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Hindsight Is 2020: 7 Ways We Should All Vow to Treat Our Money Differently in 2021

When 2020 started, nobody expected natural disasters of historic proportion, the COVID-19 pandemic or the residual economic hardships that followed. But with the first year of the new decade officially behind us, how can you better...

Ring in the New Year With These 3 Budgeting Resolutions

It’s time for the new year, a new budget and a brighter future for you and your family. 2020 has been full of unprecedented events that may have left you feeling financially unstable, but you can make 2021 the year you take...

Every Homeowner Should Know the Difference Between a Home Warranty and Homeowners Insurance

There are countless details and paperwork involved when buying a home. Organizing everything from start to finish requires considerable time and energy. One of the most important details to address is understanding the differences...

SRI vs. ESG vs. Impact Investments: The Basics You Need to Know

2020 has been a year of stress and uncertainty - but it’s also been a year that’s brought to light issues of social justice, climate change and social responsibility. As consumers, we’ve grown more conscious about...

Protecting Your Parents: Identifying and Preventing Elder Financial Abuse in 2021

Nobody likes to think of their parents getting older and needing assistance, but it’s a reality many of us face. An important part of caring for your parents as they age is identifying and protecting them from elder financial...

If Santa Fell Off the Roof, Would Your Insurance Cover It?

The season isn’t complete until you’ve watched your favorite holiday movie, right? And with the world continuing to social distance, it’s likely you’ll have some extra time on your hands this month to relax,...

Donating to Your Favorite Charity This Holiday Season? Keep This CARES Act Tax Benefit in Mind

As Americans, we love giving back. In 2017 alone, we shelled out $410.02 billion in charitable donations - accounting for 2.1 percent of the GDP.1 With the 2020 holiday season officially upon us, it’s no surprise that our giving...

Wisconsinites: As Biden Secures the Presidency, What Could That Mean For Your Future Estate Taxes?

Joseph R. Biden, Jr. will unseat current President Donald J. Trump in January, making him the 46th President of the United States. With a record-breaking voter turnout and a stressful week awaiting election results, most Americans are...

9 COVID Friendly Ways to Teach Kids About Giving During the Holidays (While Doing Something Together

The holidays are an especially wonderful time to teach kids about giving and serving others. Learning that "giving" goes beyond buying presents for loved ones and really means helping those in need can be an especially eye-opening...

The Surprising Student Debt Problem of High Earning Millennials

Sixty-five percent of college seniors graduating from private or public college have accumulated student loan debt. Of that group, the debt averages out to around $29,200 per person.1 And while student loan debt is a burden to any...

5 Holiday Expenses You Can Kiss Goodbye Due to COVID-19

It’s already November, and that means that the holiday season is officially upon us. Right about now we’re usually gearing up to gather with loved ones, shop for gifts and travel to see family - making it a cheerful, but...

[Infographic] Biden Has Won the Presidential Election: Changes You Could See Coming

Stock Splits Have Made Headlines This Year, But What Exactly Are They?

It seems that the second half of 2020 has been a popular time for large corporations to announce stock splits - including companies like Apple, Tesla and McCormick. This can be great news for eager investors looking to add these...

2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More

On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. 401(k)sThe salary...

Open Enrollment Begins November 1st. Consider These 4 Tips For Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

Open enrollment (the annual period where you can enroll in major medical health insurance plans), begins November 1, 2020 and will remain open for 45 days, or until December 15. For someone looking to change or add coverage, this...

8 Good Things to Come From the COVID-19 Pandemic

So far, the year 2020 has been difficult for people around the world. Millions have been sickened by the COVID-19 virus, laid off from work and are feeling financially and mentally strained. It's been hard to find good news out there,...

The Social Security Administration Has Announced Cost of Living Adjustments & Tax Changes For 2021.

On Tuesday, October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration released important facts and figures for 2021 - including cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retirees and tax changes for the currently employed. The Good? Benefits...

