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Perform a Springtime Cleanup of Your Subscription Spending
Spring is a great time to review your finances by looking over a full year of statements and reassessing which subscriptions you truly use. By canceling, pausing, or negotiating the cost of recurring services, and checking for bundles...
Read MoreEstate vs. Inheritance Taxes: What sets them Apart?
Estate and inheritance taxes can come into play after someone dies, with estate taxes paid by the estate and inheritance taxes paid by beneficiaries. While the federal estate tax affects only very large estates, several states impose...
Read MoreRecord Numbers of Workers are Dipping into their 401(k) Savings
More Americans are turning to their retirement accounts to cover financial emergencies, with hardship withdrawals from Vanguard‑administered 401(k) plans rising to a record 6% last year. While many workers are building larger balances...
Read MoreThe Hidden Costs of Homeownership
How to factor a home purchase into your long-term financial strategy Learn More
Read MoreSide business ideas that could thrive in the years ahead
Side hustles are no longer just short‑term income boosters — they’re becoming strategic financial tools. Technology, shifting consumer needs, and changing work patterns mean there are certain side businesses that show strong potential...
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Women over 50 are worried about their financial confidence
Women age 50 and older feel significantly more financial strain than men. A new survey says women are specifically concerned about rising costs of living, health care affordability, retirement security, and reliance on Social Security,...
Read MoreWhy financial planning should be family affair
Financial planning with your whole family can allow you to create, manage, and transfer wealth to benefit multiple generations. Learn More
Read MoreHow new rent-splitting "buy now, pay later" programs could impact your budget
New rent‑splitting programs promise flexibility by allowing renters to break monthly payments into smaller installments — but convenience can come with trade‑offs. Take a closer look at how these programs work, where hidden risks may...
Read MoreCheck out grocery prices from nearly 30 years ago
A recently surfaced grocery receipt from 1997 is being compared to today’s grocery prices. The total bill today is 224% more expensive. What items saw the biggest jumps? Learn More
Read MoreBe wary of financial advice from social media
Just because social medica influencers seem knowledgeable doesn't mean you should place your trust in them. Learn More
Read MoreLottery Jackpots are Bigger than Ever
Most of the largest lottery jackpots have occurred just since 2023. The first ever Powerball jackpot in the early 90s was $5.9 million. Now jackpots can cross the billion mark with the largest one on record clocking in at $2.04 billion...
Read MoreWhy Retirees Should Prioritize Both Health and Wealth
The savings you build for retirement may dwindle faster than you expect if you are faced with high health care costs. Staying healthy can not only help you live longer; it can help you preserve your wealth. Check out three things you...
Read MoreYou can save more in your retirement plans in 2026
The IRS announced adjustments to contribution limits for 401(K)s, 403(b)s, 457 plans, and IRAs. In 2026, you’ll be able to put more money into these retirement savings vehicles. Learn More
Read MoreHow to redefine retirement on your own times
Americans’ retirement needs are evolving, so the way they prepare for this chapter of life may also need to change Learn More
Read MoreHere's how the US Ranks for Retirement Security
Norway tops the list in a new ranking of best countries for retirement, and the US came in at number 21. The survey looked at finances, well-being, health, and quality of life for retirees and found that Americans tend to be more...
Read MoreWill AI Take Over the Gig Economy?
Many caregivers choose gig or freelance work because it enables them to balance their caregiving responsibilities with the need to earn a living.2 Now, that way of earning a living may be in jeopardy because of AI Learn More
Read MoreHeirs are feeling sadness and anxiety ahead of the great wealth transfer
Gen X and millennials are set to inherit trillions of dollars over the next couple decades as part of the great wealth transfer. And a new study found that almost a third of heirs feel sadness over their impending inheritance. Some...
Read More6 Tips for Retirement Planning
Retirement can sound like a dream. To help ensure that your retirement truly is dreamy, it’s wise to plan ahead. Learn More This material was written by an independent third party. It is provided for informational and educational...
Read MoreHoliday shipping prices are increasing
Get ready. If you mail gifts (or anything) around the holidays, it’s going to be more expensive this year. The US Postal Service announced it will add surcharges up to $16 on top of regular shipping costs. FedEx and UPS are expected to...
