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Most people know that once they approach retirement age, their reward for years of work comes from Social Security payments they put money towards during their employment. Deciding when to file for your Social Security payments is...

Most often, the first question a prospective employee will ask is about your company’s benefit program. And in my experience, the two most often-asked questions are about health insurance and an employer-sponsored retirement...

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...

Your credit report contains information about your past and present credit transactions. It's used primarily by potential lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness. So if you're about to apply for credit, especially for something...

Times to call your financial advisorMost of us go to see professionals when we’re in trouble or during times of crisis. Think about it. We go to the doctor when we’re sick. We go see a lawyer when we have a pending legal...

Searching for a new job is always stressful, even more so for older workers looking to change jobs or re-enter the workplace. As a more senior worker, you have the experience and wisdom but may be worried about competing with younger...

As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals. Visitors to financial websites have created...

It’s easy to carry the stress of home to work, and work to home. Doing so will most likely inhibit your time to relax with friends, family, and your productivity in the work place. Budget your time accordingly for each aspect of...

Getting Back on Track after a Post-Retirement Financial SetbackYou may have envisioned retirement as a second childhood—a time to relax, enjoy yourself, and devote your time to your favorite hobbies. Unfortunately, worry-free...

The romanticized image of entrepreneurs is a picture of youth: a 20-something individual with disruptive ideas, boundless energy and a still-sharp mind. Silicon Valley has bet on this image for years.But is this right?Far from it,...

Although the pandemic has put a strain on many household budgets, it hasn't been all bad news—in fact, more than five million people across the globe became millionaires during the pandemic.1 But even if you're not among...

Asking questions and planning will give you both peace of mindCombining love, lives and laundry is one thing. Combining your money is another. Newly married couples who both work would do well to think about what to do with two incomes...

A Step-By-Step GuideYou have probably heard about financial planning and its potential benefits, but you are unsure how to apply the principles to your life. A financial plan is a collection of steps that help you to evaluate your...

What is an estate tax return?When you die, you will leave behind all your property (everything you own) and debts (everything you owe). All this is called your estate. After the debts have been paid, the various items left in your...

Your Countdown to Financial HealthFor many people, a new year provides a new start—and nothing says "new start" like a fresh new set of financial goals. But setting these goals is easier said than done. What steps should you...

A framework to help you be among the 8% that sticks to resolutionsWill you make a New Year’s resolution this year? One of the smartest ones could be to get your finances in order. But keeping that promise to yourself is another...

What if you focused on your system instead of just your goals?Setting goals for a new year can feel overwhelming.  We all know that resolutions don’t last, but we also feel the energy that comes with a new year of...

Debt-to-Income Ratio ExplainedIf you’re considering purchasing a home, debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is an important term to familiarize yourself with. Your DTI can ultimately make it easier or harder for you to qualify for a...

There are chilling similarities – but fundamental differences, too.On December 7, 2001, a Gallup Poll ran the following headline:“Americans Say Sept. 11 Will Be More Historically Significant Than Pearl Harbor.”That...

What are appropriate checklists for year-end tax planning?Tax planners often develop checklists to guide taxpayers toward year-end strategies that might help reduce taxes. Typically, suggestions are grouped into several different...

#GivingTuesdayConsider whether a donor advised fund can help build a more generous world.November brings us Thanksgiving – a day for simply giving thanks. The 11th month also brings us Black Friday and Cyber Monday – two...

What does an entrepreneur need to create a dynamic company? The right mindset is a big part of it.As an entrepreneur, you devote half your time or more to the daily hustle, making things happen and accomplishing goals. The other half...

Understanding Your OptionsOver the next 50 years, the age 85 and older population is expected to be the fastest growing segment of society. Unfortunately, along with aging, the chances of needing long-term care (LTC) increase. The...

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...

Finances are dicey for those simultaneously caring for their parents and kidsOver the last 20 years, the median-age for Americans (the median age is the point where exactly half the population is older and the other half is younger)...

If you've never engaged in financial planning and are unsure how to get started, this article is for you. A financial plan starts by evaluating your current financial situation and future expectations and can be created independently...

Many parents pay for college with a combination of savings, current income, and financial aid. By learning the basics of financial aid, you'll be able to understand how the aid process works and compare the aid awards your child...

As your loved one ages, he or she may require medication for health conditions. He or she may also take over-the-counter pills, vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements. While each medication may help manage symptoms, be sure that the...

If you've lost your job, or are changing jobs, you may be wondering what to do with your 401(k) plan account. It's important to understand your options.What will I be entitled to?If you leave your job (voluntarily or involuntarily),...

Life insurance has many uses, including income replacement, business continuation, and estate preservation. Long-term care insurance helps provide financial protection against the potentially high cost of long-term care. If you find...

Today, women have more financial responsibilities than ever before. How will your family or loved ones manage financially if you die? Whether you are single, married, employed, or a stay-at-home mom, you probably need life insurance....

One of the hardest things to do, by far, is realizing when a want is not a need.Budgeting is a balancing act. The secret to sustaining yourself from day to day while also working towards financial goals is building a budget that...

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...

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...

We take it for granted that technology brings people closer together and improves our access to essential products and services. If you can’t imagine life without your smartphone, it’s easy to forget that people who...

Almost half of all adults are part of the "sandwich generation." These are adults in their 40s and 50s who are helping support or care for a parent while also supporting or caring for a child.1 Being caught between two generations of...

At some point in your life, you'll probably be faced with the question of whether you need life insurance. Life insurance is a way to protect your loved ones financially after you die and your income stops. The answer to whether you...

As recent graduates enter the workforce, they may need to make some financial decisions to help them prepare for potential economic uncertainty such as inflation, rising real estate prices, and a volatile stock market. If planned...

How long do you think you will live? How long does your money need to last? If you’re like most people, you get this age wrong.The consequence? Faulty retirement planning, overspending now, and running out of money before you...

You may or may not have heard of the Remembrance Poppy—but you’ve probably seen it. These red-and-black poppies symbolize those who lost their lives in combat, and it was these same poppies that inspired a profound poem...

With the average cost of tuition and fees at private colleges exceeding $43,750 in 2021-22—while out-of-state public college students are paying nearly $30,000 per year—saving for college might feel like a monumental task...

As a business owner, you may assume you do not need professional financial advice until you hit certain milestones such as $1 million in sales, having ten employees, or some other tangible measure. However, financial professionals may...

In late 2019, SECURE Act was passed as a way to help Americans save more for their retirement. In March 2022, the SECURE Act 2.0 has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and aims to improve the goals of the original SECURE Act....

As a small-business owner, you may be looking for the next big thing—an investment that might double your profits within the next year or allow you to maintain your income while working just a few hours a week. However, business success may

Heading to your first meeting with a new financial professional may be a lot like going on a blind date. Can you have anything in common? Can you click? Can you trust this other person with what's most important to you?