Coronavirus & Beyond: 5 Financial Benefits of Working From Home

With companies opting to conduct business remotely in light of COVID-19, it turns out that remote work has its advantages. More than half of employees would prefer to continue working remotely, even after the pandemic is over.1 Yet,...

You May Need to Tap Into Your Home’s Equity Some Day. These 2 Things Can Help Boost It Now

One of the biggest advantages of owning your own home (instead of renting) is the ability to build equity with it. From the initial down payment to your monthly mortgage checks, every dollar you put toward paying off your home is...

You’ll Spend Thousands on Healthcare This Year. Can an HSA or HRA Help?

The average annual healthcare expense per individual rises from roughly $2,000 for 19-year-olds to about $11,000 for retirees (age 65+).1 As Americans pay more for medical care, they often seek ways to save for emergencies. Health...

As the Coronavirus Continues, Avoid These 5 Retirement Mistakes

The COVID-19 pandemic hit hard in early 2020, and it continues to remain prevalent as we near the end of the year. Whether you’ve just recently retired, or it’s coming up in the next few years, it’s likely the virus...

You've Taken a Financial Hit During COVID-19. Use These 5 Techniques to Overcome Financial Stress

Beginning in February and March 2020, America, Canada and Europe locked down cities, closed businesses and halted travel amidst the onset of COVID-19. Six months later, we’re still experiencing the pandemic’s global impact...

Confusion Amidst Covid-19: Understanding the Difference Between the Stock Market & the Economy

[Infographic] 6 Steps to Start Your Side Hustle

[Infographic] 5 Money Hacks for First-Time Parents

Achieving Peak Performance: Financial Lessons We Can Learn From Athletes

Athletes are often treated like superheroes. For good reason, too - they undergo rigorous training, develop astounding mental strength and achieve what we call mental and physical peak performance. Studies even show that...

Getting Married? 5 Financial Considerations to Discuss With Your Partner First

Between popping the question and saying “I do,” you and your partner have plenty to plan. And while it’s not as fun as cake tasting, you’ll want to sit down together and discuss the expectations you have about...

Should You Take Social Security Early in Light of a COVID-19 Related Layoff?

Just entering the workforce or winding down toward retirement - it doesn’t matter where you are in your career, it’s likely COVID-19 has made its mark on your professional and financial life. But for those between the ages...

What Is a Robo-Advisor? 6 Of Your Top Questions Answered

If you’ve considered buckling down and getting serious about your portfolio, it’s likely you’ve come across the term “robo-advisor” before. What is a robo-advisor exactly, and how do you know if one is...

Outdoor Lovers: 5 National Parks to Visit This Summer

As many parts of the country starts to open back up, tourist hotspots cautiously follow — and after months of mitigation efforts, many Americans are itching for a vacation. Experts agree that outdoor activities carry...

6 Money Lessons We All Wish We Learned in High School

Growing up, it’s not common that we’re taught practical financial lessons in school. While geometry is usually on the curriculum, everyday skills like budgeting typically aren’t. As we reflect on what we wish we knew...

[Infographic] Your Summer Financial Checkup

Creative Ways to Earn Passive Income in Retirement

Passive income is money earned in a way that doesn’t require much active effort, traditionally through investments or stake in a business. Active income, on the other hand, requires trading your time and participation or service...

Regret Your Most Recent Purchase? A Guide to Understanding & Avoiding Buyer's Remorse

According to a recent study conducted in the United Kingdom, 82 percent of people reported feeling regret or guilt over a past purchase. The most prevalent categories of regrettable purchases included takeout food, clothing and shoes...

Investments Keeping You Up at Night? How to Manage Stress During Market Volatility

Living through COVID-19 is stressful enough. Feeling hopeless about an unpredictable stock market certainly isn’t any help. If you’re one of many worrying about their investments, these are some dependable ways to reduce...

2020 Tax Code Changes: Everything You Need to Know

Tax season is officially in full swing and while you’re probably focused on filing your 2019 tax return by the recently extended deadline of July 15, 2020, it’s never too early to begin preparing for next year.1 There are...

Your Employer Suspended Its 401(k) Matching During COVID-19. Now What?