Read MoreMedical procedure costs can be 9 times more expensive depending on the hospital
This price variation is a key contributor to why health care costs are so high in the US. In fact, the cost of employer health insurance premiums has nearly tripled the rate of workers' pay raises over the last 25 years.Learn More This...
Read MoreThe Average Net Worth Americans Think You Need to be Wealthy has Declined
In a new survey, Americans say they believe $2.3 million is the amount needed to qualify as wealthy. Just last year, Americans believed you needed slightly more — $2.5 million. A worsening economy could be the culprit behind the...
Read MoreAI is Impacting Which College Majors Have the Best Job Prospects
The demand for liberal arts degrees is quickly rising as AI drives the need for creative thinking and soft skills. Philosophy and art history majors currently have lower unemployment rates than computer science and finance majors....
Read MoreBreakfast Continues to be Expensive
Bacon prices have risen nearly 20% in the past year, and the elevated prices may be permanent. This comes on the heels of eggs prices rising to an all-time high earlier this year. Learn more If you have any questions about the above...
Read MoreMany Older Americans are Financially Confident
Whether they are still working or already retired, older Americans are feeling good about retirement. 67% of workers believe they have enough money for their golden years, and 78% of retirees feel the same way Learn more If you have...
Read MoreThe ultimate sign of adulthood? Paying your own cell phone bill
Nearly a third of people don’t start paying their phone bill until they are 30 or older, according to a new survey. Almost 20% don’t pay this bill until they’re at least 40. And phone bills are just one way that parents today are...
Read MoreMore than half of Americans are now using "buy now, pay later" options
New research shows that people are increasingly turning to buy now, pay later (BNPL) financing options when making purchases. Many are using BNPL when they buy electronics and furniture, but groceries are also becoming a popular BNPL...
Read MoreAmericans are not Optimistic About how AI may Affect the Economic Landscape
Just 17% of US adults think AI will have a positive impact on the country. And only 23% believe it will positively impact their jobs, according to a new survey. While AI experts say the technology may not impact some fields, there are...
Read MoreTaking Just One Personal Finance Class Can Have a Six-Figure Benefit
Financial literacy and financial success are often related. Now a report says that taking just one personal finance class in high school can have a $100,000 lifetime benefit. Check out this article to see where most of the value comes...
Read MoreHow to Make Summer Camp More Affordable
Summer will be here before you know it and parents are finding it more difficult to foot the bill for their kid's summer camp. A new survey found 25% of parents plan on spending more than $2,000 per child on camp this year. LEARN MORE...
Read More7 Easy Ways to Help You Improve Your Finances
Take these seven simple actions to improve your finances this week LEARN MORE This material was written by an independent third party. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed...
Read MorePrices on These Goods and Services May Climb This Year
Inflation may not be as hot as it has been recently, but there are seven items that will likely get more expensive in 2025. With coffee and eggs at the top of the list, your breakfast could really be impacted. Learn More This material...
Read More5 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Read about smart ways to put a tax refund to use for your financial future here This material was written by an independent third party. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed...
Read MoreGet to Know Your Insurance Policies Before a Disaster
The wildfires in California earlier this year serve as a good reminder for everyone to check how much home insurance coverage you have before a disaster strikes. 75% of homeowners may be underinsured. Here are some steps you can take...
Read MoreWomen and Insurance: What you Need to Know
As women earn more, they need more support to plan for and protect their families' futures. Learn More This material was written by an independent third party. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The views...
Read MoreWhat is a "Dry Promotion"?
A dry promotion could turn into more money later Dry promotions — getting a new job title and responsibilities without a pay raise — are on the rise. Employers are increasingly using new job titles to reward employees when funds are...
Read MoreStrategies to Combat Impulse Buys
A new survey found that almost a quarter of Americans have made impulse purchases in the last year that significantly impacted their finances. Saving first, unsubscribing from certain social media accounts, and implementing a shopping...
Read MoreWhat is the True Cost of Caregiving?
The worth of caregiving labor exceeds that of Apple, Amazon, and Walmart. If family caregiving were a business entity it would be the largest revenue-generating company in the world. Learn more This material was written by an...
