Guarding Against Scams: Protecting Family and Friends from Fake Calls and Texts

Financial scams can happen any time. Use this guide to have conversations with family and friends about how to proactively protect against scams through texts and calls (UN)Official Caller What would you do if you get a call that appears to be from your bank, law enforcement or a company you may know and you […]

Victim of Fraud? Here are Your Next Steps.

Falling victim to fraud can be a harrowing experience – it’s sometimes difficult to know where to begin when it comes to addressing it. If you believe you’ve been scammed or defrauded, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your personal information and finances. Here are some recommended steps to help you move forward: Secure […]

401(k) vs. IRA: What You Should Know

Most people have at least heard of two prevalent types of retirement plans: the 401(k) and the IRA. Deciding which is appropriate for you, however, is another story. Having a basic understanding of these two types of retirement accounts, along with their potential advantages and drawbacks, can equip you to make more informed decisions about […]

Is Social Security Going to Run Out in Your Lifetime?

We get regular updates on the Social Security trust fund. In early May, the Social Security Board of Trustees announced that the trust funds had revenue to pay full benefits until 2035. Generally speaking, the headline’s tone is very grim and indicates that the fund will be totally depleted in a matter of years, but […]

Spaving

Have you seen the grocery store signs that say, “Buy one, get one,” or “Buy one at $4.99, or get four for $2.99 each?” It’s a concept called “spaving,” a time-tested marketing strategy designed to get consumers to spend more–perhaps more than they wanted. Spaving plays on your emotions, designed to promote an impulse buy […]

Estate Planning as a Family Unit

Throughout previous stages of life, you might have become accustomed to keeping your financial matters fairly close to the chest. Now, however, would be a good time to start involving your family as you develop and effectuate your estate plans. This article will help you think about how best to engage with your children, as […]

More Than One in Four Women Retire with Less Than $50K

A new Goldman Sachs report found more than a quarter of women (28%) are saving less than $50,000 for retirement. “Assuming a 4% withdrawal rate, $50,000 in retirement savings provides $2,000 of income per year,” noted the report’s authors. “At these levels, Social Security benefits are an essential part of retirement income strategy. However, according to […]

Understanding Different Types of Retirement Accounts

At one time, retirement accounts were straightforward. These days, there are many retirement account options, leading to confusion and questions. Let’s review some key differences between sponsored retirement accounts and non-sponsored retirement accounts. Sponsored Retirement PlansSponsored retirement plans are offered and managed by companies and organizations as a benefit to employees. Sponsored retirement plans include: […]

Budgeting as a Couple

Conversations about finances aren’t exactly romantic, and budgeting can be a touchy subject, especially when you have different views about spending and saving. Before discussing how you’ll handle your bills and other expenses, be sure that you agree on how to go about combining your finances as a couple, then consider the method that works […]

Protect Your Identity During Tax Season

While it’s important to be on high alert and protect your identity all year long, tax season is an especially vulnerable time. Every tax season, identity thieves run a variety of scams to get their hands on taxpayers’ personal information. Many scams occur, but most have a common goal: filing a fraudulent tax return in […]