Medical expenses can extend way beyond the bill you receive from your doctor’s office. If you have a high-deductible health plan, you may be privy to a health savings account (HSA). With an HSA, you can deposit tax-free funds earmarked for paying off a range of medical costs including copayments and deductibles. Here is a closer look at the basics...
Health Savings Account 101
Topics: Financial Education, Lifestyle
Emergency Fund Basics
The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic downturn might have exposed how fragile your finances are. As the economy begins to recover, it’s a good time to consider building an emergency fund to help protect you in the future. Consider this information as you start to put money away:
Topics: Financial Education
Do You Need to Make Quarterly Tax Payments?
If you have worked as an employee of a company or another person for most of your life, you are probably used to having taxes withheld from your paycheck and filing one yearly tax return. However, if you are self-employed, you likely need to pay estimated taxes, which are due on a quarterly basis.
Topics: Financial Education
Creating a Budget Online
Budgeting is notorious for being a hassle. Thanks to these mobile apps and web-based services, you won’t have to pore over your finances for hours or mess around with spreadsheets. Here’s a look at four online tools that take the tedium out of building a budget:
Topics: Financial Education
Online Check Deposit Basics
Finding time to visit your financial institution during business hours to deposit a paper check isn’t always easy. Fortunately, you might have access to a 24-hour online check deposit option. If you have a smart device with a camera and a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection, this is a fast, convenient, and secure way to deposit funds into your account.
Topics: Personal Banking, Financial Education
How to Live on a Fixed Income in Retirement
Before retirement, you probably had the chance to increase your income, such as by earning promotions or changing jobs. But during retirement, it’s more common to live on a fixed monthly income determined by your savings. This can force a different approach to your personal finances and perhaps even to your lifestyle. Follow the tips below to help...
Topics: Retirement, Financial Education
College vs. Trade School
Continuing your education after graduating from high school is a serious, personal, and complicated decision. You might automatically think college is the way to go, but then you calculate the time and money a college education requires and your sure thing doesn’t seem so sure. Trade or vocational schools offer certification and training in a...
Topics: Financial Education, Family
Benefits of Investing
You work hard for your money — now it’s time to make your money work for you. When you invest, you have the chance to build wealth and diversify your streams of income. Here’s a look at what investing can do for you:
Topics: Financial Education
What Is a Certificate of Deposit Account?
In the world of investments, certificates of deposit (CDs) occupy a middle ground. They provide you with a guaranteed interest rate in return for keeping a specific amount of money in an account for a set period of time. CD accounts typically offer better interest rates than traditional savings accounts, and are a less volatile option than stocks...
Topics: Financial Education
Teaching Your Kids the Basics of Finances
Learning how to handle, where to invest, and what not to do with money are skills everyone needs to be successful in life. The earlier kids are introduced to smart money-management practices, the better prepared they’ll be to handle their finances when they leave the nest. Teaching your kids how to protect their money is a lesson with unlimited...
Topics: Financial Education, Family
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