Read MoreSelf-Care in Tough Times
Self-care is a necessity for caregivers. Here are 5 ideas for making self-care fun Click here to read This material was written by an independent third party. It is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The views...
Read MoreWhy Remote Work has Staying Power
Remote work, which surged during the pandemic, is proving to be more than just a trend. As both employees and employers embrace its benefits, this flexible work style appears to have staying power. Learn more This material was written...
Read MoreUsing Tik Tok for Financial Advice?
Is Tik Tok the best for your financial plan? In the age of social media, financial influencers have become popular sources of advice and information for many people seeking to improve their financial health. With their engaging content...
Read MoreBoomers are Having a Retirement Renovation
As Boomers retire, they are diving into travel and pursing long-held hobbies. One study says that 60% of retirees plan to, or already have, done a “retirement reinvention” – stepping into a completely new version of themselves during...
Read MorePOA Caution
Guarding Your Finances: Essential Tips to Outsmart a Potentially Misguided Power of Attorney A financial power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants an individual, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, the authority to...
Read MoreYour Snacks may get less Expensive Soon
Years of inflation have caused many people to tighten their purse strings and buy less snacks. Now snack makers are taking notice and considering cutting costs to get people to buy again. Learn more This material was written by an...
Read MoreTeaching Teens About Being Financially Responsible
Teens might not have much money, but it's important for them to be responsible with the cash they do have. Money matters: Why it pays to be financially responsible Responsible money management is often a foreign concept to teens that...
Read MoreSmall Business Owners are Remaining Resilient
A new survey sheds light on how small business owners are staying resilient amid uncertainty. Over half of small business owners surveyed by Capital One reported feeling stressed in the past year. Click here to read the article This...
Read MoreStudent Loans are Rising
The Education Department recently announced the highest federal student loan interest rate in more than a decade. Key Points: The U.S. Department of Education announced the interest rates on federal student loans for the 2024-2025...
Read More30% of US Companies are Exploring Shorter Workweeks
4-day workweeks may be around the corner. A third of America's companies are exploring them. Burnout is such a problem for workers that some bosses are considering shrinking the length of the workweek. Nearly one-third (30%) of large...
Read MoreHome Insurance Costs are Rising
Eight Reasons Why Your Home Insurance Costs Are Surging Home insurance costs are skyrocketing, with specific factors driving the surge. Here's how to whittle down your premium. It's no secret that home insurance costs are rising, in...
Read MoreHow do Student Loans Work?
Student loans are a common way to pay for college. In fact, about half of bachelor's degree recipients borrow money to help pay for their degree, according to an annual report from the College Board. While they're a common (and often...
Read MoreWhat is an Emergency Fund?
What is an emergency fund? Without even realizing it, most people are familiar with protection-first thinking. Every time you ride in a plane, for example, you hear this important safety announcement: “In the event of sudden...
Read MoreWhat is an Emergency Fund?
What is an emergency fund? Without even realizing it, most people are familiar with protection-first thinking. Every time you ride in a plane, for example, you hear this important safety announcement: “In the event of sudden...
Read MoreThe Working World may Change
The working world may change as a record number of Americans turn 65 In 2024, a staggering 11,200 Americans will turn 65 each day. Surprisingly, despite reaching this traditional retirement age, a growing number of Americans are...
Read MoreWomen Now Make up Nearly Half of all Workers in the U.S.
Women now make up nearly half of all workers in the U.S. but not half of every occupation. In 1950, women only made up 30% of the country’s workers. Although the workforce is now almost evenly split, many occupations still exhibit...
Read MoreRamsey's Been Wrong on Retirement Income for a Decade, but it Matters More Today
Listening to bad advice can have major impacts on your retirement. This is why it is always good to work with a credentialed and licensed professional. Late-career Americans and those already in retirement rely...
Read MoreThe World's First Trillionaire is Coming
The world could get its first trillionaire within 10 years. Read full article here: AP news article here DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — The world could have its first trillionaire within a decade, anti-poverty organization Oxfam...
