More parents are talking to their kids about money today than ever before. But to achieve lifelong money literacy, kids need more than talking — they need direct practice with money and decision-making. One of the best tools for that is an allowance. Read More.

College is expensive. We all know that, but what often gets lost in the planning is the basic financial literacy our kids need before they ever set foot on campus. Think of this as your crash course on what to teach them — and how to prepare them to manage money responsibly from the moment they pick up their student ID. Read More.

When it comes to college, should you pay for it all yourself, or is it okay to have your kid take out some loans? You want to support your child’s dreams and give them a leg up in life, but you also need to protect your own future. So, should you foot the bill for college, or let loans carry some of the load? Read More.

Balancing college savings with retirement planning isn’t just a numbers game — it’s a high-stakes act of prioritization. For many families, the question isn’t whether both goals are important (they are!), but rather, how to juggle them at the same time without sacrificing your own long-term financial security. Read More.

Whether you’re planning a wedding, expecting a baby, or bracing for both in the same 12-month stretch (godspeed!), the key to staying financially grounded is knowing what you need when, and building a plan that keeps you in control, not scrambling to recover. Read More.

When you’re planning a major vacation with kids, partners, in-laws, and maybe a grandparent or two, you’re looking at thousands of dollars in flights, hotels, park tickets, meals, and extras. But here’s the good news: you can absolutely make a dream trip happen without wrecking your finances — if you plan ahead and get intentional. Read More.

From saving for a down payment to calculating closing costs, there are a lot of costs to consider when you’re buying a new home. All too often, one important line item gets ignored: property taxes, a major part of the homeownership puzzle. Depending on where you live, they can add thousands of dollars to your annual housing costs. Here’s a rundown on all the basics to help you make smarter decisions. Read More.

Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is an insurance policy your lender might require you to pay if your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. PMI typically costs anywhere from 0.58% to 1.68% of the original loan amount, depending on factors like your credit score, your loan term, and how much money you put down. It’s not a one-time thing — in fact, it sticks around until you’ve paid down your loan enough to reach 20% equity in your home. Read More.

What Are Closing Costs, and How Much Should I Expect?
Closing costs are the various fees and charges you pay when you officially “close” on your home — i.e., when the keys to the front door finally make it into your pocket. These costs are in addition to your down payment and are typically due at the time of closing. Read More.

So, you’re ready to buy a home — congrats! This is a big step, and no doubt you’ve already typed “How much house can I afford?” into Google at least once (or, let’s be honest, about 47 times). But before you start scrolling Zillow at midnight or falling in love with quartz countertops you might not be able to swing, let’s take a deep breath and get real for a moment. Read More.