In a GoBankingRates.com survey, more than 5,000 respondents identified the number one financial topic they wished they’d learned as teenagers in school. The six possible answers included: How to create and stick to a budget How taxes work The importance of credit scores/building credit How credit cards, loans, and interest rates work Retirement accounts and […]
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Best Money Apps for Kids
Financial education is essential and should start as early in life as possible. While the number of schools adding personal finance to their curricula continues to grow, many kids don’t get taught about managing money at school or home. What’s one way to help teach a kid who can’t get their nose out of their […]
Financial Impacts of Distance Learning
The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on the financial situation of this country and its people. The effect is felt most by the economic impacts of shutdowns and other various restrictive measures. But another casualty of the pandemic quietly added another financial blow for many Americans. Distance learning. As cases continued to climb around the […]
Raising Special Needs Child: How does it impact your finances?
“You’ll need $2.8 million to take care of your child for their life.” I’ve never heard a sentence more deafening than that. My husband and I sat there, staring blankly back at our financial advisor. I swear I could feel my heart slow, and my brain spun out of control as my husband and I […]
How Much Should We Save for Our Kid’s Education?
As a parent, we always want to do what’s best for our children. Paying for a college education is a difficult choice to make for several reasons. But, no one wants their kids to be weighed down with tens of thousands of dollars of student loan debt either. Sure, you can wait until your kid […]
Best Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting our lives in numerous ways. The uncertainty and change in routine are also impacting back-to-school shopping – one of the biggest retail seasons of the year. As some parents plan for a fairly typical start to the school year, many students are starting school fully online or with hybrid in-school […]
An Allowance System that Works [Greenlight Review]
Have you wanted to set up an allowance system for your kids but struggle with consistency? It’s so easy to forget to take out cash or to miss a weekly allowance. Or even mix up those money jars. Cash allowances can also be problematic when you’re at the store, and your kids want to buy […]
Is Working Remotely (even when not required) Right for You?
We are in the middle of a huge, nation-wide experiment with remote working. Many non-essential workers have been asked to work from home. Even some doctors are diagnosing patients remotely, using new high-speed video chat services. Employees who’ve not previously been allowed to work remotely are getting the opportunity in the interest of public safety. […]
Do You Need a Lawyer for Estate Planning?
Of all the decisions you make in life, estate planning is one of the most important. An estate plan is essential for protecting your family after you’re gone. When done correctly, an estate plan will ensure your final wishes are carried out while minimizing taxes and legal fees. You’ve probably asked yourself whether you can […]
What Financial Protections do Stay at Home Parents Need?
Whether you’re already a stay at home parent, or considering the possibility, money is a primary concern. When deciding to have one parent stay home, your priority is figuring out how to live on less income. But you also need to understand that the parent who quits work to stay home is in a vulnerable […]
How Do I Teach My Teenager About Money?
One of the most important jobs we have as parents is to teach our children how to navigate the adult world. An important skill they’ll need to master is managing their money. Starting while they’re young is a good plan but if you’ve missed that boat it’s not too late. So how can we successfully […]
Should You Financially Support Your Adult Children?
According to a report by Merrill, over three-quarters of parents provide financial support to their adult children. From allowing their kids to live at home to paying for their cell phone bill or even footing their student loan payment – parents are giving grown children more money than ever before. The study reveals parents in […]
How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?
If you don’t have a will, you’re probably wondering how much estate planning costs. Looking for legal help isn’t like shopping for new shoes where prices are published and you can compare easily. Estate planning doesn’t have to be expensive. Michigan, for instance, provides a free will planning tool you can do yourself online. Though, […]
15 Best Ways to Save Money on Teen Car Insurance
It seems like just yesterday your teenager was in a children’s car seat. But now your teen is ready to borrow the keys. You might have mixed emotions about them getting behind the wheel. But you’re definitely concerned about the cost of adding your teen to your auto insurance policy. Luckily, there are plenty of […]
What Should Others Know if Something Bad Happens to Me?
You’ve heard the saying, “hope for the best but prepare for the worst,” and maybe you’ve taken it to heart. You’re getting ready to buy life insurance and researching disability insurance plans. Perhaps you’ve even written down some information on ‘in case of emergency documents’. But it’s all you’ve managed to do, in terms of […]
Best Ways to Financially Prepare for a Baby
Your family is growing! Whether this is your first time becoming a mom or not, preparing to have a baby brings a whirlwind of feelings, emotions, and worries. One of the biggest concerns moms-to-be face is a financial one. You may have seen estimates that it costs $233,000 to raise a child from birth to […]
Becoming Financially Independent Means…
When you’re financially savvy and on your way to a secure retirement, you may believe you already know the steps to achieve financial independence. But when you’re climbing out of debt and just taking control of your money, financial security might seem entirely out of reach. If you have kids, focusing on solving your own […]