Read MoreSenior Citizens Continue to Work
1 in 5 seniors still work — and they're happier than younger workers As Americans age, that demographic change is also impacting the workforce, with a new Pew Research Center analysis finding that 1 in 5 people over 65 are still...
Read MoreWhat is Capital Gains tax in Simple Terms?
What is capital gains tax in simple terms? A guide to 2024 rates, long-term vs. short term. Full article here: USA today full article here Tax season can feel like a minefield for new and old filers alike. Whether you...
Read MoreHome Buyers may Have Reason to be Optimistic in 2024
Economists forecasting a housing market turnaround in 2024 Inflation still a wild card for the housing market With the outlook for mortgage rates finally improving, the forecast for housing is looking better heading into the New Year....
Read MoreGen Z Workers are more Ambitious About Retirement
According to a new survey, many Gen Z workers expect to retire when they are 61, despite 99% of Gen Z respondents saying they face obstacles to saving for a comfortable retirement. Another stat from the survey - 75% of Gen Z...
Read MoreNew 2024 Tax Brackets
Click here to see graphs The IRS is introducing new income limits for its seven tax brackets, adjusting the thresholds to account for the impact of inflation. That could provide a break to some taxpayers on their taxes in 2024. The tax...
Read MoreMore IRS Audits are Likely Coming in the Future
Americans failed to pay record $688 billion in taxes in 2021, IRS says. Look for more audits. Americans failed to pay $688 billion in taxes on their 2021 returns, a record level, according to a new estimate from the IRS. The...
Read MorePlanning to Spend Less on Gifts this Holiday Season? Join the Club
*Shoppers will spend less on gifts and do more shopping online this holiday season, a new survey shows* If you’re planning to spend less on gifts this holiday season amid inflation pressure, you’re not alone. U.S....
Read MorePeople are losing more money to scammers than ever before. Here's how to keep yourself safe.
NEW YORK (AP) — With the help of technology, scammers are tricking Americans out of more money than ever before. But there are steps you can take to keep your money and information safe. In 2022, reported consumer losses to fraud...
Read MoreStudent loan repayments will restart soon. What happens if you don't pay?
For more than three years, people with student loans haven't had to repay their debt, thanks to a pandemic-era break that is slated to come to an end in October, when repayments resume. But some borrowers say they aren't financially...
Read MoreWhat gives you a better chance of winning the lottery? Using meaningful numbers or random numbers?
Is there a strategy to winning Mega Millions and Powerball? Tips for picking numbers In 2016, Nicholas Kapoor, a professor at Fairfield University in Connecticut, bought a lottery ticket to teach his statistics students about...
Read MoreAre you likely to get a raise right now?
More Americans believe they'd get a raise if they asked Share of U.S. workers who say it's very likely they'd get a raise if they asked In this economy, everything's coming up wages: A rising share of employed adults say that if...
Read MoreMoney stored on apps like PayPal and Venmo could be at risk, feds warn
Government regulators said Thursday that people who keep cash with payment tools like Cash App, PayPal and Venmo are at risk of losing their money in a crisis because the funds are not protected by federal deposit insurance. The...
Read MoreUnplug These Appliances That Will Hike Up Your Electricity Bill This Summer
Summer is right around the corner, and warmer days mean an increased need to cool off. Unfortunately, this can also translate into higher electric bills, but experts shared tips as to which appliances you can unplug to save some...
Read MoreA new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is coming later this year
As families finalize college decisions and line up financing for 2023-2024, some might want to start thinking about the following academic year because aid may be tougher to get. Along with the launch in December of...
Read MoreHome Renovations that may help you sell your home for more money
These features may ‘set you ahead of the competition’ when selling your home, research findsKEY POINTSCertain luxury features may help sell your home for more money or faster than expected, according to new research from...
Read MoreGood Places to Buy Organic Foods Without Breaking the Bank
Inflation has driven grocery bills up, and for people who want to shop organic, these places can help your wallet. Check out this article from Kiplinger for tips on saving money while buying organic foods.
Read MoreThe True Cost of Inflation
Check out this article, written by Ande Frazier, as seen in the Northwest Georgia Living Magazine Jan-Feb 2023 edition. The True Cost of Inflation
Read More6 Tips to Live Your Best (Retired) Life
Everyone, it seems, worries about the economics of retirement. Will you have enough to retire? Will you outlive your money? Will you be able to afford healthcare as you age? And what about housing costs, emergencies, and especially...
