. It’s back to school time! Which means it’s also time for college students to get serious about how they manage their money. If you’re like most parents, you recognize the importance of starting your grad off on the right foot with a basic checking account that allows them to store and allocate their funds for different expenses as they … Read More
How to Choose a Bank Account for New College Students
. It’s back to school time! Which means it’s also time for college students to get serious about how they manage their money. If you’re like most parents, you recognize the importance of starting your grad off on the right foot with a basic checking account that allows them to store and allocate their funds for different expenses as they … Read More
How to Get the Most out of Your 401(k) or 403(b) Plan
Your 401(k) or 403(b) accounts are a smart place to store your retirement money — there’s no disputing that. However, simply directing a percentage of your paycheck into it every month and expecting the culmination of funds to support you through your golden years is not enough. You need to understand how your investments, the plan’s fees, and any employer … Read More
You May Have a Will, But Do You Have a Digital Executor
Having a digital executor to manager all your online accounts when you pass can make life simpler for your family. Let’s find out how. Mary, a mother of four and grandmother of nine, passed away. She thought she had all her estate planning in order. She had created her health care and power of attorney documentation, so her family was … Read More
COVID and the CARES Act – What Working Families Need to Know
Every day my morning starts with a news update followed by targeted financial headlines and then financial planning updates. Information is moving so fast, it’s hard to keep up. Most recently, the government has passed multiple legislative acts to help American workers and small businesses during this unprecedented time. With that in mind, here is an overview of the relief … Read More
3 Smart Ideas for Your Tax Refund
In 2019, the average tax return was a little over $3,000 — which, no matter your income level — is nothing to sneeze at. I mean, an extra $3,000 added to your budget could cover a lot of shoes, that Peloton bike you’ve been eyeing, or even a weekend getaway that your family so desperately needs. But before you go … Read More
How to KonMari Your Budget in 2020
As a planner, I like being organized. So, when I saw the Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, like many of you — it became my new guilty pleasure. For those unfamiliar, Marie Kondo is a superstar in the world of organizing who has completely revolutionized the art of decluttering with her trademarked “KonMari Method”. Her philosophy is simple: … Read More
Why Nancy Drew is Poor
How many of you read Nancy Drew mysteries under the covers with a flashlight when you were growing up? She was the greatest. She was clever and pretty, without being pretentious, and she always solved the mystery at hand, helping a great number of widows and orphans. Our childhood role models, however, don’t always cut it when we reach adulthood. … Read More
Financial Planning for the Modern Family
David and Karen are a typical busy family. David works for a mid-sized firm in the marketing department and earns a good income. Karen is the primary caregiver for their three kids and does some part-time work on the side. They haul the kids to soccer and dance classes. Both volunteer with their favorite charities. They spend time at the … Read More
7 Tips for Making the Most of Your 401(k)/403(b) Account
Saving for retirement is the most boring thing you can imagine. You set aside money, don’t look at it, and hope it grows. Employers know this, which is why 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are so popular. 401(k) plans are sponsored by corporations and other employers, while 403(b) plans are offered by non-profits, medical facilities and educational institutions. Though they do … Read More