According to a recent survey by the Plan Sponsor Council of America, 16.1 percent of organizations have suspended matching employer contributions due to financial hardships caused by COVID-19. Worse yet, 1.3 percent of businesses have...

4 Areas of Your Estate Plan to Review in Light of COVID-19

Although COVID-19 related restrictions are beginning to ease, many people continue to help slow the spread by staying home and self-isolating. There are still unknowns related to the pandemic and how it will play out, undoubtedly...

4 Things That Will Be More or Less Expensive After Coronavirus

COVID-19 has impacted nearly every aspect of the economy. When President Donald Trump declared the virus a national emergency at the beginning of March, standards of living rapidly shifted: governors enacted stay-at-home orders,...

Top Cyber Security Tips to Utilize While Working From Home

As millions around the globe continue to work from home, it’s important to remain vigilant when it comes to staying safe online. Here are eight cybersecurity tips that you can start utilizing today. Tip #1: Encrypt Sensitive...

[Infographic] Working From Home? Consider Painting Your Office These Colors to Boost Productivity

What Is Workplace Burnout and How to Prevent it: A Guide

Jessica Pryce-Jones, author of the popular book, “Happiness at Work,” says we’ll spend close to 100,000 hours working in our lifetime.1 It’s no wonder that even those who enjoy their job can feel the effects of...

Coronavirus and Student Loan Debt: What You Need to Know

Student loan reached $1.48 trillion in America by the end of 2019, with approximately 45 million borrowers across the United States.1 Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have experienced financial instability. This means that...

Easy Ways to Save on Utility Bills During Social Distancing

With millions of Americans jobless or furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic, many are experiencing a time of heightened financial distress. And in an effort to “flatten the curve” while the virus spreads around the globe...

You've Received Your COVID-19 Stimulus Check. Here Are 6 Things to Do With It

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, was passed at the end of March 2020 to assist families, individuals, small business owners and medical facilities across America amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.1 As...

[Infographic] True Cost of Being a Pet Owner

While you can’t put a price tag on our four (or two) legged friends it’s important to map out the long-term financial commitment to maintain a purrfect budget!

Working Remotely? 7 Tips For Making Your Life Easier

It can take some time for employees to adjust to working from home full-time. Luckily, there are ways to make remote work easier on yourself, your employer and your coworkers. Below we’re offering seven useful tips you can use...

5 New Hobbies You Can Try While Staying Home

As we become more and more accustomed to social distancing, there are simple luxuries we all miss - going out to eat, hitting the gym, hanging out with friends, etc. If you’re like many people staying home, you might find...

Coronavirus: What to Know About Postponing Your Wedding

Your big day was supposed to be soon, but never did you think a pandemic would get in the way. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. More than half of this year’s soon-to-be newlyweds are postponing their weddings until...

These 6 Small Changes Can Make a Big Impact on the Environment

As of 2020, the world’s population sits at a staggering 7.8 billion people, and it’s growing every minute.1 That means that whether we’re aware of it or not, humans across the globe make a significant impact on the...

Staying Strong: 8 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health During a Quarantine

Amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no doubt about it - these are trying times for everyone physically, mentally and emotionally. Even if you aren't a healthcare professional or other essential worker on the front lines...

5 Things Credit Card Companies Don't Want You to Know

Sometimes when it comes to credit card companies, if you don’t ask, they simply won’t tell. At the end of the day, card companies are like any other business, meaning they need a profit to survive. The Bureau of Consumer...

[Infographic] Staying Inside? 6 Financial Tasks You Can (Finally) Accomplish at Home

Can Gig Workers Make It Work During a Market Downturn?

As technology advances and individuals seek more flexible work situations, the gig economy remains active. In 2019, 57 million Americans freelanced, representing 35 percent of the U.S. workforce.1 However, with a wavering economy as a...

Thinking of Investing During the Market Downturn? Make These 5 Considerations First

With the onset of COVID-19 in America, investors saw the 11-year run of our bull market come to an end on March 11, 2020. As we entered a bear market, the Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a more than 20 percent drop in March...

