How Boomers and Millennials Differ
We are in the midst of an unprecedented transfer of wealth, with trillions of dollars being moved from one generation to the next. This transfer challenges many commonly held notions as new values and interests become more prominent. In short, the economy is changing, and while some of these new practices might raise an eyebrow […]
ViewFinancial Aid for Students 101
Preparing for college while still in high school can be difficult for even the most academically-minded student. These days, you need to excel in the classroom, make sure you’re involved in extracurricular activities, and enroll in challenging classes to impress a college admissions board. On top of that, the financial cost of higher education may […]
ViewData Breach: Your Security To-Do List
According to recent statistics, data breaches have become common in today’s digital world. In fact, it is estimated that more than 111.7 million Americans have their personal information exposed to data breaches every year. Whether it’s a major retailer, a subscription service, or another online platform, the risk of a data breach is a reality […]
ViewKeeping Good Records is Good Business
Maintaining good records is important to help meet your tax and legal obligations. The right record keeping system not only helps satisfy these obligations, but it may save you money and time. Here’s what to consider for your record-keeping system. What Records Do You Need to Keep? The first step is identifying the records you […]
ViewCreative Ways to Motivate Your Employees
The common thread that runs through all small businesses, from professional services to manufacturing, is that a motivated workforce is central to the business’s success. Here are some quick, inexpensive, and potentially effective ways to motivate your employees and improve your employee retention. Weekly “Good News” Emails Too often the business day can be about addressing […]
ViewRetiring Wild: National Parks and You
For many older adults, finding time to experience nature can be one of the greatest pleasures in retirement. And what better place to take in America’s splendor than one of our over 400 National Park Service sites? For over a century, generations of retirees have explored these stunning landscapes, marveled at the diverse wildlife, and […]
ViewMoney Draining Food Myths
The road to better health may sometimes involve an extra expense here and there, but you should be careful about wasting money on diet ideas with promises that are more based on myth than fact. Identified below are four diet strategies that may be ineffective and financially expensive. Vitamins and Supplements Americans spend $53 billion […]
ViewBuilding Your Legacy
Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.Shannon L. Alder The desire to leave a legacy may be the height of altruism for it is a gift to the future, the benefit of which you may never witness, nor ever […]
ViewAvoiding Cognitive Decline
Of those aged 60 and older, 12 to 18 percent have mild cognitive impairment. People living with mild cognitive impairment are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, and almost two-thirds of people currently living with Alzheimer’s are women.1 There are three basic forms of cognitive decline associated with aging:2 There are a range of risk factors […]
ViewRaising Healthy Children
One of the greatest legacies any parent can give a child is a framework for living an enduring healthy lifestyle. It is hard to underestimate the power parents have on their children’s development, which is why parenting is such a profound responsibility. The attitudes and habits formed in childhood can determine your child’s health in […]
ViewDebt Stress
The average American owes $59,580 in debt. Of that $59,580, $41,830 is from mortgage debt, $5,640 is from student loans, and $5,470 is from auto loans. Little wonder that money worries can be a major cause of stress.1 The Link Between Stress and Health Humans have an innate response called “flight or fight.” It is […]
ViewGood Health is Good Business
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, productivity losses linked to employees not showing up to work due to five risk factors— diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, and obesity— cost US employers $36.4 billion a year.1 Business owners and managers understand very well the rising cost of healthcare and the loss […]
ViewChanging Unhealthy Behaviors
Most Americans know the fundamentals of good health: exercise, proper diet, sufficient sleep, regular check-ups, and no smoking or excessive alcohol. Yet, despite this knowledge, changing existing behaviors can be difficult. Look no further than the New Year Resolution, 80% of which fail by February.1 Generally, negative motivations are inadequate to effect change. (“I need […]
ViewThe Financial Literacy Crisis
Imagine driving a car without a basic understanding of the rules of the road or even how to operate it. Scary thought. Here’s another scary circumstance – one that is all too real. Many Americans are making financial decisions with minimal financial knowledge of investing, budgeting, and credit. The TIAA Institute conducted a survey on […]
ViewStop Wasting Money
Benjamin Franklin once said, “a penny saved is a penny earned.” One way to find the money to meet your spending or saving needs is to examine your current spending habits and consider eliminating money wasters. Top Money Wasters The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this […]
ViewA Cheat Sheet for Sending Your Kid to College
College marks a great milestone in a child’s life. It may be the first time he or she will live away from home. Dropping off your child at college may be an experience loaded with emotions, so here are a few tips for a smoother transition. Accept that the Parent-Child Dynamic Has Changed Your child […]
ViewPrevent a Rift: Money Tips for Newlyweds
One survey found that 35% of couples attribute stress in their relationship to financial issues. This could explain why some experts say financial problems are one of the top reasons marriages fail.1,2 Fortunately, when couples work together to address their finances, they may be able to mitigate many of the problems money may cause in […]
ViewPersonal Finance Tips for Military Families
One study found that military personnel have more credit problems and are more likely to make late house payments than their civilian counterparts.¹ While the financial situation of military personnel and their families mirrors the general population in many respects, heavy indebtedness and mismanagement of credit cards may be especially acute issues for service members. […]
ViewPlease Leave Home Without It
Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with the news of data breaches at major companies and financial institutions. Unfortunately, you have little control over when a company is hacked, but you do have control over your own actions. Ten Things to Leave at Home The content is developed from sources believed to be […]
ViewPutting a Price Tag On Your Health
We hear over and over again how important it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But being healthy for its own sake isn’t easy—especially when you’re facing down temptation or battling procrastination. For some, the monetary benefits of a healthy lifestyle may offer helpful incentives. Being healthy not only makes you feel good, but it […]
ViewCountdown to College
As a parent, you of course want to give your child the best opportunity for success, and for many, attending the “right” university or college is that opportunity. Unfortunately, being accepted to the college of one’s choice may not be as easy as it once was. Additionally, the earlier you consider how you expect to […]
ViewDo Your Kids Know The Value of a Silver Spoon?
You taught them how to read and how to ride a bike, but have you taught your children how to manage money? The average debt for student borrowers is $40,499. And nearly 11% of new graduates will default within the first twelve months of repayment.1,2 For current college kids, it may be too late to […]
ViewTo Catch a Thief
Many Americans have taken steps in recent years to protect their identity. According to a recent report, total dollars lost due to identity theft in 2021 was $24 billion and affected 15 million consumers. If you haven’t taken measures to protect yourself, it may be a good idea to consider your options.1 Identity theft is […]
ViewA House Divided
The latest research suggests that divorce rates in the U.S. have been falling in recent decades. Still, many people face the difficult crossroads that comes when their marriage ends.1 Getting a divorce is often a painful, emotional process. Don’t be in such a hurry to reach a settlement that you make poor decisions that can […]
ViewFixed or Variable Mortgage, Which Should You Pick?
Buying a home is the single-largest financial commitment most people ever make. And sorting through mortgages involves a lot of critical choices. One of these is choosing between a fixed or variable interest rate mortgage. True to its name, fixed-rate mortgage interest is “fixed” throughout the life of the loan. In contrast, the interest rate […]
ViewPickleball in Retirement
Staying Active in Retirement Over the last couple of years doctors have made clear the benefits of regular physical activity, especially for older adults. In fact, adults 65 and older gain substantial health benefits from regular physical activity. Being physically active can increase mobility, lessen the chance of injury, and lead to an overall better […]
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