Blog
Welcome to our monthly blog section providing relevant, useful, and educational content that’s both relatable and easy to digest. And while much of the content covers all-things financial, we often include a lifestyle piece or two to lighten up each monthly mix of content to keep you both learning and laughing.
Beware of Grinches: How to Stay Safe from Holiday Scams
It’s the holiday season and there’s nothing more festive than fraudsters and scam artists coming out of their holes to steal money from you. But we’ve got you covered. The more you know about these potential holiday...
Read MoreCaring for Your Aging Parents
Caring for your aging parents is something you hope you can handle when the time comes, but it's the last thing you want to think about. Whether the time is now or somewhere down the road, there are steps that you can take to make your...
Read MoreGreat Ways to Save This Holiday Season
Navigating the holiday season while keeping your finances intact is quite the challenge. Exploring these effective tips may go a long way to helping save you money during this festive period. From thoughtful gift-giving to strategic...
Read MoreShould You Buy Long-Term Care Insurance?
The longer you live, the greater the chances you'll need some form of long-term care. If you're concerned about protecting your assets and maintaining your financial independence in your later years, long-term care insurance (LTCI) may...
Read MoreThe Importance of Financial Education in the Workplace
Financial literacy may seem like a no-brainer, but statistics say otherwise. According to Annuity.org, more than 30% of Americans said they are just getting by in terms of their finances. This means that debt management, investment,...
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The Financial Future of Longevity: A Guide to Planning for a Longer, Healthier Life
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...
Read MorePart C and Part D Plans: Understanding Your Medicare Options
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...
Read MoreOpen Enrollment 2023: How to Optimize Your Health, Life, and Financial Coverage
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. ...
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 MoreChoosing a Beneficiary for Your IRA or 401(k)
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...
Read MoreThe Importance and Potential Benefits of Fixed Rates
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....
Read MoreInvesting in Real Estate is Not as Easy as It Appears to Be
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...
Read MoreHow Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and the Barbie Movie Are Helping the Global Economy
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,...
Read MoreAll About Credit Scores
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...
Read More5 Lessons You Can Learn from Warren Buffett
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...
Read MoreEstimating Your Retirement Income Needs
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...
Read MoreFederal Student Loans Resuming: Strategies for Long-Term Financial Planning
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...
Read MoreHarnessing the Power of AI: Benefits and Concerns
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)...
Read MoreTrust Basics
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 —...
Read More3 Tips to Mitigate Inflation Impact on Retirement Savings
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...
Read More5 Habits Wealthy People Follow
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...
Read More8 Tips to Budget for Higher Energy Bills and Outdoor Activities
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 —...
Read MoreThe Debt Ceiling Crisis: A Reminder About the Importance of Financial Planning
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...
Read More5 Ways to Build Your Brand for ALL Generations
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,...
Read MoreThe Impact of Hybrid Work on Workers' Compensation
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...
Read MoreThe World of Wedding Insurance
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?
Read MoreWhat’s Your Side Hustle?
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...
Read More10 Terms Every Investor Should Know
If you're new to investing, you may encounter some unfamiliar jargon. Understanding the following terms may help you become a more confident investor.
Read MoreBack to Basics: Disability Insurance
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.
Read MoreDisability Insurance Topics for 2023
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 ...
Read MoreEstablishing a Budget
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.
Read MoreTake Advantage of ‘529’ Day
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.
Read MoreMental Health and Disability Insurance
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 ...
Read MoreBack to Basics: Know Your Paycheck
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...
Read MoreFinancial Literacy Month Theme: It’s Never Too Late…
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.
Read MoreFinancial Literacy for Small Businesses
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...
Read MorePeer-to-Peer (P2P) Payments and Taxes
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...
Read MorePlanning for a Smaller Tax Refund
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...
Read MoreSurviving a Banking Crisis
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...
Read MoreBack to Basics: Estate Planning
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...
Read MoreEverything You Should Know About Bear Markets
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...
Read MoreInternational Women’s Day 2023
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...
Read MoreInvesting 101: How to Access Company Earnings Report
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 ...
Read MoreInvesting 101: The Differences Between Stocks and Bonds
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...
Read MoreThe Importance of Building a Financial Emergency Plan
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...
Read MoreBack to Basics: How to Obtain Health Insurance
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...
Read MoreBack to Basics: How to Obtain Life Insurance
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...
Read MoreEnhance Your Soft Skills for Career Advancement
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...
