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Closing Gaps In Your Insurance Coverage
Buying insurance is about sharing or shifting risk, but you may think you’re covered for specific losses when, in fact, you’re not. Here are some common coverage gaps to consider when reviewing your own insurance coverage....
Read MoreParents Hire Their Children To Help Pay For College
Business owners hire their children for sound reasons such as instilling a strong work ethic, teaching responsibility, encouraging entrepreneurship, reducing taxes, and saving for a college education. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of...
Read MoreWills: The Cornerstone Of Your Estate Plan
If you care about what happens to your money, home, and other property after you die, you need to do some estate planning. There are many tools you can use to achieve your estate planning goals, but a will is probably the most vital....
Read MoreGuard Against Student Aid Scams
One reason for the establishment of the U.S. Education Department (ED) in 1979 was to assist students in paying for a post-secondary education. Like corporations that market to consumers, the ED conducts much of its business...
Read More5 Tips For Targeting Your Retirement Savings Goal
What if you’re saving as much as you can, but still feel that your retirement savings goal is out of reach? As with many of life’s toughest challenges, it may help to focus less on the big picture and more on the details.
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3 Key Differences Between Traditional And Roth IRAs You Need To Know
There are such things as good and bad retirement accounts, but which is which often depends on your situation. Take traditional and Roth IRAs, for example. They’re similar in a lot of ways, but one of them is probably going to...
Read MoreAvoiding A Retirement Income Gap
There are a lot of articles aimed at people who realize as they grow closer to retirement, they will not be able to generate enough income in retirement to meet their needs. They include tips like: Delay retirement: 65 is just a number...
Read MoreThe Ultimate Personal Finance Checklist Before You Turn 30
The 20s are a wild decade. One moment you’re graduating college, without a worry (just a bit of student debt) in the world, the next, you are hitting the big 3-0. There are two types of people in the world — those who get...
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Risk Tolerance
One of the questions we often get, particularly from newer investors or people who are moving into another stage of their investment lives, is “how can I gauge my risk tolerance?” Risk tolerance is an investment term...
Read More7 Mantras To Grow Your Wealth
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed how financially vulnerable many people are and forced us to rethink everything we once knew about money management. The impact of the coronavirus revealed the harsh truth of how unpredictable the future...
Read MoreAnnuities and Retirement Planning
You may have heard that IRAs and employer-sponsored plans [e.g., 401(k)s] are the best ways to invest for retirement. That's true for many people, but what if you've maxed out your contributions to those accounts and want to save more?...
Read MoreLife Insurance at Various Life Stages
Your need for life insurance changes as your life changes. When you're young, you typically have less need for life insurance, but that changes as you take on more responsibility and your family grows. Then, as your responsibilities...
Read MoreTaking Advantage of Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans
Employer-sponsored qualified retirement plans such as 401(k)s are some of the most powerful retirement savings tools available. If your employer offers such a plan and you're not participating in it, you should be. Once you're...
Read MoreTeaching Your Teen about Money
Your teen is becoming more independent, but still needs plenty of advice from you. With more money to spend and more opportunities to spend it, your teen can easily get into financial trouble. So before money burns a hole in your...
Read MoreUmbrella Liability Insurance
When your local weather forecaster tells you that it's going to rain, what do you do? That's easy--you reach for your umbrella. So why not purchase an umbrella that can protect you in stormy financial weather? Umbrella liability...
Read More6 Potential 401(k) Rollover Pitfalls
You're about to receive a distribution from your 401(k) plan, and you're considering a rollover to a traditional IRA. While these transactions are normally straightforward and trouble-free, there are some pitfalls you'll want to avoid.
Read MoreCharitable Giving
When developing your estate plan, you can do well by doing good. Leaving money to charity rewards you in many ways. It gives you a sense of personal satisfaction, and it can save you money in estate taxes.
Read MoreFinancial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture
Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached. That's where financial...
Read MoreSpending Navigating the Holiday Spree: A Guide to Avoid Overspending
The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, but for many it includes added financial stress. The pressure to find the perfect gift, coupled with enticing holiday deals and effective marketing campaigns, could lead to...
Read MorePlan for the Future, Protect Your Assets: Your Essential Guide to Retirement Healthcare Planning
Retirement healthcare planning is the process of strategizing and securing healthcare coverage and funds for medical expenses during retirement. It’s crucial because healthcare costs tend to rise with age, and without proper...
Read MoreBeware 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,...
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 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 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 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 MoreThe 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 increase your..
Read More3 Tips to Mitigate Inflation Impact on Retirement Savings
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 inflation and the rising costs of goods and services.
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 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? Considering the average cost of a wedding in 2022 was $30,000, it may be...
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.It’s Never Too Late…To Learn About Your FinancesIncome brings money into your...
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 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.
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 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 can...
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 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 investments.
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 to you
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
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