We have met people from all walks of life … from the very wealthy to those who have a large amount of debt. And yet we’re still surprised at how many people have no idea how much money they make or how much money they spend on a monthly basis. Why? We believe it’s because … Read more

In order to stop the leaks in your financial plan, you will first want to assess your spending habits. Don’t make yourself or your partner feel bad about them. Your habits are just that, habits. And you don’t necessarily need to change your spending habits if you feel comfortable with where your money goes. Is … Read more

How we fund our healthcare expenses in retirement is so important – it’s one of the biggest financial decisions we’ll make, so it should be made with education and guidance. Many people spend their working lives with health insurance secured through their employers. For those to whom this applies, this arrangement means there is no … Read more

Although not as well-known as a traditional IRA, contributing to a Roth IRA is a solid retirement savings idea. Because the money going into your Roth IRA is contributed after taxes, distributions will be tax-free in retirement. If you follow the Roth IRA withdrawal rules, this tax-free status will apply to both your contribution amounts … Read more

The transition between college and your first job can be a tough period to navigate. For many graduates, they’re stepping out into the “real world” for the first time, having to juggle the challenges of trying to get their career off the ground and moving out of their parents’ house. These tentative steps toward independence … Read more

Getting grounded financially is a necessary step toward financial independence. To begin, you must know where you stand financially, especially in areas you may have been avoiding. Here are a few suggestions to help you to become grounded financially. 1. It is imperative that you check your credit report regularly and review it for accuracy. According to Equifax, … Read more

Tackling debt can be a painful topic that many associate with fear, guilt, and shame. The truth is that debt is a part of life for many American households, but it doesn’t have to be. Take a look at some of the key findings from Northwestern Mutual’s 2019 Planning & Progress Study: The good news is … Read more

This article discusses why you should set up direct deposit and automatic payments for as many bills as possible. Some banks will waive the monthly service fee if you set up a recurring direct deposit (e.g., for your paychecks). Direct deposit helps to ensure your check is not compromised and that it is deposited in … Read more

If you’re just starting out in your career, you may not have a lot of funds to dedicate to charity. And that’s okay! While you may find yourself giving back more with your time and talent, there are ways to maximize even small donations of your treasure for your cherished causes. Whether you’re in a … Read more

Congratulations on making it to retirement! Now you have the time you always wanted to do whatever you choose and focus on what brings you happiness. But the way your retirement looks to you at the beginning is not how it will look over time. The fact is that your retirement will evolve in phases … Read more