounds, because retirement...

Many people view student loans as a necessary evil. Very few of us have the financial ability to save enough money to cover the entire cost of college for our children. The majority need to borrow money and take out loans. But where do...

By now, you’ve already heard of ChatGPT and Google Bard by reading various online articles, seeing reports on the news and in general conversations with colleagues. Both inventions are essentially Artificial Intelligence (AI)...

Whether you're seeking to manage your own assets, control how your assets are distributed after your death, or plan for incapacity, trusts can help you accomplish your estate planning goals. Their power is in their versatility —...

Inflation is the reduction of the purchasing power of a currency over time. The dollar is certainly not as impactful as it was 10 years ago because of inflation. With the recent struggles of the American economy, all we hear about is...

There’s never one way to become wealthy, but there are consistent habits among self-made wealthy people that may put you in a position to achieve financial gains. No matter your level of expertise, following these habits may...

The summer season is in full force, and so is that temptation to go on a spending spree. Along with the pleasures of beach trips, barbecues, eating out at restaurants, and outdoor adventures comes a not-so-welcome guest —...

By now the dust has settled on the recent debt ceiling crisis that plagued the government and distressed a few economic experts. The crisis, while scary and potentially fatal to the economy, is a healthy reminder about the importance...

Building a successful brand in a world that has become excessively competitive can seem insurmountable. Gen Z and younger millennials have found it easy to adjust to the changing dynamics of branding. But for the older generations,...

A recent survey by Zippia revealed that almost three-quarters of US companies are using or planning to use a hybrid model. Hybrid work refers to a combination of remote and in-person work and for the foreseeable future, it’s here...

No one wants to think about anything going wrong on one of the biggest days of their lives. But, like all discussions about insurance begin: What if?

Millennials and Gen Z have taken the gig economy to a new level. Most individuals between the ages of 25-40 have one or more side hustles. But baby boomers and Gen Xers are not far behind. According to Zippia, the average age of...

If you're new to investing, you may encounter some unfamiliar jargon. Understanding the following terms may help you become a more confident investor.

Nobody likes to imagine the worst, but what would happen if you become disabled and can no longer work? For most people, this could mean they no longer have a source of income.

The disability insurance landscape has experienced drastic changes in the last few years. The changes have led to new opportunities, as well as challenges for insurers. As the industry evolves, some issues will dominate the conversation ...

Do you ever wonder where your money goes each month? Does it seem like you're never able to get ahead? If so, establishing a budget may help you keep track of how you spend your money and help you reach your financial goals.

529 Plans account for more than 30% of all education savings plans and are the most popular of their kind. 529 Plans can be used to finance higher education expenses such as tuition, fees, and room & board for post-secondary education.

As of 2021, over 55 million Americans were living with a mental health condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). While mental health and disability are closely linked, disability insurance doesn't typically ...

There are many decisions and choices that need to be made when starting a new job. One of the most important is to know your paycheck. This includes understanding the taxes taken out, contributions that can be made and other factors...

We celebrate Financial Literacy Month with our theme for 2023: It's Never Too Late. Check out how not giving up can lead to some wonderful things.

According to the SBA (Small Business Administration), there are over 33 million small businesses in the United States. Out of this, almost 1 million start-ups close annually. The primary reason for their failure is poor financial...

According to Statista, direct payments through apps account for more than 45% of the total peer-to-peer (P2P) payments market. Despite the growth, most people don't understand the tax implications of these payments.The most common P2P...

The tax refund increased by over 15% in 2022 from the 2021 average. Many families rely on this refund each year for their financial situation. However, those same families may now find that the size of their refund is not as large as...

The recent news of the banking crisis affecting SVB, Signature Bank, Silvergate Capital Corp., and Credit Suisse has dominated the headlines. Banking crises have been going on since the dawn of modern banking and continue to remain a...

Estate planning is an integral component of any good financial plan. Without this planning, you can leave your loved ones without the resources they need to take care of themselves or their family in case something unexpected happens...

