Future Planning

Attending college is an exciting milestone, and with the right financial plan, it can also be an affordable one. Whether you’re a student preparing for your future or a parent helping your teenager get ready, taking proactive steps now can make a significant difference. From saving early to finding ways to cut costs and earn extra income, there are plenty of ways to make higher education more manageable without breaking the bank.  Fortunately, you don’t have to have it all figured out at once. Small, consistent steps – like setting aside savings when you can, looking for scholarships, or finding…

Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be complicated – it can be a lot of fun! For elementary-aged children, everyday life is full of chances to start learning simple, important lessons about spending, saving, and the value of work. And the sooner they begin, the more confident they’ll feel as they grow.  From earning a few dollars for chores to running a lemonade stand, kids can learn real-life money skills in ways that feel like they’re playing. In this article, we’ll share easy, hands-on ideas parents can use to help their children build healthy money habits and start thinking…

By the time you hit your 30s, life can feel like a whirlwind. From finishing school to launching your career, buying your first home, and maybe even getting married and having children, it may seem like everything is happening at turbo speed. With so many priorities competing for your attention, it’s easy to push retirement savings to the backburner. After all, it’s so far away, right? Then, one day, reality hits: “Oh no, I haven’t saved nearly enough!”  Before you panic, take a deep breath. You haven’t missed the boat! In fact, your peak earning years are likely still ahead…

Many believe wealth comes from a high-paying job, striking it rich in the stock market, or inheriting money. However, building wealth stems from a few principles that anyone can apply. It’s about creating habits, making informed financial decisions, and staying disciplined. Wealth-building doesn’t require a windfall – it’s about starting where you are and taking small, intentional steps.  Picture your finances as a work in progress, like leveling up in a video game or learning a new sport – each move counts. By forming habits, making wise choices, and staying committed, you can create a financial foundation that lasts. Whether…

When most people think about an “emergency fund,” they equate it to money put aside for financial emergencies or unexpected expenses. While this might be the primary purpose, these funds hold much greater value in your overall financial health.  Being unprepared for financial hiccups, such as a sudden job loss, unplanned medical bills, or other surprise costs, can domino into additional challenges. A well-intentioned and planned emergency fund equips you to handle setbacks better and steer clear of costly alternatives, such as payday loans.   In this article, we’ll outline why an emergency fund is so critical to your overall financial…

Improving your financial position often starts with cutting costs. After all, the less you spend, the more you can save. While this is sound advice, there’s a bigger factor at play when it comes to long-term wealth: your earning potential. In an ever-changing economy, the value you deliver can determine whether you thrive or struggle.   The past two decades have been a testament to this reality. The Great Recession brought widespread layoffs and financial uncertainty. Just as the economy began to recover, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a new wave of layoffs as entire industries were reshaped. Then, inflation surged, driving…

Life is full of dreams – whether it’s renovating your forever home, funding your child’s education, starting a business, or finally booking that once-in-a-lifetime vacation. But let’s be honest, turning those dreams into a reality can often feel impossible when you consider the time and effort required to save up the necessary money.   Here’s the good news: if you’re a homeowner, you have a powerful tool at your fingertips – a Home Equity Loan. This unique financing option allows you to unlock the value in your home to fund your goals affordably. So, why put your dreams on hold when…

When it comes time to purchase a vehicle, you have several decisions to make. You not only have to select the vehicle’s make and model, but you also have to decide if you’re going to buy a new or used car. This alone is a crucial decision and could make a significant difference over the next few years in your finances.  Let’s review the pros and cons of buying a used vehicle, and what to look for when you’re in the market for one.     Pros of Buying a Used Vehicle  Some advantages of purchasing a used vehicle include:  You’ll…

New Year’s Day marks one of the most popular moments when it comes to setting goals. Resolutions allow you to start the year off with personal improvement on your mind, giving you something to strive for in the months ahead.  One of the most popular goals people set is improving their financial situation. The challenge with financial goals is that they are usually longer term, meaning it’s often difficult to stay motivated when the prize is so far away.   In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to break longer-term goals into bite-size pieces to significantly improve your odds of…