Ask your five-year old where money comes from, and the answer you’ll probably get is “From a machine!” Even though children don’t always understand where money really comes from, they realize at a young age that they can use it to buy the things they want. So as soon as your...

There’s no doubt about it–owning a home is an exciting prospect. After all, you’ve always dreamed of having a place that you could truly call your own. But buying a home can be stressful, especially when you’re buying one for the first time. Fortunately, knowing what to expect...

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

Consider your options before it automatically renews If you have a certificate of deposit (CD) that is maturing soon, it’s time to make a decision. Your CD has been collecting interest for months or years, helping you to get closer to your financial goals. Now you need to decide whether to roll...

Want financial security in your future? Start planning now Do you have a financial plan that will help you send your kids to college, take the trips you’ve dreamed about, and enjoy your golden years? If not, you may want to start planning now. Creating a financial plan may help you avoid the...

There are fundamental steps you can take to get on-track with your financial plan. Planning for your financial future is a critical endeavor, yet one that many overlook or fail to nurture. Some may feel that financial planning is only for the rich; others may feel that they’ve already done it...

Understanding the value of your credit score and taking steps to maximize your credit rating are important for improving your financial health. Anyone who has ever applied for a loan to purchase a car or house has encountered their credit score. This elusive figure can be perplexing, a three-digit...

While you may get wrapped up in news headlines and short-term swings in the markets, the reality is long-term investment performance is highly dependent on the business cycle. The business cycle (alternatively called the economic cycle) is defined as a period of economic expansion followed by...

AT FIRST GLANCE, IT MAY SEEM ODD TO CONSIDER DISTINCTIONS BY GENDER WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCIAL PLANNING. AFTER ALL, ISN’T SAVING AND GENERATING FINANCIAL SECURITY A COMMON PURSUIT IRRESPECTIVE OF SEX? While tactics are of course the same, the general circumstances associated with women (as compared...

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, most Americans focus on losing weight or improving their health and fitness1. Staying healthy is extremely important—especially during a pandemic! But financial wellness is also important. We’re now in National Financial Wellness Month—and the timing is perfect....