Just like the dawning of a new day is unavoidable, so is the onset of a bear market. Most investors dread the idea of a bear market, as it often signifies a downward trend in the stock market which can spell disaster for their...

Every March 8th, the world celebrates International Women’s Day. Celebrations and themes differ between organizations, but the message is always the same. All people, from all walks of life, will take the time to honor the women in their...

Understanding a company's financial performance is essential for informed investment decisions. To do so, investors need to access and analyze the company earnings report. But what is an earnings report, and what kind of information ...

Stocks and bonds are two important components of financial portfolios. They both represent different types of investments, and understanding their differences is essential to making informed investment decisions. You should also consider...

As Dave Ramsey puts it, "There's always something coming in a few months that will cost money. So be prepared." Creating a financial emergency plan is essential for any individual or family. An emergency financial plan ensures you...

Health insurance can provide the security to help you save for your health-related needs. Understanding how it works is essential whether you are buying health insurance for the first time or looking to switch policies. When searching...

We all hope to live a long and healthy life, but the unfortunate reality is that we don't know when our time will come. That's why it's essential to have life insurance - so that your loved ones can be taken care of financially if...

Over the last few years, the importance of soft skills has risen exponentially. Employers have realized that while undoubtedly important, hard skills can only take an individual so far in their career path. Soft skills are the key to...

Have you received a bonus from your employer recently? Bonuses can affect your tax burden in various ways. Therefore, it's crucial to understand how they are taxed to plan accordingly. Bonuses Taxed High? Why? When it comes...

Tax filing procrastination can have serious consequences. It's estimated that more than a third of all Americans wait until the last minute to file their taxes. But if you're someone who waits too long and misses the deadline for...

Home Alone Nearly one-third of all seniors live by themselves, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That's close to 14 million seniors aging alone. This suits some seniors just fine, however it’s vital for seniors living...

The current generation of retirees faces a greater risk of running out of money during retirement than any previous generation. Most retirees estimate they will spend less after retirement, but that is not always the case. Some...

January is often dubbed "divorce month" as it's the time when many couples call it quits. The reason for this surge in divorce filings is unclear, but experts speculate it could be due to the holidays (when people are not willing to...

As a responsible adult, you know that you need to have auto and home insurance. But that doesn't mean you have to break the bank to get it. In fact, you have many options to keep your rates low. On average, most homeowners pay...

You may have heard the saying, "it's never too late to learn." Well, that is certainly true when it comes to retirement planning. Even if you are considering retirement, there is still time to make smart decisions to help ensure a...

Debt is something that no one ever wants to deal with, but unfortunately, it’s something that many people must face. When someone dies, their estate is passed on to the beneficiaries listed in their will. This may include assets...

Estate Planning may seem intimidating, but it’s a necessary step in your financial planning process to protect your loved ones. Depending on the amount of your assets and other factors such as ownership in a business, estate...

There is no doubt that a global recession would have significant impact on businesses and individuals worldwide. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the United States reported the highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression. Many...

Career success isn’t a matter of luck. The Glassdoor website shares these tips, backed by science, for getting to the top: Walk tall Research suggests that taller men and women have an advantage in the workplace. You...

It's never too early to start planning for retirement. The journey of financial independence begins now, and your decisions today will shape your retirement life. If you are a retiree, you have the potential to benefit from several...

Most people don't think about long-term care until they or a loved one needs it. Long-term care is a type of care that includes personal and medical care services for people with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Long-term care...

The end of the year is a time for reflection and goal setting. It's also a great time to do financial housekeeping and ensure you're on track for a successful year ahead. After all, planning can save you a lot of money and stress down...

Being in debt can be a stressful experience. It can feel like you’re barely scraping enough money together to cover your monthly expenses and save a few extra bucks just in case something unforeseen comes along. Since most people...

The relationship between mid-term elections and the stock markets have been well documented since 1946. This year’s mid-terms are expected to sway the current 50/50 split in the Senate to either side with 35 senate seats up for...

