Financial Planning

Summer is almost over, and that means back-to-school season is around the corner. Use our back-to-school budget spreadsheet to plan for your child’s school expenses and follow five tips to save money on your list. 

The love we have for our furry companions is priceless, but it’s important to budget appropriately for their care. According to Rover, the average cost of owning a dog is between $650 to $2,115 a year, but that actual cost varies widely depending on the dog’s size, age, breed and health. If you already have […]

The end of a marriage is a stressful and life-changing experience. Separating from your spouse can do lasting damage to your finances. The longer it takes to finalize the divorce, the more damage is done. A study of 9,000 couples by Ohio State researcher Jay Zagorsky showed that long-term divorce wipes out 77% of a […]

Booking flights is by far one of the most expensive aspects of traveling. Domestic and international flights can cost thousands of dollars per ticket. To save money, travelers are always on the hunt for tips and tricks. Unfortunately, not all the advice out there is up to date, and myths abound. I fact-checked some of […]

Flight prices frequently change, making it difficult to feel confident you are getting the best deal. Will it go up tomorrow? Will it drop in two weeks? Should I buy now or wait? There is no crystal ball or secret sauce to guarantee you’ll always find the cheapest possible fare. However, there are plenty of […]

It’s homebuying season! Demand for homes started growing in 2020 during the pandemic and shows no signs of slowing down. This is excellent news for sellers, who can get top dollar for their homes in a competitive market. On the other hand, buyers are facing new challenges that stand between them and their dream houses. 

Both pensions and 401(k)s are retirement savings plans, but they have many differences. When it’s time for you to retire, Social Security Retirement Benefits will cover approximately 40% of your average earnings. You can use a pension or 401(k) to make up the difference. 

You’ve reached your 60s. Your hard work, saving and investing is about to pay off — you’re almost at the retirement finish line!  Before you kick back and enjoy your new adventures as a retiree, there are a few things you should do to set yourself up for financial success. You’ll also need to keep […]

During times of crisis, it is normal to lean on vices like food delivery, alcohol, subscriptions, and online shopping for comfort and self-care. However, as the reigns loosen on COVID-19 restrictions these habits have become less necessary and could be wreaking havoc on your finances. Breaking spending habits is doable with patience and commitment. This […]

When money is tight and you’re having difficulty paying your bills, it’s incredibly easy to make choices that make your financial situation worse. Getting a new credit card, sticking with minimum payments or skipping payments altogether may stave off the problem in the short-term, but could cost you even more down the road. If you […]