Ah, the new year! It’s a chance to hit the “reset” button; to make a fresh run at those things we’d like to do better. And for many of us, financial planning is at or near the top of the list.  First question: Do you have a budget in place? Are you tracking what goes […]

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When planning a road trip, you want to take the most direct path to your destination. So like many people, you probably use a GPS to map out your route and minimize delays. You can use this same approach for managing your finances. A financial plan is like a GPS for life. It can help […]

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American homeowners may be eyeing mortgage rates today and wondering how much higher they can go. For much of this year, 30-year fixed mortgage rates, 15-year fixed mortgage rates, and other traditional mortgage loan rates have climbed, in step with a Federal Reserve that’s gradually taking its foot off the monetary policy accelerator. This poses […]

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Each generation has its own set of attitudes and beliefs, but all of them, including millennials, share a common goal: financial security. Seven out of 10 millennials consider themselves savers, not spenders, according to the TD Ameritrade 2018 “Millennials and Money” survey. On average, they expect to be completely financially independent by age 25, and […]

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Key Takeaways Weigh the pros and cons of buying a home versus renting Understand the total cost of ownership (TCO) Tips on saving and budgeting for a house Buying your first home can be one step toward fulfilling the oft-pursued “American Dream.” But it’s important to pursue your vision of homeownership—and everything that comes with […]

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Key Takeaways Understand the difference between long-term and short-term investing strategies     For short-term investing, establish a timeline for your priorities  It may be best to avoid forsaking your long-term retirement plan for your short-term financial goals Whether you’re a young investor starting out, or a more seasoned investor saving for the kids’ college or your […]

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Key Takeaways Manage overall expenses to build wealth quickly Get in the habit of setting aside money regularly to save aggressively Set clear, long-term personal and financial goals, which will help you accomplish more Financial success, and what it means to be wealthy, is in the eye of the beholder. But many of us would […]

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Key Takeaways People can buy a second home with the longer-term aim of making it their primary home Long-term maintenance costs and tax implications are among key considerations for prospective second-home buyers If you rent out a second home for more than 14 days, you must report rental income to the IRS Many Americans dream […]

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