Read MoreCould a cash balance plan be right for your business?
You’ve worked hard to make your business successful. But if your retirement planning has taken a back seat to your business over the years, you may feel it’s time for a change. Even if you have done some planning for...
Read MoreWhat Do Football Coaches and Business Succession Planning Have in Common?
Why might most football coaches be sound business succession planners? They understand that sketching out a solid game plan is important and needs to be revisited from time to time. As a business owner, you may believe that you...
Read MoreStop Wasting Money
Benjamin Franklin once said, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” One way to find the money to meet your spending or saving needs is to examine your current spending habits and consider eliminating money wasters. Top...
Read MoreThere is Always a Reason to be Grateful!
We believe the best client is an informed client. For this reason, throughout the year we provide our clients with a wealth of consistent and pertinent information on financial topics and markets conditions, including quarterly reports...
Read MorePrevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds
Research suggests that 70% of married millennial couples argue about financial decisions more than any other topic. This could explain why some experts say financial problems are one of the top reasons marriages fail.1...
Read MoreSocial Security Benefit Basics
Read below and take a look at how and when to take social security benefits and what to know about taxation. Social Security Benefits
Read More3 Types of Insurance Business Owners Often Overlook
When you have your own company, you carry a lot of responsibility. You’re the head of business development, human resources and operations — just to name a few. As you manage all the moving parts, worries can arise. Will...
Read MoreExit Stage Left
Do you own a business? Do you have an exit strategy? Answer these questions in preparation for bidding farewell to a business you own:Exit Planning
Read MoreThe 12 Steps to Living Confidently: How to Set Up a Budget
Get ready. We’re about to get deep. Have you ever thought about what means, means? Yes, you can think about it for a moment…back now? Good. As a noun, it can be two things. It can refer to an action or system by which a...
Read MoreGrief and Finances: Communication to Financial Preparedness
The unpredictability of life can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed with grief. For some, that may be a monetary change brought about by the loss of a job or significant financial setback. While others may deal with the loss of a...
Read MoreDisability and Your Finances
The Social Security Disability Insurance program is projected to pay out approximately $133 billion in benefits in 2020. And with new applicants each year, the system is expected to exhaust its reserves at the end of 2035 if changes...
Read MoreFinancial Insights
Get ready. We’re about to get deep. Have you ever thought about what means, means? Yes, you can think about it for a moment…back now? Good. As a noun, it can be two things. It can refer to an action or system by which a...
Read MoreBuilding a Solid Financial Foundation
When you read about money matters, you may see the phrase, “getting your financial house in order.” What exactly does that mean? To some, when your financial “house is in order,” it means it is built on a...
Read MoreSeptember is Life Insurance Awareness Month
Did you know that September is Life Insurance Awareness Month?Each year, September serves as a month of protection preparedness and awareness. This year, we’re focusing on “The Whole Picture: The Many Holistic Benefits of...
Read MoreFinancial Insights
It’s that time again. A clean slate. Time for a do-over. For those who seize the spirit of change, there’s a “new you” ahead. Perhaps a slimmer you. Or a stronger you. Or a you that can finally speak Italian, make perfect risotto, and...
Read MorePeachtree Planning July 2022
July 2022Summer’s here, and the time is right for vacations, outdoor activities, and fun. It’s also a good time to consider a few financial matters. Here are some questions to ask yourself mid-year.• Goals still the...
Read MoreCaught in the Middle
As a certified financial planner, I often find that working with people and their money is like solving a good puzzle. This is especially true when I work with those in the "sandwich generation". The sandwich generation is defined as...
Read MoreUnderstanding Rising Interest Rates
During the last few years, borrowers and spenders have enjoyed historically low interest rates. However, analysts all agreed that at the Federal Reserve’s June meeting, interest rates were going to be increased. Although rising...
Read MoreFinancial Insights
_____________________________________________________________________________Responsible money management is often a foreign concept to teens that is complicated and confusing. Yet, if they learn how to save and be financially...
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