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

Discover the not-so-boring side of Health Savings Accounts in our latest episode of Coffee with Waymark. Watch this quick 7-minute video to learn how to make the most of your HSA. https://youtu.be/N-AARwGsBEoTopics Discussed: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) overview Traditional uses of HSAs for medical expenses Unique strategy for letting HSAs grow to cover eligible healthcare-related costs in retirement Tax advantages and contribution limits of HSAs Transcript: Hi, and welcome to another edition of Coffee with Waymark. Today's episode is going to be on health savings accounts.  Now some ..read more

If talking about money with your partner stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many couples avoid the topic altogether because opening up about finances can be uncomfortable. Sharing the details of your income, debt, assets (or lack thereof), spending habits, and more may leave you feeling vulnerable, especially if you fear judgment, shame, or the possibility of giving up your autonomy. But while romantic relationships are matters of the heart, money matters can either fortify or undermine even the strongest bonds.  Partnerships that last are built on a solid foundation of trust and commun ..read more

Ever catch yourself envying the homeowner who brags about building equity while you're 'throwing money away' on rent? Or maybe you're torn between the joy of customizing your space and the burden of unexpected maintenance costs. If you’re able to choose between renting or buying a home, the real question doesn’t always revolve around money—it's also about which option best suits your lifestyle and goals. While homeownership has often been viewed as part of the “American Dream,” this notion is becoming less universal. Ultimately, the choice between renting and buying is a deeply personal one ..read more