How to Handle Financial Stress [4 Tips]

Beyond times like these last few weeks (March 2020), the stress of finances affects many people and can cause not only poor health but also family complications. Learning to control financial stress is vital to your health as well as...

How to Support Local Businesses During a Pandemic

Social distancing is the main strategy being used across America to help prevent the virus from spreading. Events have been canceled, gatherings of large groups of people are prohibited, schools have temporarily closed or moved online...

A Guide to the Recently Passed Paid Leave Benefits Amidst Global Pandemic

To help prevent further spread of COVID-19, there’s a consensus that Americans need to stay home and adhere to social distancing practices. This is especially recommended if one feels sick or has a suspected or confirmed case of...

Staying the Course – Coronavirus and Stock Market Volatility

According to the CDC,1 the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has claimed 10 lives and impacted nearly 100 people in the U.S. as of March 6th, 2020 and it has also injected a sense of uncertainty into the markets. If you’re...

How March Madness Is Like Investing

March Madness is nearly upon us and as many of us know, this season highlight for college basketball fans is often full of upsets, underdogs and blowouts. Like investing, filling out a bracket involves balancing risk, reward and...

How to Get the Most Money Back on Your Tax Return

Between gathering the necessary paperwork and working through complicated scenarios, tax season can be a stressful time. You’ve worked hard throughout the year, and you want to be sure you’re taking the right measures to...

Are Your Finances Impacting Your Health?

Health care costs have been rising for years. The issue is one that concerns most people and is one of the most influential when it comes to voters making political decisions. We’re concerned about how much it costs to be...

How to Talk to Your Kids About Money

Opening up and starting conversations about how to handle money and finances with your kids may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. As a parent, it is your role to serve as a positive influence in their lives to get...

How to Score the Best Deals When Online Shopping

Shopping and scoring great deals can be an amazing feeling. However, online shopping can be dangerous for your financial plan and your wallet if you aren’t cautious. If you prefer to shop online in the comfort of your own home,...

5 Bedtime Habits of Highly Successful CEOs

We shared the best morning routines last week and now it's time to bring the day full circle! Want in on the most successful CEO's bedtime habits? From Mark Zuckerberg to Ron Rudzin, you may think these busy bigwigs get about three...

Can Meal Delivery Services Fit Into Your Budget?

So, you want your family to start eating healthier, but you’re not a huge fan of cooking? Or maybe cooking a full meal after a long day of work, errands and school activities is the absolute last thing that you want to do....

Are You a Financial Procrastinator? + 5 Ways to Overcome it

Procrastination is a real thing that can trickle into other areas of your life. Financial procrastination is one of those areas. What is Financial Procrastination? Financial procrastination is when you have financial obligations and...

How to Keep Your Passwords Safe Online + 4 Free Tools

How many times have you gotten a reminder to update your password before it expires? Or to make sure your password contains a capital letter, number and symbol? It might seem feel like an annoyance at the time, but these are just some...

Finances: The No. 1 Reason Americans are More Anxious Than Ever Before (+ How to Manage it)

As we get older, more and more expenses end up on our plate. From mortgages to car repairs, it can feel like there are endless bills to pay. And as we all know, with more bills, comes more pressure, anxiety and stress. In fact, the...

Strategies for Living on a Single Income

Life can be expensive. This is just a simple fact when you add up all your monthly expenses versus your income. Your biggest expenses are obviously going to be your rent or mortgage, car payment, insurance, utilities, and grocery...

The Best Morning Routines for Success According to 4 Entrepreneurs

If you’re looking for fresh and revitalizing ways to start your day, look no further. Having a steady morning routine in place will help you be productive and make the most of your entire day. In this article, you'll learn how...

You've Inherited an IRA. Now What?

If you’ve been named a beneficiary or inherited an IRA, you’re likely facing some tough questions ⁠— what are the next steps and what happens now? Governing bodies like the IRS and recent legislation such as the...

