When that extra bit of money from your tax refund lands in your bank account, it's easy to start dreaming about all the ways you can use it. Financial experts may tell you that it's a chance to pay off debts, tuck away savings for an emergency, or add to your retirement savings. You, on the other hand, may want to splurge on something special. However, there's an often-overlooked option that not only provides immediate satisfaction but ensures long-term benefits for both you and your loved ones: estate planning. Estate planning might sound like a complex and daunting chore reserved for the ..read more

In an era where digital innovation shapes every aspect of our lives, it's no surprise that our teenagers are drawn to the allure of cryptocurrency. This digital form of money represents a shift away from traditional financial systems. If you are the parent of teens, understanding cryptocurrency is crucial so you can provide them with the guidance they need to navigate this new world safely and wisely. Luckily, I’m here to help you learn what you need to know. Let’s dive in.  What is Cryptocurrency, Exactly? Cryptocurrency, which folks also call “crypto” is, in essence, virtual money ..read more

If you’ve been traveling around the sun for a while, you’ve no doubt heard of a Will, a document that says what happens to your money and belongings after you die. You may even have a Will, or know you should get one. And maybe you’ve heard of a Trust and wondered what it is and how it works. You may have even done research on Google about how to do your own Will or Trust. In fact, it’s hard to poke around the internet and not find do-it-yourself (“DIY”) Wills and Trusts services. Legal Zoom, TrustandWill.com, and even media personalities Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman offer cheap DIY doc ..read more

Anyone who’s seen an episode of “Modern Family” knows that families these days come in many different shapes and sizes. Long gone are the days when a “family” was defined as a mother, father, and two children (or was it 2.5 children? Where does the .5 come from anyway?). In this article, we’ll focus on one of the types of families that’s common in our modern culture: the blended family. The Unique Dynamics At Play in Blended Families A “blended family” comes into being when parents divorce, and at least one remarries. While everyone may get along effortlessly while the parent is alive, that t ..read more

As your parents gracefully navigate their golden years, ensuring their peace of mind (and yours!) becomes a top priority. Whether they raised you the way you want, or showed you how you want to do it differently, as your parents' age, one of the very best things you can do for your own best future, and that of your entire future lineage — your children, grandchildren, and beyond — is to take great care of the people you were born to or raised by. The questions you need to start asking now are: How will you help them if they become ill or injured? Who will take care of their bills and make sur ..read more

In the first installment of this series, we explored 7 ways to show your finances and your family some love with smart, tax-advantaged financial tips for the new year: Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Front-load Your 401(k) Contributions Set Up an IRA for a Child Make Donations During Spring Cleaning Give the Gift of Appreciated Stock Shares Establish a 529 College Plan Make a Roth Conversion If you missed it, check out ,,Part 1 here. In this article, we’re continuing the financial love with 7 more tips you can use to benefit your family this month and the year ahead. 8  ..read more

Ah, February – the month of love, where hearts flutter and chocolates abound (single people, stay with me here). But amidst the romantic whirlwind, there's a different kind of love that deserves our attention: the love we show ourselves and our family through thoughtful financial planning.  Now I know what you’re thinking – that doesn’t sound as fun or showy as a fancy night out or a bouquet of flowers (or a night in with Netflix). But trust me, making smart planning decisions with your assets is one of the best gifts you can give – and a gift that keeps giving over time. Here, we explor ..read more

Navigating your financial journey with the heavy burden of student loan debt on your back can feel overwhelming. You're faced with a critical decision: should you prioritize paying down those loans, or should you focus on the future, contributing to your workplace retirement plan? It's a tough call, especially when choosing loan payments means missing out on the opportunity to grow your savings through employer retirement matches. But there's good news on the horizon, thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act. This groundbreaking legislation is here to offer a helping hand, allowing your student loan paym ..read more

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