Financial Planning

Ever open your banking app and feel like you’re watching a disaster in slow-motion? It’s not that you don’t care — you’re just busy, overwhelmed, and trying to do too much without the right tools. That’s where budgeting comes in. Below are 10 no-cost, no-stress budgeting tools (including blogs, calculators and free spreadsheets) to help […]

Federal student loans can feel overwhelming — oftentimes, borrowing for your future comes at a great cost, even far after you’ve packed up your cap and gown.  Federal student loans place significant financial pressure and emotional strain on millions of Americans. Understanding your repayment and forgiveness options can ease that stress by offering clarity. In […]

You might have a house, a car and some money in savings, but how much of it do you actually own? That’s where net worth comes in. It’s not just a financial buzzword. Think of your net worth as a snapshot of your financial present — it’s a simple way to take an objective look […]

You know your mortgage or car loan isn’t going away overnight, but what if certain opportunities could be used to pay them down faster — and with less stress? Instead of focusing on complex payoff strategies or technical loan math, learn to identify the situational triggers that might signal the perfect time to hit “fast […]

Debt is a numbers game — your balance, your interest and your monthly payment can individually impact when and at what cost you repay your debts.  But here’s something you might not know: The actual timing of when you pay your monthly bills can make a huge difference in that end result, too. How quickly […]

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a long-term illness, it can be stressful and confusing to make a future-facing money management plan.  Especially in the United States, people who live with a chronic illness can encounter immense financial struggles. Between the rising costs of housing and medical care, keeping your head above water can feel […]

Single moms and dads are masters of juggling: Balancing work, kids and never-ending chores is a feat in and of itself. But making a long-term plan to survive financially as a single parent? That’s more akin to a tightrope walk: One false move, and you could find  yourself off-balance.  This daring deed challenges you to […]

The cliché is true: Life is full of surprises.  Sometimes, less-than-pleasant surprises — think a sudden car repair or a big doctor’s bill — can make money feel very tight. If you’re not ready, these unexpected costs can quickly lead to new unsecured debt, like credit card bills or personal loans.  This guide will show […]

Setting out on your own as a young adult can be terrifying, exhilarating and super confusing. You’re suddenly expected to know what the difference between an out-of-pocket maximum and a deductible is, or how to invest in a 401(k).  This period is not just about paying bills, but about making your money work for you. […]

You’ve dedicated years to building a life, raising a family and making meaningful contributions in your professional and personal lives. And as you enter your retirement years, you’re probably gearing up for some well-deserved rest. But what about ensuring your financial stability and leaving a lasting legacy? For many, one, two or even all three […]