Personal Finance Tips to Help Change Your Money Mindset

There is no denying that money is an integral part of everyday life. You need it to pay bills, acquire possessions, get food, and save for the future. While it holds a certain importance in life, being prudent with money is also key....

What is FIRE Retirement and Should You Consider It?

If the idea of retiring in your early 50s’, 40’s, 30’s or even late 20’s appeals to you, you may be interested in joining the FIRE retirement movement. Designed for those who have both the discipline and cash...

6 Habits of Highly Successful Credit Card Holders

There’s no doubt that adopting bad credit habits can plunge you into a cycle of constant stress and financial problems. Luckily, it’s never too late to correct course and whip your credit back into shape. Consider adopting...

How to Honeymoon Frugally, Not in Debt

Your honeymoon is probably one of the most significant and most extravagant trips that you will take in your life. It is your first chance to get away as a newly married couple! While it is essential to make sure that your honeymoon...

7 Steps to Set and Follow a Wedding Budget

So how can you stay on track with your wedding budget and still have a day you'll never forget?...

Why so Many People Make but Don't Keep Their Fitness and Finance Resolutions & How to Keep Yours

A new decade has finally arrived and everyone will be making their resolutions and claiming that they will never break them. In reality, many people break their resolutions, but why is that? One of the biggest reasons we don’t...

How Age Impacts Your Investment Decisions

Just as you yourself evolve throughout your career and into retirement, your investment decisions should as well. If you’re taking the same risky investment approach at age 50 as you did at 25, it’s time to pump the breaks...

4 Easy Tricks to Avoid Getting Emotional About Your Investments

Whether you’re new to the stock market or a seasoned investor, it can be hard to keep your emotions in check. As you hear unsavory news about a company you’ve invested in, your first instinct may likely be to sell your...

Are Your Financial Resolutions In Sync With These Top 5 for 2020?

New year, new you? A great place to start is by looking at your financial resolutions. What do you want to change about your spending and saving habits? Let’s see if your resolutions are in sync with these top five for 2020....

8 Ways Highly Successful People Set And Achieve Goals

When you see successful people who have done well for themselves and achieved a great deal, you may wonder just exactly how they did it. Here are eight tips we can glean from some of the world’s most successful people. 1....

How to Trick Yourself Into Saving Money

The stats don’t lie - Americans have trouble saving. The federal reserve’s 2017 Economic Well-Being of American Households report shed some eyeopening light on our current state. Approximately 40 percent of Americans would...

6 Step Guidebook to Setting Achievable Financial Goals

We won’t sugar coat it — achieving your financial goals isn’t always easy. But if you don’t create a plan based on your goals, you’re only making it harder on yourself. In fact, American’s with a...

Glossary of Financial Terms: 15 Must-Know Definitions

In a recently conducted survey, only 37 percent of participants were considered to have a passable level of financial literacy.1 The number sounds low, but it’s not hard to see why more than 60 percent of participants had...

What is Lifestyle Creep + 4 Ways to Avoid it

Lifestyle creep is something that’s simple to define, easy to see, yet hard to avoid. Especially prevalent amongst young professionals, lifestyle creep is a hurdle many face in saving for their short- and long-term goals, like...

Common Financial Scams that Target Retirees and How to Spot Them

Unfortunately, with the rise of technology there have been more and more accounts of retirees being targeted for financial scams to rob them of their wealth or identities. Because scammers have gained an understanding of how to trick...

10 Tips to Save Money on Holiday Gifts

One of the most popular traditions of the holidays is giving and receiving presents. For most people, the joy of giving gifts to loved ones is tempered by the thoughts of having to pay off a huge January credit card bill. But you...

7 Money Saving Holiday Travel Tips

Are you planning to go on a trip over the holidays? Whether you are finally taking your dream vacation overseas, or just visiting relatives for the weekend, traveling during the holiday season can get expensive. But as long as you...

6 Financial To-Do's for New Parents

Having a new baby is a much-anticipated event. While growing a larger family brings added joy and love to your household, it can also wreak havoc on your finances if you don't properly plan. Being prepared financially can go along way...