Financial Planning

“Bankruptcy:” The word no one wants to hear in relation to their finances. But here’s the thing: Personal bankruptcy is a good thing, because it gives you a way out when no others are available.  This guide will give you the bankruptcy basics you need to know, help you understand the process and discuss when […]

Sometimes the numbers just don’t add up. You’re doing your best, but your income doesn’t cover everything this month, and you’re left staring at bills with no clear answer on what to pay first. It’s okay. This article isn’t about budgeting systems or cutting lattes. It’s about staying calm and making a plan when there […]

You did the hard part — you got out of debt. That’s a major win, and you deserve to feel proud. Now the question is, how do you make sure you never go back? The answer is to build a strong, protective system that helps you grow wealth, stay out of financial trouble and feel […]

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 […]