Imposter syndrome—the feeling that you’re not as talented as you think you are—is a common affliction that can hold you back in your career. To overcome the insecurity, follow this advice from the Inside Higher Ed...

A Heritage of Social Investing One thing that might surprise you about Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), also called Impact Investing, is that it isn’t a recent phenomenon – not even close. In the 18th century the...

Self-employment is the opportunity to be your own boss, to come and go as you please, and oh yes, to establish a lifelong bond with your accountant. If you're self-employed, you'll need to pay your own FICA taxes and take charge of...

Thanksgiving is a holiday that surrounds two of the most beloved ideas. Food and family. Whether you’ve been visiting grandma’s house for the last 15 years or you’re hosting for the first time, the same Thanksgiving...

Medicare is a health insurance program of the United States government that subsidizes healthcare services. People of retirement age (65 and up), younger people who meet certain health criteria, and those with particular conditions are...

There is a time each year, usually in the fall, when individuals can enroll in health insurance, make changes to their existing plan, or drop their coverage altogether. This time is known as the open enrollment period.  Open...

Starting a new career is always difficult, but the challenges can be even more daunting when you’re over 50. Don’t be discouraged, though. AARP has some advice for getting hired when you’re no longer a spring...

The Federal Reserve authorized another massive increase in interest rates, signaling that further rate hikes are anticipated in the coming months as it seeks to cool off runaway prices. On Wednesday, September 21st, the Federal...

The World Health Organization reports that breast cancer is still one of the two most frequent kinds of cancer worldwide, and it accounts for 5% of all cancer-related fatalities each year. In any given year, more than 265,000 people in...

By now, you know that on August 24th, President Biden announced that the U.S. Government plans on forgiving $10,000 in student loan debt to those who qualify. But what are the qualifications? The U.S. Department of Education has...

There’s nothing exciting about life insurance. But it’s not meant to get you hyped up. It’s meant to take care of you and your loved ones. Life insurance is designed to protect your income in the unfortunate event of...

The emails begin pouring in at the beginning of August when you’re not even thinking about the impending school year. Before you know it, you’re getting a list of items that your child needs to start their school year off...

The pandemic has influenced all our lives in different ways, some tragic, but also some that have made us rethink our needs and goals. Some of us have decided they want a new type of career; some have devoted more of their lives to...

While the professional pundits debate when or if an economic recession is imminent, it may be a good idea to ensure you’re prepared, nonetheless. It doesn’t hurt your bottom line to take a step back and self-evaluate. Learn...

As your kids or grandkids start college this fall, remember that grades aren’t the only thing to pay attention to. Stay on top of your physical and mental health as you ease into college life with this advice from the Chapman...

They say success depends not on what you know but who you know. Skills and experience are important but knowing the right set of people can definitely help you advance and thrive in your career. GQ recommends surrounding yourself with...

Even with the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates on loans, we are still in the midst of our current inflation crisis. The optimist will say that we will weather this storm and come out better for it. The pessimist will have the...

One silver lining in the current bear market is that this could be a good time to convert assets from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Converted assets are subject to federal income tax in the year of conversion, which might be a...

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more commonplace each day thanks to innovative battery technology, marketing centered around climate change and fuel efficiency, and the fact that they are just plain cool. They are technological...

There are always pitfalls when building a financial plan. Retirement, included. Understanding and avoiding these 6 retirement mistakes will help you build a strong, secure and flexible retirement plan for you and your loved ones...

If you’re approaching your 65th birthday, odds are you’ve been inundated with documentation and advice about your social security options. It’s crucial to make sure you’re on solid ground with your finances as...

Follow these 10 money-saving travel tips when planning your next vacation to help make it more affordable, but it can be expensive to travel. However, there are ways to experience the trip of your dreams on a budget. Follow these...

A successful investor maximizes gain and minimizes loss. There's never a guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful. All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Here are six basic principles...

