In this episode of Coffee with Waymark, Hanifa shares some exciting personal news: she purchased her first home! She shares the key factors that guided her decision and tips that you can take away to be thorough and thoughtful in the home-buying process. Topics discussed: Renting vs. Buying Tips Home Ownership Personal Finance Transcript: Hello everyone and welcome to another Coffee with Waymark. On today's episode I have some very exciting personal news to share with you all. If you watched Brendan's recent money clip for YouTube short, by the way if you haven't watched it I high ..read more

What’s the difference between FAFSA and the College Scholarship Service (CSS)? If you have a student heading to college soon, you won’t want to miss this quick 4-minute episode of Coffee with Waymark. In it, Brendan delves into the additional factors reviewed by the 250 colleges that use CSS profiles to determine eligibility for institutional scholarships. https://youtu.be/Tz2YCvtJZww Topics Discussed: College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile criteria  Differences between federal financial aid and CSS Having multiple students from one household in college Transcript: Hi and ..read more

Understanding the essentials of managing your finances is one of the most beneficial steps you can take for yourself and your loved ones. Many people believe that financial confidence only comes with wealth or pursuing financial independence. However, the truth is that financial anxiety spans all income levels, and true confidence is addressed through effective money management. While skillfully handling your money won’t prevent all money challenges, it can provide some financial independence, mitigate the effects of financial blows, and promote a sense of financial well-being in your househ ..read more

Have you ever wondered how federal financial aid is determined? If you have a student heading to college soon, you won’t want to miss this quick 4-minute episode of Coffee with Waymark. In it, Brendan explains what factors are involved in calculating a student's eligibility for federal financial aid. https://youtu.be/eC8M3HOp9_U Topics Discussed: Overview of federal financial aid calculation Breakdown of student aid index Impact of parent and student income/assets on aid eligibility Impact of grandparent income/assets on aid eligibility Transcript: Hi, and welcome to another edit ..read more

Tax season is upon us. While taxpayers consider this a time to take care of business, criminals are on the prowl, looking for ways to score. With millions of dollars circulating and countless transactions occurring, some individuals have developed complex schemes to scam unsuspecting citizens out of their tax refunds — from stealing checks and hacking into bank accounts to filing fraudulent returns and claiming refunds. Being aware of what’s happening, what to watch out for, and what to do if you encounter a con are the best ways to protect yourself from harm. Common Tax Refund Scams Stayi ..read more

Join us on this special episode of Coffee With Waymark, where Hanifa shares her path to becoming a financial advisor. Don't miss out—watch our 3-minute video to learn how she conquered three challenging exams to reach her goals! Topics Discussed: The SIE exam The Series 7 exam The Series 66 exam Future plans to take the CFP® exam Transcript: Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of Coffee With Waymark. On today's episode, we thought we would share with you what it takes to become a financial advisor. So during the past 27 weeks, I've been doing exactly that. So I want t ..read more

Every year, as tax season approaches, we're given an opportunity to improve our financial planning and take control of our obligations. We set intentions to be more organized, prepared, and proactive, ensuring that we optimize our tax responsibilities. While the deadlines may seem daunting, they serve as reminders to prioritize our financial well-being. If you've found yourself in a last-minute rush in the past, remember that each year brings a chance to break the cycle and approach tax season with confidence and positivity. You're not alone in this journey towards greater financial empowerme ..read more

Join Brendan on Coffee with Waymark as he dives into the data to uncover surprising trends in market performance under different administrations. Discover why it's essential to approach investing with a clear mind, free from political biases. Grab your coffee and join us for this 7-minute, eye-opening analysis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LZxIdozapcTopics Discussed: Political beliefs and investments Market performance under different presidencies Influence of partisan perceptions Fact-based investment decisions Transcript: Hi, and welcome to another episode of Coffee with Waymark. Today ..read more

Learning how to invest skillfully and committing to studying the markets can be challenging. But you don’t have to be a shrewd, eagle-eyed trader to benefit from investing. Whether you are in the early stages of your wealth-building journey or a seasoned investor who prefers a simple and practical approach, you may want to consider dollar cost averaging. You may already be utilizing dollar cost averaging as a strategy without even knowing it. But learning more about dollar cost averaging and how it works can help you become a savvier investor.  What Is Dollar Cost Averaging? Dollar cost ..read more

Is retirement on the horizon for you in the next five to ten years? It’s a goal that you’ve spent a lifetime working towards, and with the finish line in sight, it's the perfect moment to fine-tune your plans to ensure your transition is as smooth as possible. As you approach your target retirement date, it’s important to be intentional with your planning. Preventing missteps can help you avoid setbacks that could cost you money or force you to delay your retirement. In terms of financial planning, this is a pivotal time to stay attentive, reflective, and aware.  Consider these five key ..read more