Personal finance is an important area of knowledge—but it's not always taught in schools. It may be tough to master when you haven't had much guidance prior to adulthood. You may be able to improve your financial literacy and maintain this base of knowledge. Read on...
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Social Security: What is It?
What is it? Social Security is a federal system of programs designed to protect individuals and families against economic hardship. Most Americans work in occupations covered by the Social Security system, and they will at some point in their lives receive Social...
Invest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month
April brings more than possible rain showers. It also marks Financial Literacy Month in the U.S. Whether you’re interested in a quick refresher or seeking to learn something new, it may be worth the effort to brush up on some financial concepts that give you a broader...
3 Estate Planning Tips for Small Business Owners
For business owners, estate planning may seem like another task to do on a long to-do list. Having a solid estate and succession plan in place may be crucial to your business's long-term success. If you are incapable of making business decisions, or if you...
How to Spring Clean Your Finances with a Financial Review
Spring cleaning presents a great opportunity to clear out any items you no longer need—and the same goes for your finances. Checking in with your finances during tax season may be particularly beneficial, as it allows you to complete last year's taxes while making any...
Luck of the Investor: Making Your Own Luck on St. Patrick’s Day
As Samuel Goldwyn once said, "The harder I work…the luckier I get!" 1 But when it comes to investing, luck may play a huge role in outcomes—no matter how hard you work.2 Below, we discuss some ways that luck may impact your investing, as well as some steps you may...
A Single Parent’s Guide to Retirement Planning
"Two can live as cheaply as one" is a common saying with some truth behind it—a single parent can pay just as much in housing and tuition costs as someone who is partnered with children.1 This means that single parents need to navigate the retirement planning process...
Financial Snapshots: Taking Fiscal Inventory
Most of us find the notion of creating (and sticking to) a budget about as appealing as spring cleaning chores. And, with the stress that usually accompanies tax filing hopefully behind you, you may not be inclined just now to tackle a financial reckoning. However,...
Are You Maximizing 401(k) Contributions?
The more money that you can save when you are working, the easier it should be for you to retire and enjoy your golden years. Unfortunately, Social Security may no longer provide a sufficient income to live on during retirement. To combat this financial challenge,...
Building a Strong Financial Foundation
Today, many people are concerned about saving for retirement or paying for a large ticket item, such as a child’s college education. If you belong to this group, now may be the time to organize your finances. It is never too early to begin, and the sooner you start,...