Many resourceful parents aim to do everything they can to help their children through each stage of life: childhood, emerging adulthood, and, for some, even retirement. Before considering whether to save for your children’s retirement, it’s essential to first make sure you can finance your own post-work life chapter, says Chris Long, CFP®, of Chicago-based [...]
When it comes to taxes, every little break helps, which may be why tax holidays are so popular. Each year, a number of states give consumers a break on paying sales tax, for a couple of days or up to a week, on items like clothing, footwear, school supplies, and even computers. In 2015, sixteen [...]
Last spring, when my 16-year-old nephew told his father he was excited to get his learner’s permit, my brother cringed. He had dreaded this day. Driving lessons and driving permits would help his son get the necessary practice to be a confident driver, but my brother knew that the number one threat to his son’s [...]
Do your dreams include a vacation home of your own in your favorite resort? Are you daydreaming about a place where you can vacation on your family’s terms and create memories that your children will always remember? This could be the perfect time to turn that dream into reality. Resort areas were hit hard by [...]
When my husband and I were preparing for the birth of our son nearly 12 years ago, we were daunted by everything we were told we were supposed to have. It looked as though having a baby would bankrupt us. Today, costs are higher, and the list of things you should supposedly have for baby [...]
The biggest threat to your finances could be your friends. It may seem counter intuitive that the people closest to you could negatively impact your financial life, but too often, people will spend more than they can afford in order to keep up with the lifestyles of those around them. It’s called “relative deprivation,” and [...]
Today, one in four women in marriages bring in more income than their husbands, which is up from six percent in the 1960s. Whether you are a man or woman, the pressure to bring home the bacon can be overwhelming. As our society shifts, having more women breadwinners can lead to resentment and failed relationships [...]
You may have considered leaving an inheritance to someone close to you—a child, a sibling, or perhaps your best friend. While it’s nice to know that you might make someone’s life a little easier by giving him or her money, real estate, or personal property, it’s also daunting to figure out how to go about [...]
Many seniors (or their adult children) have to confront the reality that they can no longer live independently in their home. Moving into an assisted living community may be an attractive option, but choosing—and paying for—the right facility can seem overwhelming. The move to assisted living requires careful planning. It’s important to ensure you’re getting [...]
If you’re a parent who is planning on selling your home, it’s a good idea to keep some child etiquette rules in mind before your showing. You can make sure your child doesn’t derail your chances of selling your home by making some key preparations in advance. Helping your child understand his or her age-appropriate [...]
