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Credit cards have revolutionized the way we manage our finances. However, this convenience comes with its own set of risks, including credit card fraud. As technology advances, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals to steal sensitive financial information. According to Bankrate, in 2021, the FTC dealt with nearly 390,000 reports of credit card fraud, with US losses projected to reach $165.1 billion in the next decade.1 Protecting yourself from credit card fraud is vital for financial security and peace

Achieving financial independence is a goal that almost everyone has. It brings you the personal freedom to do what you want. For most people, however, debt is a significant roadblock. In fact, the average adult has around $103,358 in debt.1 This includes all types of consumer debt, such as credit cards, personal loans, student loans, mortgages and auto loans. The good news is that there are strategies to pay down debt and work toward financial independence. How can you do this?

January is Financial Wellness Month, which means it’s a good time to remind people to plan and update their financial strategy.  Now is a great time to connect with your financial professional to discuss your financial situation and aspirations for the future. You should also assess if your financial strategy needs any adjustments or changes based on your lifestyle.  Defining Financial Wellness  The first thing to do is define what “financial wellness” means for you. This varies drastically from person

U.S. Markets  Stocks moved higher in the final three months of the year as bond yields trended lower in growing anticipation of a potential Fed easing.  For the three months ending on December 31, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 12.5% while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index picked up more than 11%. The Nasdaq Composite, which led throughout 2023, led again, tacking on nearly 14%.1  A Shaky Start  As satisfying as the fourth quarter’s results were, the quarter began

The new year is almost here, and now is the time to create financial goals to help you set yourself up for a more financially stable future. Sometimes, getting your finances organized can be a daunting task, but setting a few yearly goals can be easier than you think. Start the year off right by getting started on the five financial goals listed below.  Draft a Monthly Budget Even though this may seem like an obvious goal, many people find

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back on your 2023 financial journey. Did you achieve the goals you set out to accomplish at the beginning of the year? Did you experience unexpected financial challenges? Were there areas where you excelled and others where you fell short? This blog will guide you through the process of checking in on your annual financial goals, evaluating your performance over the past year, and setting meaningful goals for 2024.

Giving Tuesday is celebrated on the first Tuesday of December each year. It is a day dedicated to the selfless act of giving and has rapidly gained prominence as a global movement that encourages generosity, charity, and community involvement.   Here, we’ll unwrap the history, significance, and impact of Giving Tuesday and share some ways you can give back this season.   A History of Giving Tuesday  The story of Giving Tuesday begins with 92nd Street Y (92Y), a cultural and community

November is National Family Caregiver Month, an opportunity to honor the physical, mental, and emotional effort caregivers put into their role every day. When looking after a loved one, it’s important to understand the financial challenges this life milestone can create.   Whether by choice or necessity, many caregivers may find themselves retiring early. If you’re exiting the workforce, there are a few things to consider making sure you and your family are supported.   How to Plan for Becoming a Caregiver 

Open enrollment (the annual period when you can enroll in major medical health insurance plans), begins November 1, 2023, and will remain open until January 15, 2024. You will need to enroll by December 15, 2023 for coverage that begins January 1, 2024.1 For someone looking to change or add coverage, this offers a short window of time to decide on and select your health insurance plan. To avoid a hasty decision to meet this deadline, take some time now

As the holiday season draws near, most people are thinking about their finances over the next few months and budgeting for how they can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Which is perfect timing because October is National Financial Planning Month! Let’s use this month to celebrate the importance of proper financial planning and share some tips and tricks on how to get your financial planning in order. Create a Budget The first step in understanding and taking