You’re likely planning to give some extra love to family and friends this time of year. But what about your dog walker or babysitter? If you haven’t already, consider showing appreciation for your service providers with a gift or bonus gratuity. After all, now is the time to “say ‘thank you’ and wish people well for the next year,” says … Continue reading
2020 asked a lot from us. We faced new challenges and reckoned with old ones, and often the world’s problems collided with our own individual needs. Help — whether in donations or even just attention — might’ve been hard to give when you required some yourself. If your finances are in better shape this giving season, you can be more … Continue reading
If you want to build momentum for your New Year’s money resolutions, set some financial improvements into motion before the end of the year. Here are six easy-to-implement steps to help boost your net worth going into the new year. 1. Mind your health insurance deductibles End-of-the-year financial planning strategies aren’t always this well-timed: “My son’s birthday is December 29th. His due … Continue reading
When you think of Black Friday, the first thing that pops to mind is probably gift buying. But many of those gifts will also need to be returned — and there are going to be lots of gifts this year. The National Retail Federation expects this year’s spending to be 8.5% to 10.5% higher than last year. Knowing and understanding … Continue reading
Whether out of choice or necessity, many people spent less money in the last year and a half on things like entertainment, clothes and furniture. For some, that meant holding on to more of their income. If you were able to save some cash, you’ve set yourself up to withstand future financial crises, especially if you can continue saving. Keep … Continue reading
Gratitude makes us more aware of the sources of joy, wonder and hope in our lives. Being grateful also can improve health, strengthen relationships and help us manage our money. Developing gratitude requires us to focus on what we have rather than on what we lack, says Meghaan Lurtz, a senior research associate with financial planning site Kitces.com and past … Continue reading
Finally, as the country reopens, you’re likely seeing more of your friends. Out with the video chatting and in with the high-fiving, hugging and, well, spending. For every dinner, there’s a check to pay; for every wedding, a gift to buy; and for every concert, a ticket to score. You may notice that you and your reunited friends handle these … Continue reading
A midyear financial review is often a good idea. This year, it’s almost essential. With people going back to offices, travel resuming and Congress making significant changes to various laws affecting your finances, consider taking some time to check in on your money. You might be able to make some smart moves to reflect the new realities. Budgeting See where … Continue reading
After more than a year of navigating lockdowns, mandates and COVID-19 protocols, small-business owners are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. But the debt many needed to take on to weather the pandemic still casts an ominous shadow. In 2020, 79% of small employer firms (up to 499 employees) reported having outstanding debt, up from … Continue reading
We’re three months into 2021. Let’s check on those financial New Year’s resolutions. (Remember those?) Quite possibly, they’ve already gone awry. Maybe you planned to build a $1,000 emergency fund, but the balance is still zero. Or perhaps you swore off takeout, yet you’re scraping the last bite of chow mein from a paper container as you read this. Don’t … Continue reading
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