Frugal people are known for not spending money. This reputation harbors much truth, but not always. Frugality doesn’t mean pinching as many pennies as possible, it’s also a long-term strategy to save money. If you see a...

Obtaining life insurance is a benchmark for many adults when building their portfolio. Earning income is one thing but protecting it for your loved ones upon your death is quite another. The primary objective of life insurance is...

It's easy to see how inflation affects your daily life. Gas prices are higher. Electric bills are steeper. Wallets are thinner. But what inflation does to your investments isn't always as obvious. Let's say your money is earning 4% and...

Having a financial plan in place for your child is essential. It’s important to understand the potential issues that could arise during that process.

Digital wallets are here to stay. They handle digital funds, credit cards, gift cards and more. Learn how to capitalize on this technology for your daily life.

Harness the power of your Amazon Prime Membership with these helpful tips. Find out more about Prime Wardrobe, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Smile and more.

The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 provides much needed assistance for Americans with disabilities to design a financial plan to alleviate potential stress if they’re unable to perform their jobs.

Each generation – Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Baby Boomers – are at different moments in their lives that require their own age-specific financial goals and stress points. Learn where your financial focus should be today.

Have you talked with a financial professional about disability insurance coverage? It may benefit to seek out answers to questions you may not have thought to ask yet. this article is a great starting off point for that conversation.

Saving for retirement and your children's education are equally important, so understanding how to put away money for both is critical. You want to retire comfortably when the time comes. You also want to help your child go to college. So h

One of the most important questions about retirement is only which age you’d like to retire, but when you should begin planning for it. These tips can help you with that decision.

Protecting your income is an important and often overlooked step in financial planning, and since May is Disability Awareness Month, it’s critical to consider the risk of disability before it’s too late.

Investing in stocks and bonds can seem exciting and challenging, but it’s very important to understand how to handle your investments if the market turns volatile.

Watch Out For These Common Tax Scams

John Billington, CFP®, AIF®, ChFC®, CLU®, LUTCF

Friday, April 8, 2022

It’s important to be diligent when it comes to tax scams. As the tax deadline approaches this month, it doesn’t hurt to refresh ourselves with what scammers have in store for us.

The Electric Vehicle Is Back

John Billington, CFP®, AIF®, ChFC®, CLU®, LUTCF

Friday, April 8, 2022

The fervor for electric vehicles is real and they’re not going anywhere. Manufacturers are meeting the consumer demand as they take the automobile industry into a brighter future.

Personal Finance: Why Is It Not Taught In High School?

Joseph Bogardus, CFP®, AIF®, ChFC®, LUTCF, CCPS®

Friday, April 8, 2022

The concept of teaching financial literacy in high school is rapidly gaining traction, but that wasn’t always the case. There are large numbers of graduates unprepared for a world of savings accounts, budgets and credit scores.

Financial Literacy Month

John Billington, CFP®, AIF®, ChFC®, CLU®, LUTCF

Friday, April 8, 2022

With April being financial literacy month, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the basics of what it means to be financially literate.

Have strategies to ride out a crazy financial market.

Each money decision you make impact financial wellness. Here are 5 pillars to help achieve and maintain wellness.

A new year means new changes to healthcare benefits and plans.

Another year of trying to stick to resolutions during a pandemic. Are we better prepared?

Many IRA and retirement plan limits are indexed for inflation each year. Although the amount you can contribute to IRAs remains the same in 2022, other key numbers will increase, including how much you can contribute to a work-based retir..

How millennials will react to inflation, and how vulnerable they are is an open question. What steps can and should they take to prepare?

If you’re like most people, you bought life insurance to provide for your loved ones in the event of your death. But because you’re self-employed, you may have an even greater need for life insurance: You’ll want to protect your family..

Many adults rank their finances as their number one source of stress. A major contributor is the lack of financial literacy programs, particularly when they were younger adults and children. You can take matters into your own hands.

With retail prices for energy at or near multiyear highs in the US, here are twelve tips to help you save on your energy costs this winter.