Working with a trusted financial professional is important when it comes to strategizing and preparing to meet your financial goals. But as most of us handle money on a daily basis, it’s important to have an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of financial literacy. Below we’ve identified five financial basics everyone should know. Understanding these important concepts can serve as a basis for your financial standings. Basics #1: Debt & Credit Scores Understanding the ways in which credit or debt can work with or against you should serve as the [...]

When it comes to financial planning, women are likely to face different challenges than men. For one, they earn less than men on average, and they’re more likely to work part-time jobs or take time away from their careers to raise children and care for family. Time off and lower lifetime income means women face unique financial planning challenges. Here’s a look at some common financial issues women face and strategies to address them. Less income means less money to devote to savings On average, women earn just over $0.80 [...]

With the new year in full swing, it’s a great time to take stock of your personal finances. From building a budget and saving for retirement to getting a jump on this year’s taxes, here are some of the smart money moves to consider to help brighten your financial life in the new year. 1. Build a budget Creating a monthly budget can help you better understand your spending and identify how much money you can put toward your financial goals. First, take your monthly salary or wages after taxes [...]