How Long Should I Keep My Tax Records?
Whether your tax documents are filed away or in a folder on your desktop, you may be wondering, “Just how long do I really need to keep all of this?” As with many tax topics, the answer is: it depends!…
A Hidden Tax: Does Your State Have Its Own Estate or Inheritance Tax?
In the realm of estate planning, many people in the United States have heard of the estate tax but think it does not apply to them, instead seeing it as an issue for the “1 percenters.” They are partially correct…
Financial Tips for Traveling Abroad
One of the greatest joys in life (well, for me, personally) is traveling abroad. Before embarking on an international trip, you may have marked off the usual checklist items of packing your luggage, booking a place to stay, hiring a…
Understanding Lender Ratios and Credit Score Before Buying a Home
I’ve been working with the 3rd Decade program* as a volunteer mentor for over a year now. As I progress on my mentor journey, I continue to see a common goal among my mentees: home ownership. I have found that…
What You Need to Know About the Updated FAFSA
As we usher in a new year, the countdown to college is well underway for millions of students nationwide. Amidst the anticipation, it’s important to know about the changes coming to the 2024-2025 version of the Free Application for Federal…
2024 Contribution Limits
For 2024, there are several material contribution limit increases across retirement accounts. A very good practice is to contribute enough of your salary to receive at least the employer match. Also, pay raises often present an easy opportunity to increase…
End-of-the-Year Financial Checklist
The end of 2023 is quickly approaching. Before your calendar is filled with holiday parties and finding the perfect gift for your next White Elephant gift exchange, here are some financial checklist items you might consider before saying goodbye to…
Should I Enroll in My Company’s ESPP?
Do you have access to your Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)? Beyond your base pay, bonuses, and potential for stock compensation, participating in an ESPP is potentially a great opportunity to enhance your overall compensation package. Prior to enrolling,…
Are You an Above-Average Investor?
Are you an above-average driver? Well, the reality is that ~80% of drivers think they are above average, even though that’s mathematically impossible. And it is not limited to driving, as a number of studies show people rate themselves as…
Make the Most Out of Your Open Enrollment Period
It is that time of year again! As we approach the holiday season, many employers will open their employee benefits enrollment period for the year ahead. Are you prepared to take full advantage of the benefits that are offered? Beyond…
