Financial Blog
Simplicity of Budgeting
Budgeting What is budgeting? Budgeting is a process for tracking, planning, and controlling the inflow and outflow of income. It is a process that we all begin soon after we get our first spending money. Relying on our overloaded minds to manage such a complex process has many shortcomings. The… Read More
Five Keys to Investing For Retirement
Five Keys to Investing For Retirement Making decisions about your retirement account can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel unsure about your knowledge of investments. However, the following basic rules can help you make smarter choices regardless of whether you have some investing experience or are just getting started. Don’t… Read More
Members of the Military: Personal Financial Planning
Members of the Military: Personal Financial Planning Financial planning is the process that can help you pursue your goals by evaluating your whole financial picture, then outlining strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and available resources. Just as the success of a military mission is dependent upon proper… Read More
Estimating Your Retirement Income Needs
Estimating Your Retirement Income Needs You know how important it is to plan for your retirement, but where do you begin? One of your first steps should be to estimate how much income you’ll need to fund your retirement. That’s not as easy as it sounds, because retirement planning is… Read More
Test Your Knowledge of Financial Basics How well do you understand personal finance? The following brief quiz can help you gauge your knowledge of a few basics. In the answer section, you’ll find details to help you learn more. Questions 1. How much should you set aside in liquid, low-risk… Read More
Getting Started? Establishing a Financial Safety Net
Establishing a Financial Safety Net In times of crisis, you don’t want to be shaking pennies out of a piggy bank. Having a financial safety net in place can ensure that you’re protected when a financial emergency arises. One way to accomplish this is by setting up a cash reserve,… Read More
Organized? Financial Record Organizing.
Maintaining Your Financial Records: The Importance of Being Organized An important part of managing your personal finances is keeping your financial records organized. Whether it’s a utility bill to show proof of residency or a Social Security card for wage reporting purposes, there may be times when you need to… Read More
The 911 on College Financial Aid 101
Financial Aid 101 Many parents pay for college with a combination of current income, savings, and financial aid. By learning the basics of financial aid, you’ll be able to understand how the aid process works and compare the aid awards your child receives. What is financial aid? Financial aid… Read More
Cash Reserve! Yes something to think about!
Cash Reserve What is a cash reserve? A cash reserve is a pool of funds (and sometimes credit) that you hold in a readily available form to meet emergency and other highly urgent, short-term needs. Sometimes, it is referred to as an emergency or contingency fund. Caution: Terminology is important… Read More
7 Steps of Investing Basics – Step 6 Mutual Fund & ETF Investing
Step 6 – Investing Through Mutual Funds and ETFs Presented by William Edward Blanken Jr You can invest in all three major asset classes through mutual funds, which pool your money with that of other investors. Each fund’s manager selects specific securities to buy based on a stated investment… Read More