Life insurance basics
For the millions of Americans who get their life insurance through work, it can be easy to gloss over the details around how life insurance works, the types of policies that exist, and how it fits into a broader financial plan. Many others first encounter life insurance products via a sales pitch which may raise […]
How to pay for long-term care
Many of us don’t think about long-term care until a medical event or diagnosis brings it to the forefront. Some 70% of adults will need some form of long-term care as they age, and traditional forms of insurance (including Medicare) may not cover the expense. Whether you’re planning for yourself or acting as caregiver for […]
Protect your loved ones: A checklist
It’s never fun to think about the worst-case scenarios. However, putting off tough conversations can lead to headaches, or even heartbreak, for your family in a crisis. This checklist can help you go through some of the big-picture questions involved in creating an estate plan. Our goal is to help you think through these decisions […]
Budgeting for baby: A checklist
Babies are one of God’s greatest blessings. And, as with all blessings, there’s work we must do to ensure we’re prepared. For expecting parents, the preparation can feel overwhelming. Our goal with this checklist is to remove at least some of the stress that comes with getting ready. Follow these steps to get your finances […]
The financial details of divorce
Election economics: Putting it in perspective
Politicians love to throw around economic statistics and jargon to win votes. The U.S. economy fluctuates far less than campaign rhetoric implies, however. We put together a primer to help you cut through the spin in the leadup to November. One thing to keep in mind: Much of the trend data we’ll share here reflects […]
Skyrocketing home prices, explained
For many Americans, trends in mortgage rates and home prices impact their sense of financial wellbeing, regardless of whether they’re currently planning to buy or sell a home. The reason for this is simple: Homes are our biggest asset, generally speaking. With diligent investing and planning, many of us can grow a portfolio of assets […]
How bond traders influence homebuying
In late 2023, mortgage rates hit a 15-year high, topping 7%. Previously, rates hovered below 4%. For any American looking to buy or sell a home, this surge in mortgage rates can feel prohibitive. Given how much equity many Americans have in their homes, any sort of glitch in the housing market can feel worrisome, […]
Emergency Funds: What to consider and how to save smart
As its name suggests, an emergency fund is money set aside to pay for emergencies. These can range from unforeseen healthcare expenses and home repairs to job loss or a natural disaster. Setting money strategically to prepare for financial curveballs can go a long way toward boosting your financial security. 1. Why you need […]
Organize Your Finances
It’s normal to accumulate a significant amount of documentation—both physical and digital—over time. If you don’t have a system to store or organize these documents, you may misplace important information, throw out paperwork you need, or keep records longer than necessary. Organizing your financial documents can do more than help you stay on top of […]