Financial Planning

Student Loan Strategies while in Forbearance

Current Situation Federal student loans have been in forbearance since the CARES Act was passed in March of 2020 to ease the financial burden of those affected by the Coronavirus. The forbearance is currently set to expire on Jan 31, 2022, unless there is another extension. This date has been extended a few times already,…

Savvy Tips for Buying a Boat and Getting You on the Water Quicker

So, you have decided to take the plunge and purchase a boat; how exciting! But, how will you pay for it? Before diving into buying a boat, carefully consider your finances and budget1 to be sure you can afford the next step2. Remember, the cost of owning a boat is more than just the boat…

How to Create a Budget You Can Actually Stick With

Do you feel like your finances are out of control? Are you charging too much on credit cards each month? Do you sometimes wonder where you are going to come up with enough money to pay your bills? If any of these describe your financial situation, putting a budget in place could help. Here are…

Why Saving Isn’t Enough

Forget that myth that millennials are bad with money. If recent surveys are accurate, 20- and 30-somethings are excellent at saving money and building up stacked savings accounts. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 millennials report having $100,000 to more in savings, according to a new Bank of America report. Of those surveyed, “Seventy-three percent…

5 Tax-Advantaged Ways to Save for College: The Pros & Cons of Each

When you are looking to save for college, it is easy to find yourself mired in an alphabet soup of options — ESAs, 529s, UGMAs, UTMAs, and IRAs. But each of these options comes with a unique set of advantages and disadvantages you will want to know upfront. Choosing the right way to save can…

9 Game-Changing Ways to Save Money on College Costs

There are plenty of ways to save money for future college costs, track down financial aid, and take out student loans. And having that money to invest in education is truly invaluable. But what’s even better is decreasing the cost upfront. So you spend less of your savings and reduce — or even eliminate —…

How Remote Learning Will Change College Planning Forever

Undoubtedly, the coronavirus is having a significant impact on the college planning process. The vast majority of Americans remain under stay-at-home orders. Universities and high schools alike are shuttered. And students, parents, and teachers have suddenly been thrown into the new world of full-time, remote learning. Predictions vary for how long remote learning will be…

How To Survive A Layoff Or Furlough During The COVID-19 Pandemic [INFOGRAPHIC]

Becoming unemployed due to a layoff or furlough can be an unsettling event that can cause a wide range of emotions. Understanding your options and making the right financial decisions during this period-of-time can help you successfully navigate through this challenging period in your life. Here are some useful information and financial tips to help…