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Recent Financial Articles

Make the most of your money.

So, you're going to be a parent. Exciting? Yes. Scary? Certainly. While finances may seem to be a daunting part of your new, more fiscally responsible life, this is just the beginning of navigating all that having a child brings. No doubt, you want to be debt-free with a solid retirement plan in place and the ability to take care of college costs. Don't be afraid to ask for help from a professional to put a plan in place designed to reach your goals—the best way to overcome fear is to acknowledge concerns and make a plan to address them.

We all like to think our children or grandchildren are practically geniuses, but some things just don't come intuitively. Wise money habits, for example. Everyone needs to learn the value of a dollar, how to make money work toward our goals and how to protect our financial legacy, even little kids. In fact, the sooner you start the better. When your little ones aren't so little anymore, you'll have the comfort of knowing they understand and appreciate the power of financial planning and the role money plays in their lives. But how do you know what's appropriate at every age and the best way to impart these important life lessons? Follow along as we walk through the milestones that mark the path to financial literacy and, hopefully, wisdom.

With marriage comes excitement—and reflection for where you've been and where you're headed together in life. Enhance all of the positivity surrounding this new stage with proactive discussions and planning to make sure you and your spouse are on the same page long before you say, "I do." Remember, you're in this together. Your lifelong commitment also means working together to ensure you reach your shared goals long after the wedding bells have rung.

Wealth alone cannot buy a quality retirement any more than it can buy happiness—but having a solid financial foundation can make those years more enjoyable.

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