Key Takeaways A first summer job for a teen often requires opening and managing their first bank account  Teens can learn the importance of saving up as well as the true cost of a splurge  Don’t forget to file a tax return if necessary The time-honored tradition of a summer job can help teenagers get […]

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Key Takeaways Understand the difference between long-term and short-term investment strategies For short-term investing, consider establishing a timeline for your priorities  It may be best to avoid forsaking your long-term retirement plan for a short-term financial goal While wrestling with pandemic-related shutdowns and a rough economy in 2020, many investors likely found it difficult to […]

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Key Takeaways The beginning of the year is a great time to make financial resolutions Take that first step and make your personal and financial resolutions for 2021 These five resolutions can be guidelines for helping you get your portfolio in shape for 2021 What’s not to like about making New Year’s resolutions, especially this […]

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Key Takeaways Use a monthly budget to track your income and expenses  Set realistic goals and be sure to make room for fun Monitor your budget periodically to compare budgeted items to actual income and expenses   Did you make a New Year’s resolution to create a monthly budget? If budgeting fell by the wayside along […]

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Key Takeaways Being single can be challenging financially without a second income or someone to share costs with Creating a budget that works for you includes writing down your financial goals You might be able to get help with an accountability partner or by sharing a living arrangement When you’re on your own financially, finances […]

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Key Takeaways As a gig economy worker, you need to prepare your own benefits package Taxes can be a challenge for the self-employed For investors, many gig economy platforms are publicly held companies There’s a lot being said about the gig economy these days, and for good reason—it’s seemingly everywhere. Here’s a did-you-know: Upwork’s seventh […]

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Key Takeaways Create a budget and track your inflows and outflows Understand the importance of an emergency fund Assess your goals for retirement, larger purchases, and debt repayment  It’s exciting to start your first “real” job, accessing a paycheck that allows you to live on your own terms. Although seeing that money in your bank […]

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Key Takeaways The forms you need to prepare your tax returns—including W-2s and 1099s—should start arriving by February Your income level and the complexity of your situation will determine whether you file Form 1040 or a 1040A You’ll also attach certain schedules if you have itemized deductions, capital gains or losses, or are self-employed The […]

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Key Takeaways You don’t have to decide to save or spend your bonus—you can divide it among various goals Invest your bonus by putting it toward long-term goals like retirement or college savings Consider paying down debt as one of the best ways to spend your bonus You just got your bonus check. Congratulations! Now, […]

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Key Takeaways Selling stock can help cover short-term cash needs but also carries tax implications Capital gains taxes may apply to any stock sales, depending on how long the shares were held Investors should establish and build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses If you’re like many investors, you sock money away and invest […]

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