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First Job—Life Lessons

Summer vacation will be here before we know it, and for parents of teens that may mean that your child is gearing up for a summer job — for some, their first experience in the workforce. Whether they’re going to work at a summer camp, selling tickets at a neighborhood movie theater, blending smoothies, or bagging eggs, arugula, and Pop-Tarts at the local grocery store, a first job has the potential to leave a lifelong impression and teach young adults valuable lessons that will serve them throughout their working lives.

Let's take a look at a handful of them: 

Tips to Help You Prepare for Tax Day

It's that time of year again when we pull together our key documents and calculate what part of our earnings should be paid to the government — or how much they owe us. If you haven't already, it is high time to start considering how you'll tackle your federal tax filing in 2022! Here are a few pieces of advice as you get ready for Tax Day on Tuesday, April 18th, 2023.

 

Wealth Management Tips for Female Breadwinners

Throughout the years, society's traditional gender roles have changed drastically. According to a study from the Council on Contemporary Families at the University of Texas, approximately 70% of women can anticipate being their households' primary breadwinners before their children turn 18. Not only that, but for the past twenty years, the most rapid growth of women as principal breadwinners have been, not among unmarried or divorced women, but among women with domestic partners.  

9 Steps for Setting up a Family Trust

Do you have a will? If not, you should definitely consider setting one up. We have discussed before how important a will is for ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you die. However, a will doesn't provide much protection for your family in the event that something happens to you while you're still alive. That's where a family trust comes in. 

The 529 Plan: A Guide for Parents and Grandparents

The cost of a college education has been rising steadily for decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. As a result, many parents find themselves struggling to save enough money to cover the cost of their child's education. Fortunately, grandparents often step in to help with this expense. Grandparents are typically in a better financial position than parents and are often willing to help their grandchildren attend the college of their choice. In addition, grandparents can often take advantage of tax breaks that make saving for college more beneficial. As a result, their assistance can be essential in helping families pay for this important investment.

The Right Time to Retire: How to Know When It’s Time

When is the right time to retire? It's a question that many of us will face at some point in our lives. For some, the answer is easy – they know when it's time to leave their job and enjoy their golden years. For others, it can be a bit more difficult to determine. One thing is clear, though. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every individual has their own unique circumstances and considerations that must be taken into account.

That said, there are some general guidelines that can help you make the decision of when it's time to call it quits. Here, we'll take a look at four factors you should consider when making the decision to retire.

New Year Financial Wellness Resolutions

It's that time of year again when we reflect on the past twelve months and set resolutions for the coming twelve. Our New Year's resolutions often revolve around self-improvement in various areas of our lives — fitness, relationships, and personal growth. But what about our finances? Why shouldn't we make resolutions to improve our financial wellness as well? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Educating Kids and Grandkids About Finances

We all want what is best for our children and grandchildren, and that includes setting them up with a strong foundation to succeed on their own. Part of this foundation includes teaching them about financial stability and making sure they understand the value of money. Here are some key ways to ensure the children in your life are set up to succeed when it comes to money no matter what their age they might be.

Giving Thanks and Giving Back

With Giving Tuesday right after Thanksgiving, it's the perfect opportunity for us to discuss year-end charitable donations. Here are a few strategies to consider if you want your year-end charitable gift to have the most impace.

Marriage and Money - When Spenders and Savers Unite

Although money conversations are seldom fun, open communication is the key to a stress-free marriage. If you and your spouse are on different ends of the spending and saving spectrum, it is important to discuss finances early on in your relationship.