Debt Management
Rebekah Eason
Holiday Cash for Students

By: Becky Eason, CFP®

The holidays are upon us and although 2020 isn’t a traditional year people are still getting into the holiday spirits. Gifts have become a huge part of the holidays, which we all know can add a lot of additional stress. This year there is the added stress of what is the best way to get gifts to loved ones? Shipping can be expensive and you risk packages getting delayed, lost, or broken so I wouldn’t be surprised to see more monetary gifts be given.


Holiday Cash for Students
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Finding Ways to Save for College

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Finding Ways to Save for College

By Kate Welker, CFP®

It is again the back to school season. Preschool through college school will look different for students this year, but one thing is the same. The changing of the year, feeling of a fresh start, and thinking about the future year ahead. For older students we are discussing college plans and for those of you with young children you may be thinking about planning for your children's eventual college. With a growing student loan debt load in this country how to pay for college is a concern we like to address. I wanted to share some thoughts on a few unique ways to think about saving for education.

Estate Planning 101

Estate Planning 101

Estate planning can sometimes come across as a section of planning that is completed later in life after retirement has begun and “it’s time” to start thinking of life’s next stage. Au contraire, estate planning is a part of one’s portfolio that deserves equal attention pre and post the date of retirement. The time is now! As net worth, investments, personal property, real estate, relationships, and other intrinsic items change in status, value, and possession over the years, it is important to consistently update (or begin creating) your estate planning documents.

Below are some introductory terms for those stepping into the estate planning process

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The Pandemic Has Changed How Parents Save for College - Here’s How to Get Back on Track

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The Pandemic Has Changed How Parents Save for College - Here’s How to Get Back on Track

By: Ann Arceo, CFP®

As parents, we want what’s best for our kids and education is top of the list for many of us. Of course we had no way of knowing that this year would disrupt and change so many of our plans. From an economic downturn to school closures, 2020 is a year we won’t soon forget. As we’ve scrambled to adjust our family routine to make this school year work, it can be easy to put off planning for a future goal like college that’s years down the road.

If you can relate to that feeling, you’re not alone. A recent CNBC article highlighted a survey showing “16% of parents saving for college paused their contributions” while 13% reduced contributions and 17% planned to withdraw funds” because of financial concerns due to the pandemic. Worrying about your finances during this time is certainly understandable, but the one rule parents should keep in mind when saving for college or any major financial goal is that time is one of your biggest assets. By starting early, you’ll ultimately need to save less given that your money will have time to grow. So if you’ve started saving and stopped or even if you haven’t started saving at all, the 4 steps below can help you make a plan and get on track.

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College Planning Through a Pandemic

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College Planning Through a Pandemic

We are in a period of uncertainty, in particular around the education system. Some colleges that opened their doors for in person learning have already switched to online classes, within just a couple of weeks. For future college students what does this mean for your college planning and student loans?


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So Long Summer Slump, School is in Session

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So Long Summer Slump, School is in Session

Summer's end is here and school is back in session! Is your family prepared? It is important to reflect on this unique summer and prepare both yourself, parents, and students for the upcoming months ahead.

5 Benefits of Budgeting

5 Benefits of Budgeting

Budgeting is considered to be one of the first (and most crucial) steps to create the road map to financial success. They can range from daily, weekly, or even monthly estimated expenditures. However, many individuals and couples do not partake in the budgeting process due to the idea of time constraints, extra work, and the idea of having to “cut items”.

While the idea of a budget may be challenging, the benefits far outweigh any initial hesitations.

Continue below to see 5 of the many benefits to gain by starting a budget ASAP!

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An Entrepreneurship's Journey

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An Entrepreneurship's Journey

Five Years of Independence and Entrepreneurship!
June 1, 2020 celebrated FIVE years of independence and becoming an entrepreneur. I can hardly believe it's been that long. It's been an interesting journey to say the least. For those of you that were with me at the start of the journey, the words, "thank you" don't seem sufficient enough words. For those of you have have joined us along the way, we are so honored you've selected us.

Starting your own business is hard work, I new it would be when I set off on the journey. Typical to my personality, I planned for "what could go wrong" and worried about it all the time. I will admit, it certainly started out a little rocky with significant challenges, as some of you may remember the flash crash of August 2015.

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Raising Children Who Understand Money

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Raising Children Who Understand Money

One of my goals as a parent is to raise my children to be aware of the value of money and as they age to develop healthy financial habits. I have had friends ask my advice on this and have seen social media posts from parents of young children asking for input. The hardest part of this is just like everything else in parenting, you will need to find what works for your family and for your children or the children in your life. We are so excited we have become a Sammy Rabbit official partner and have been able to bring Sammy’s Dream Big story program to you! This is geared towards children ages 7-10 and is a storybook coloring book and activities to teach financial literacy.

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Five Money Moves for Graduates

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Five Money Moves for Graduates

Graduation, the day you’ve worked towards for years. Once you walk across the stage (or should we say proverbial stage this year) and take that diploma a new stage of life begins. There will be many new decisions and actions ahead of you, but here are a few simple moves to take as you enter that next stage of life.

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