Negotiating for financial success
When it comes to building a strong financial plan, many consumers know they need to manage their regular expenses with long term goals, and that finding equilibrium between these two can be difficult.
Avoid extra debt this season with financial services
The next few weeks are sure to bring out the best and worst in many people, as some struggle to afford the perfect gifts and others spend generously on their loved ones regardless of their personal financial plans.
Mobile or online banking is a personal call
In an age where most people have cell phones and more Americans are getting smartphones every year, the percentage of mobile banking clients versus online banking users is continuing to shift.
Holiday stress can harm financial fitness
Everyone knows the feeling of waiting in long lines and shopping desperately for long hours for just the right gift.
Splitting up money for more balanced financial planning
Many Americans may look at their bank accounts and not truly understand their financial picture.
Financial planning for college
It may feel too early in the school year to start thinking about college next fall, but getting an early start can make a big difference in being the most prepared for that step.
Families can’t agree on financial strategies
Deciding on the best investment tools can be stressful for an individual, but when balancing the needs and wants of others the situation can grow contentious.
Financial tips for underemployed families
Modern society says that both Mom and Dad need to go to work every day, hold a regular job and still balance ideal family values and home care.
Disability insurance an essential financial service
There are times when a sudden illness or accident will make it impossible for someone to do the everyday things that need to be done, let alone go to work, and during that time money would become a major concern.
When divorce becomes part of a financial plan
There are times in life when a financial plan is set on its ear, and while the tumult of everyday life could make focusing on money difficult, it is essential to keep money at a balancing point.
Deciding whether to refinance your home or mortgage
The home loan you got when you bought your house may not have the best interest rate in terms of today’s market.
Marriage needs a joint financial plan
Two people in love will likely get married, and when they do, their finances will become intertwined.
Getting through college financing
There are a lot of emotionally trying experiences associated with sending a child off to college, not least of which is funding the whole experience.
Changing lifestyles could change your life
A lot of people think that the only way to truly run their own business is to own it from the ground up, from concept to conception and every shred of intellectual property.
Buying a home the safe way
There are plenty of deals on repossessed, sub-prime and other properties meant to entice consumers and get them to make a quick purchase.
Weathering the storm of student loans
Getting accepted by a college is only the first step in a very long and expensive process, and if parents and students aren’t prepared for the rigors they could make some very serious financial mistakes.
How to cut your grocery bill
Opening a bank account isn’t enough to keep your money safe.
Economic recovery still slow going
The last year has been a relief to strained financial plans, but people shouldn’t consider themselves out of the woods just yet.
Diversifying investment can protect owners from unforeseen market turns
While to some, it may seem inconsistent for small business owners to seek advice from the CEOs of larger, billion-dollar corporations. However, the case is quite the opposite.
Foreclosure facts don’t force down prices
A single foreclosure can certainly cause damage to the owner, but what actually are the repercussions to surrounding properties?
Understanding credit scores and how they affect you
The importance of this score may be lost on individuals who don’t understand what it means.
Getting your affairs in order and planning your estate
It may not be the happiest of things to consider, but there will come a point in your life and the lives of those you love and care for when a financial plan is no longer sufficient for handling your personal matters.
Making the most of online tools for financial planning
There’s no denying that the internet has become a major part of our everyday lives.
Retirement plan could be sabotaging your plans
It may be confusing or difficult for some people to review their 401(k) plans on a regular basis, but failing to do so could cheat you out of scheduled retirement plans.
Cheating on your pocketbook
Lying by omission can be just as bad as telling an outright fib when it comes to balancing your checkbook with your spouse.
A strong family plan that actually works
One of the biggest downfalls newlyweds and budding families face is understanding what they need to spend and what can be saved.
Protecting net worth despite market downturns
America’s streets may no longer be paved in gold thanks to the recession that began five years ago.
Your family – the most important startup
The process of building a family can lead to some of the happiest moments of your life, but doing it safely requires a good financial plan and sound advice to ensure you take every step to safeguard your future.
Build a better budget
Proactive financial planning and investing strategies are essential to keep enough money in your accounts and make sure it grows in a way that suits your prospective needs.
Protecting your family from identity theft
Identity theft is a serious issue that could touch the life of any American.
Financial planning strategies develop over a lifetime
Recent trends in financial literacy show that some variables, including age, gender and level of education, can effect the likelihood that a person will feel confident about his economic future.
Getting educated on financial tools and banking instruments
Efforts to increase financial literacy for all age groups is on the rise as more reports find that, across the board, people don’t know how banking tools work or how they might be beneficial.
The in’s and out’s of retirement
There comes a time in every working professional’s life when the idea of retirement becomes a reality, rather than just an abstract concept regarding permanent unemployment past the age of 65. For more people that consideration should come sooner in order to better plan for the future.
Protecting assets from internal upset
To avoid financial failure, be sure to get sound financial investment advice at the onset and maintain a system of reviews over your business just in case a familial crisis should occur.
Graduates need to be careful with new money
Many college students will be moving tassels on mortarboards soon and looking to get their feet wet in the working world.
How to make smart investments with ETF
There’s been a lot of buzz recently surrounding exchange-traded funds (ETF) options, but while appeal may be high in some areas, you may want to get some unbiased financial investment advice before putting money into one.
Finding ways to do what you love or love what you do
A slew of recent studies has found employees by-in-large aren’t happy with their current job, but with a stagnant hiring field and unemployment rates holding steady it may be worth it to look around the office again before taking a leap out the door.
Getting an early start on retirement planning
It may seem like you have a lot of time before you hit 65, plenty of good years to work and save, but there are a lot of factors to take into account when planning for those golden years.
There may be more cash in your pockets than you think
Finding more cash flow without getting a second job may sound impossible, but there are a few things you can do to free up money you may not have known about.
Make the most of your summer vacation
Schools will be letting out for summer vacation in a few short weeks and there will be plenty of time for fun in the sun. Be sure you’re ready with all the right toys and tools to make lasting memories.
As Easter approaches, don’t put all your financial eggs in one basket
Easter Sunday typically falls in April, which also happens to be Financial Literacy Month.
Preparing for retirement – do you have a financial plan?
According to a recent study by the Society of Actuaries, few retirees have a financial plan despite becoming increasingly concerned about their retirement risk.
In order of priority: Auto loans, credit cards, mortgages
A predominance of consumers regard making car loan payments as more important than paying off credit cards and mortgages, according to a recent TransUnion study.
Cultivating the next generation of entrepreneurs
As a community-oriented business owner (COBO), running your own enterprise is about more than just making money – although that’s nice too, of course.
Discussing your financial plan with your spouse
As a community-oriented small business owner, you have to juggle the responsibilities of financial management both at work and at home.
All in the family – how much should entrepreneurs share with their spouses?
Community business owners like you dedicate an enormous amount of time to getting companies off the ground, and the commitment doesn’t end there.
The secret to building a strong small business community
Family is a big part of life for community oriented business owners (COBOs).
Local economies are good for residents’ health, study finds
According to a study by sociologists at Louisiana State University (LSU) and Baylor University, communities with a greater concentration of locally-owned small businesses have healthier populations compared to areas that rely on large companies for industry.
School’s in Session:
College Savings Plans Your children or grandchildren may be tiny tots today, but they’ll be off to college before you can say “Where’s the money coming from?” If your long-term investment goals include financing a child’s education, contributing to a tax-advantaged...
Making Room for Personal Financial Management
Are the demands of a successful career cutting heavily into the time you have available for non-work-related tasks like managing your personal finances? If you are unable to give your investments, taxes, and other financial affairs the attention they require, the...