Learning how to properly manage money is a crucial life skill that can take years to develop. For teen who may be earning an income for the first time, there can be a steep learning curve when it comes to financial literacy, but laying the foundation for this education early can help establish healthy financial habits that carry into adulthood. …
Tips for Making the Most of Your Inheritance
Baby boomers in the U.S. are set to bequeath $68 trillion in wealth by 2043, as part of the Great Wealth Transfer. Much of that will be left to Generation X and millennial heirs. If you expect to receive an inheritance, planning ahead for how you will use the wealth and account for any taxes will help you make the …
Women and Wealth: Taking Charge of Your Finances
When it comes to financial planning, women are likely to face different challenges than men. For one, they earn less than men on average, and they’re more likely to work part-time jobs or take time away from their careers to raise children and care for family. Time off and lower lifetime income means women face unique financial planning challenges. Here’s …
Tax Tips for Charitable Donations
Charitable giving is a great way to support the causes you care about while also getting a tax break. In 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which incentivized charitable giving by offering new rules for charitable deductions. As we move into the new year, now is the time to make sure you’re making your …
Creating a Successful Business Succession Plan
An exit strategy helps business owners ensure the long-term success of their company A good succession plan creates a blueprint for ownership transfer as you exit your business. It helps you prepare for your retirement, ensuring you have the income you need. And setting a well-conceived plan into motion protects the people around you, including your heirs, employees, and customers …
The Importance of Long-Term Care Planning
Long-term care coverage can fill in the gaps other health care insurance leaves behind. Long-term care insurance helps cover the cost of assistance with daily living tasks, including bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. This type of care is not covered by Medicare, supplemental Medigap policies, or other traditional health care insurance. If you’re relatively young and healthy, you may feel …
6 Steps to Protecting Your Wealth During Divorce
A divorce is one of the most difficult transitions you can go through. When you add uncertainty about money, that transition can get even more stressful. Here are six steps to help keep your finances intact during—and after—a divorce:Step 1. Assess your finances and make a budgetAs divorce proceedings get underway, take stock of your finances. Start by reviewing your …
Is Your Business Protected if Disaster Strikes?
A disaster plan can help your business survive a worst-case scenario. What would happen to your business after a fire, a massive data breach or the sudden loss of a key employee? Would it recover? How long would it take? If you’ve never really thought about the answers to these questions, it’s time to make a disaster plan. Operating your …
Don’t Miss These 6 Year-End Financial Planning Opportunities
Are your finances ready for the end of the year? December brings many deadlines and lists; there are gifts to buy, holidays to plan, and vacations to organize. While financial planning should occur year-round, it often becomes top of mind as the year draws to a close. Even though the holiday season is a busy time, it’s important to take …
College Savings Plans: Breaking Down the Complexities
The increasing cost of higher education saddles many young adults with massive amounts of student debt. This student debt makes it harder to balance other important financial obligations such as buying a home, having a wedding, or starting a family. Young adults who graduate with less student debt have more flexibility and financial opportunities later in life. By planning ahead, family …