Read MoreMaximizing Your Bonus: Understanding How Bonuses are Taxed
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...
Read MoreThe Consequences of Filing Taxes Late: What You Need to Know
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...
Read MoreThe Long-Term Care Crisis
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...
Read MoreAvoid Running Out of Money After Retirement
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...
Read MoreDivorce and Its Alternatives
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...
Read MoreKeeping Your Auto and Home Insurance Low
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...
Read MoreBack to Basics: Retirement Planning
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...
Read MoreInheriting Debt
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...
Read MoreThe Need for Estate Planning
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...
Read MoreHistorical Facts About Recessions
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...
Read MoreSucceed with Science
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...
Read MorePotential Benefits for Retirees in 2023
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...
Read MoreTime to Consider Long-Term Care
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...
Read MoreEnd of the Year Financial Checklist
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...
Read More5 Ways to Help Reduce Debt
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...
Read MoreApproaching the Markets During Mid-Terms
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...
Read MoreConquer Imposter Syndrome in your Career
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...
Read MoreSocially Responsible Investing
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...
Read MoreTax Planning for the Self-Employed
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...
Read MoreThanksgiving Traditions (Old and New)
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...
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About Medicare
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...
Read MoreOpen Enrollment 2022: What to Expect
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...
Read MoreRestart Your Career After 50
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...
Read MoreThe Fed Raised Interest Rates — How Will It Affect You?
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...
Read MoreThe Silver Lining in Pink: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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...
Read MoreWhat to Know About Student Loan Forgiveness
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...
Read More4 Reasons Why People Don’t Have Life Insurance
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...
Read More5 Back-To-School Shopping Suggestions
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...
Read MoreMore Than One Type of Life Insurance
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...
Read MoreRepel the Recession with These 5 Tips
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...
Read MoreTake Care of your Body and Mind at College
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...
Read MoreYour Success is Closer Than You Think
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...
Read More5 Ways to Fight Inflation
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...
Read MoreMight Be a Good Time for a Roth Conversion
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...
Read MoreInsuring Electric Vehicles
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...
Read MoreAvoid These 6 Retirement Mistakes
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...
Read MoreSocial Security: 5 Things You’re Doing Wrong
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...
Read More10 Money-Saving Travel Tips
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...
Read More6 Keys to More Successful Investing
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...
Read More7 Smart Ways People Spend to Save
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...
Read MoreLife Insurance as an Asset
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...
Read MoreInflation-Fighting Tips
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...
Read MoreFinancial Planning Issues for New Parents
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.
Read MoreUnderstanding Digital Wallets
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.
Read MoreGet The Most Out Of Your Amazon Prime Membership
Harness the power of your Amazon Prime Membership with these helpful tips. Find out more about Prime Wardrobe, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Smile and more.
Read MoreABLE Accounts – What To Know
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.
Read MoreFinancial Planning Through The Generations
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.
Read MoreDisability Insurance in Your Financial Plan
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.
Read MoreSaving for Retirement and a Child’s Education at the Same Time
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
Read MoreWhen To Begin Retirement Planning
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.
Read MoreThe Risk Of Disability
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.
Read MoreHandling Market Volatility
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.
Read MoreWatch Out For These Common Tax Scams
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.
Read MoreThe Electric Vehicle Is Back
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.
Read MorePersonal Finance: Why Is It Not Taught In High School?
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.
Read MoreFinancial Literacy Month
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.
Read MoreEleven Ways To Help Yourself Stay Sane In A Crazy Market
Have strategies to ride out a crazy financial market.
Read More5 Pillars Of Financial Wellness
Each money decision you make impact financial wellness. Here are 5 pillars to help achieve and maintain wellness.
Read More6 Medicare Outlooks For 2022 & Beyond
A new year means new changes to healthcare benefits and plans.
Read MoreNew Year’s Resolutions And The Pandemic
Another year of trying to stick to resolutions during a pandemic. Are we better prepared?
Read MoreRetirement Plan Limits On The Rise In 2022
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..
Read MoreMillennials Meet Inflation
How millennials will react to inflation, and how vulnerable they are is an open question. What steps can and should they take to prepare?
Read MoreLife Insurance for the Self-Employed
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..
Read MoreNew Year’s Resolutions To Create Financially Confident Kids (And Less Stressed Adults!)
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.
Read MoreWays to Beat Back Rising Energy Costs This Winter
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.
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