Articles

couple looking at finances on a laptop
Having control over your day-to-day finances 

Money is personal, and emotional, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Understanding how your day-to-day finances and your emotions are connected can help you take more control of your financial situation.

two vehicles in a minor accident
Easy steps for starting a "surprise fund” 

Surprises happen, and they can get very expensive. Whether you have a "surprise fund" already or not, these easy steps can help you feel secure and prepared for any future surprise expenses.

couple creating a budget on a laptop
Budgeting for a non-budgeter

Budgeting doesn’t have to be a scary word. Take the fear out of budgeting with these simple tips, tricks, and ideas to help even a beginning budgeter get started. 

woman meeting with a financial professional
7 questions to ask a financial professional 

Finding the right financial professional can feel daunting. Whether you find potential financial professionals via a referral or your own research, asking them these questions can help you determine if they’re the right fit for you and your finances.

couple meeting with an agent
3 reasons the human element is still important for financial guidance

From budgeting to banking to investing, there’s an app for just about every part of your personal finances, but can an app really offer the same service as a real human? Here’s why you should consider managing your finances IRL.

man looking at stock data on a computer
How to get the most out of your extra cash 

Having a little bit of extra cash saved up is a luxury, but are you really making the most of it? Here are some ways you can make sure your extra savings are being put to good use.

couple reviewing information on a laptop with an agent
3-step checklist when selecting a financial professional 

On the hunt for a new financial professional? From fees to services to how often you speak, narrowing down your options isn’t easy, but starting with these three things can help you find a professional that fits your needs.

couple reviewing a document with an agent
Preparing for retirement over the decades 

What does it really mean to be ready for retirement? Whether retirement is decades away, or just around the corner, here are some general guidelines for how you should be thinking about retirement over the decades.

family celebrating a young girl's graduation
Having a child this year? Here's how much it will cost to pay for your child's education

One of the biggest expenses in a child’s life will be education—but how much will college cost by the time your newborn is ready to hit the books? Here’s how much it will cost and some tips to help prepare for the expense. 

couple walking down a path after their wedding
Should you combine your finances after getting married? 

Whether or not to tie your finances together after you’ve tied the knot is a big question for all newly married couples. Here’s what you need to consider before making the decision.

expecting parents standing in front of their home
Starting a family: The total cost of a baby in 1983 versus today

Having a child has always been a big decision, and a big expense, but how much more do new parents today have to pay than their parents did? Here’s what it costs to raise a child in 2023, compared with 1983, and advice on how to manage the expense.

woman evaluating her finances
5 things to do after divorce to help build financial freedom

Divorce is a reality that half of married couples will face in their lifetime—it’s an emotionally challenging time for most, but bringing a thoughtful approach to your finances throughout the process can ensure that you come out on the other side prepared for your new life.

grandfather greeting his granddaughter and daughter
4 ways to cut your tax bill in retirement

Retiring this year? One of the biggest changes you may face in retirement comes on your annual tax return—here’s how you can make sure you take advantage of these 4 tips for cutting your tax bill in retirement.

couple reviewing information with a tax professional on a laptop
5 things that trigger your tax planning going from online-only to a tax professional  

Depending on your situation, tax season can become very complicated. As your life situation changes, so does your tax situation. Here are 5 signs that your tax situation is getting complicated enough that you might need to consult a tax professional.

small business owner in her shop on the phone looking at a laptop
Simple ways for small businesses to provide financial wellness programs for their employees 

Your strongest asset as a small-business owner is your employees. A financial wellness program can be an easy and scalable way to show your employees that you are there to support them in their lives at work and at home. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

small business owners looking over legal documents
How to protect your small business from a lawsuit

Lawsuits are a reality that many people face today. You can be sued for almost anything, so what steps can you take as a small-business owner to protect yourself—and ideally avoid a lawsuit before it even happens?

small business owner on his phone in his restaurant
What you need to know about retirement plans as a small-business owner 

When you started your small business, maybe you didn’t imagine how big your staff would grow. Establishing financial benefits like retirement plans is a crucial way to attract and retain good employees. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

woman hugging a high school graduate holding her diploma
Financial basics for your high school graduate 

Leaving home for the first time can be a challenging time for parents and children. To make sure your new grad is ready to face life away from home, here are some financial basics you can teach today to set your child up for financial success in the future.

young family shopping in a grocery store
Market commentary 

From inflation to interest rates to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, here are the events that had the biggest impact on markets in the first quarter, and what they mean to you.