At first , investing may seem inaccessible and confusing — especially for beginners. But it’s a fairly simple concept. Here’s the gist: Investors buy a piece of a company or lend money to a company (or to the government) in the hopes of making more money. The amount of money you make depends a number of factors including on how well the company does. Learn More.

If someone sends you money and asks you to send it to someone else, STOP. You could be a money mule, someone who criminals use to transfer and launder illegally acquired money. Criminals might try to recruit you through online job ads, social media, enticing investment opportunities, prize offers or dating websites. If you participate in the scam, you could lose a lot of money or end up with an overdrawn account. You could also get into legal trouble as an accomplice to a crime. Read More.

How much should you be saving vs. investing? It’s a tough question — but a common one. Income is a limited resource, which means we don’t live in a world where it’s possible to max out every financial goal we have. We’re juggling rent or a mortgage, debt payments, child care costs, and a grocery bill that seems to get larger every month. Which means, the real question is: How do you strike the right balance between saving and investing — for today and for your future? Read More.

When it comes to planning for retirement, one thing is clear: investing wisely is just as important as saving diligently. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, the best retirement investing strategies have a few things in common — they’re intentional, tax-efficient, and tailored to your personal timeline and goals. LEARN MORE.

It’s smart to start thinking about your child’s future education now. Just like preparing to buy a car or a house, saving early can help alleviate some of the financial stress when the first tuition bill shows up. And a 529 plan is the way to go. Here’s a rundown. Read More.

When we talk about “tax advantages” in the context of retirement accounts, we’re essentially talking about ways you can reduce how much you have to pay the IRS, either now or in the future. Different retirement accounts offer different types of tax benefits, and knowing how to use them can mean more money in your pocket over the long run. Read More.

You may hear about tax deductions and ways to reduce your taxable income, but every year when you look at your taxes, does it just seem like there are no ways for you to save? Are you wondering if you’re missing something? What are the best ways to reduce your taxable income? Read More.

Ever checked your account balance and thought, Where did all my money go? You’re not alone. A well-structured budget doesn’t have to be about cutting back – it’s about gaining control, reducing stress, and working toward what matters, whether that’s paying down debt, saving for retirement, or (finally) taking a vacation. Read More.

Question: I know that having an emergency fund is important, and I’ve been trying to build up more than $200 or so, but debt always seems to eat away at what I’m able to save. How can I do both things at once without sacrificing my goal to become debt free? Is an emergency fund really that important?

Answer:
Yes, emergency funds are really that important. Read More.

Making sure your child is protected in case something happens to you is one of the most responsible things you can do. A few of the key documents you need to have in place in order to get the peace of mind you’re looking for are:

1. A Will
A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan, especially when you have kids. If you don’t have one, state laws will determine who inherits your assets — and more importantly, who takes care of your child if something happens to you. That’s not a decision you want left to the courts. Read More.