If you are weighed down by student loan debt, you are not alone. Recent data shows that there are 44.5 million student loan borrowers in the U.S., and they owe a collective $1.5 trillion.
Category: Financial Planning
Time to Tidy Up
Spring is right around the corner and thoughts of spring cleaning may be on your mind. Along with sprucing up your home for the upcoming warm weather, it might be even more important to take some time to spruce up your finances.
Time Flies….
Is it just me?? Or does it feel that time goes by faster the older I get? Many of us feel that time passes more quickly as we age… a perception that can lead to anxious thoughts, self-reflection, doubt and sometimes regret. Read More
What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?
With the New Year approaching are you preparing your list of those infamous New Year’s Resolutions? Maybe to eat healthier, be more organized, get control of your finances? If getting your financial house in order is on your list for the New Year, here are some ideas to help you get started:
Simple Steps to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Millions of Americans fall victim to identity theft each year. According to the Department of Justice, an estimated 17.6 million people, or 7% of all U.S. residents age 16 or older, were victims of one or more incidents of identity theft in 2014 (latest available). What’s more, about 7% of identity theft victims experienced out-of-pocket losses of $100 or more.
Year-End Planning: Investment Decisions to Make Before the Year Is Over
What’s on your end-of-the-year to-do list? Shopping for gifts? Making travel plans? What about spending some time with your investments? Conducting a review and making important decisions before 2018 comes to a close may help you lower your tax bill and get your portfolio on the right track for 2019.
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What’s your passion?
I have watched NBC’s America’s Got Talent off and on through the years…and this season, I’ll admit I have found myself tuning in to more episodes than I thought I would. Season after season, I am reminded that America DOES have talent—and a lot of it!
And Baby Makes Three
Starting a family can be one of life’s most fulfilling experiences. It can also be among the most expensive. According to statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, families in the United States could spend well above $200,000 for food, shelter and other necessities to raise a child through age 17—and that doesn’t include college!
Thinking of Early Retirement? Make Sure You Are Prepared
According to a recent Gallup poll, the average American retires at age 61. That’s at least five years away from collecting full Social Security retirement benefits, not to mention pensions, which typically begin at age 65, when available. What’s more, Medicare coverage does not begin until age 65, leaving early retirees with potentially hefty health insurance premiums until Medicare kicks in. Read More
Marriage and Money…
If you’ve ever bickered with your spouse or partner over money, you’re not alone. Financial concerns are among the most common sources of conflict in relationships.
Sizing Up Stocks: All About Market Caps
For investment purposes, companies generally can be categorized in one of three broad groups based on their size — large-cap, midcap and small-cap. “Cap” is short for market capitalization, which is the value of a company on the open market.
Company stock in your 401(k)? What Retirement Investors Need to Know
Owning company stock in your employer-sponsored retirement plan is not necessarily a bad thing. Company stock can potentially help employees profit from a company’s success and even provide tax benefits. But holding company stock can present unique risks, particularly if the stock allocation represents a large percentage of your total retirement plan assets.
2018 Tax Changes: 529 Plans
Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Section 529 plan savings may now be used for K-12 tuition as well as for higher education costs.
Spruce Up Your Finances
It’s almost spring and thoughts of spring cleaning may be on your mind. Along with sprucing up your home for the upcoming warm weather, it might be even more important to take some time to spruce up your finances. Here are some ideas to get you started: