I remember when I came home for the weekend my sophomore year of college and declared to my parents that I want to study abroad in the U.K. the following year. I was expecting to be met with excitement and a “go get ‘em!” attitude. Instead, 19-year old me was met with “How is this relevant to your future?”, “Is… Read More
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Yes, We Can Pay Off Our Student Debt!
As another semester wraps up, about 4.5 million more students will have college degrees in the U.S.[1]. On average, graduates will have $37,172 in student loan debt, a number that’s up six percent from the graduating class of 2015[2]. Paying off this debt may seem like a monumental task, but do not worry! With quite a bit of student loan… Read More
What Happens to a 529 Plan if Your Child Doesn’t Go to College?
A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged college savings plan that allows families to save for their children’s future education costs. Money that is deposited into the plan is invested and grows tax-free. With the rising cost of college education, starting to save early may be a key component to make college affordable for many families in the United States. Many… Read More
7 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Vacation
Do these rainy days have you dreaming up your next vacation? If you’re like me, after a long winter and (hopefully) a nice tax refund, you may be planning your next getaway. I have a thirst for traveling. I spent several years living abroad and traveling around the United States and Europe. As a 20-something millennial, this has been something… Read More
How to Be Healthy in Retirement
Retirement is an immense life transition and there are many positive aspects to look forward to. You may be eagerly anticipating more free time to take up a hobby, traveling somewhere new, spending more time outdoors, or maybe just enjoying things you haven’t had the time for in recent years. While your mind may feel the same as it did… Read More
Expressed vs. Unexpressed Wishes: Understanding What Your Customer Craves
Recently my husband and I went to Universal Studios Orlando – a magical place for adults and children alike. Although, we are big Harry Potter dorks and loved seeing the attractions, one thing we didn’t expect was the magic we’d feel. While we wanted the thrill of riding the grandest coaster and the delicious taste of our very first Butterbeer,… Read More
Can a Side Hustle Make You A Millionaire?
When you think of a side hustle, you may think of a 20 or 30-something millennial with a full-time job who also drives an Uber or mows lawns over the weekends. While this may not be the picture of a millionaire that you had in mind, you may be surprised to learn that side hustles are only limited by your… Read More
What Should You Do with Your Tax Refund?
Many people look forward to receiving a refund instead of paying taxes. Have you received or are anticipating a tax refund this year? A tax refund may feel like a bonus from the government. However, receiving a tax refund simply means you overpaid on your taxes last year and gave the government an interest free loan. This is money that… Read More
How to Talk to Your Kids About Money
When I was growing up, I went to a public school. There were no financial literacy classes offered to me. My parents, immigrants and new to the American financial system themselves, did their best to instill sound financial habits into my life. I knew I shouldn’t spend more than I earn, I should save for things I want, be wary… Read More
Where Should You Retire?
Do you have a retirement dream? Are the clear blue waters and warm sunshine of Florida calling you? Perhaps you’d like to move somewhere cold and enjoy views of snow capped mountains every morning as you sip your coffee. There are many considerations when deciding where you will move for retirement. Inheritance & Estate Tax For retirees, inheritance & estate… Read More
Are You Ready To Buy Your First Home?
You’re probably reading this because you’re considering making a huge financial step – buying your first home. After all, it is the great American dream; a beautiful home, two rambunctious yet adorable kids, a white picket fence and maybe even a dog. While setting goals and having dreams is all well and good, it’s important to do your research before… Read More
Our 7 Favorite Creative and Unique Scholarships
Every student has talents that are special and unique. While some kids are amazing at math, some are great writers. Some kids may not do well on standardized tests, but perhaps they are amazing interior designers or talented video producers. For current and aspiring college students, there are many unique scholarship programs available today that reward them for not only… Read More
The Power of Storytelling
Once upon a time, you were just a little kid. Your parents probably read you stories before you went to sleep. Children’s books are designed to teach valuable life lessons; often revolving around friendship, kindness, love and happiness. As every parent’s duty is to help teach their children to blossom into full-functioning adults, parents use the power of storytelling as… Read More
7 Ways to Rock Your Twenties: How to Invest in Happiness, Finances and Relationships
Your twenties are an exciting yet mysterious time. You want good relationships, healthy finances and to be in a general state of happiness. Although you have spent decades on this earth and have gathered years of knowledge and life experience, you are still discovering who you are and what you want and need from your life. As a 20-something myself,… Read More