Working less to accomplish more isn’t easy. It often requires thinking creatively to find more effective ways of doing things. Luckily, there is technology available at your fingertips to help you bank smarter, allowing you to get more out of your money, in less time....
read moreThere’s a long list of advice I wish I could give my younger self, especially when it comes to saving money. The first thing I would tell myself is that with my first job to put a minimum of 10-percent per paycheck into a savings account. The weeks will go by, and...
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Everyone needs a plan for retirement. The biggest opportunities and the best tax breaks come with employer-sponsored qualified retirement plans. Studies show that giving employees access to a qualified plan: Helps attract and retain skilled employees. Boosts employee...
read moreThe money you save for a “rainy day” can be “depleted” in only ONE of life’s storms. So, how do you recover? Deep breath… Assess your bills and income – and rework your budget to live very modestly for at least a year. Jumpstart your savings by moving in with family...
read moreIf you’ve always wanted to fix up your backyard and make it your own private oasis, now is the perfect time to get to work. Let’s say you want a pool, but don’t want to cough up the cash for it. Consider a stock tank pool! These are inexpensive DIY above-ground pools...
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Some say “money can’t buy happiness”, but are they right? A recent study in the scientific journal Emotion did link an increase in assets to increased happiness, but science doesn’t have a definitive answer for us yet. It might have more to do with how money is used...
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We don’t really talk about money, even though we think about it often. This is especially true when we experience financial difficulties, like a job loss or an unexpected expense. When things like this happen, money is top of mind, but we often keep the worry...
read moreOne of the most exciting parts about starting college is having your own space that you can furnish however you want! Dorm decorating can get expensive though, so it’s best to start off by taking inventory of the things you already have. Storage is of the utmost...
read moreA week-long vacation may not be an option this year, but you can still have fun in your hometown with a staycation! Make the most of your time off by doing something just for you, that brings a smile to your face. Treat yourself to a nice home-cooked dinner, maybe...
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With thousands of new scams every year, it’s hard to keep up with all of them while running a business. As fraudsters find new and inventive ways, fraud protection is becoming more important and necessary. By incorporating these five tips into your daily merchant...
read moreOne of the best financial habits we can practice is pinching pennies. Identifying opportunities to save doesn’t mean you have to go without – it simply means you’re strategic before making a purchase. There are numerous places to find discounts on anything you buy –...
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Mitigating risk in our lives and achieving the peace of mind needed for our day-to-day activities has become more difficult lately. The new risk of COVID-19 may have brought new focus to just how fragile we can be, but it is hardly the only risk we face. Some of the...
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The nation may be practicing social distancing, but scammers are not keeping their distance from the potential to take your money and obtain your personal information. It is important that you are aware of the possibility that fraud attempts may occur and also that...
read more“Home Sweet Home” for 20-somethings is often an apartment or a rent house. If purchasing your first home must wait, rest assured there are benefits to renting. Renting can save you money: because you can split the rent and utilities with a roommate; you don’t have to...
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Sophisticated scammers are determined, diligent, and are relentlessly coming up with new ways to gain people’s trust and confidence in order to steal their assets. In 2019, over 3.2 million fraud reports were submitted to the Federal Trade Commission, and many...
read moreSpring cleaning can be rejuvenating! And, the transformation of your closet or garage doesn’t have to cost you a penny. In fact, it COULD benefit your wallet. There’s a huge market for gently used items. Consignment shops and online market places are great for...
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In December of 2019, the Secure Act substantially changed the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted, which significantly modified those provisions, as well as adding...
read moreYour monthly bank statements provide a range of information about your account. Whether you receive your statement by mail or as an e.Statement, it’s important to review your statement each month to confirm you and your bank are aligned on the transactions that took...
read moreVacation season will be here soon! Stretch your budget by choosing to drive vs fly; consider alternative housing options; and pack your own snacks and drinks. Find hidden and less expensive gems by asking the locals where they eat and enjoy entertainment – rather than...
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The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was grafted onto a government spending agreement in December, and it took effect on January 1 of this year. The new legislation provides several enhancements and tax benefits for more retirement...
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