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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Key Takeaways Even if you rely on your retirement funds for living expenses, you still need an emergency stash of cash How much cash you need varies by individual, but it should be enough to cover unexpected expenses Low yields everywhere make it hard to grow your savings, but some say to keep those funds […]

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Key Takeaways A financial checkup checklist might include automating contributions, staying disciplined, and sticking to goals As markets move, and as time passes, it’s important to review your portfolio and consider rebalancing allocations In times of uncertainty, an emergency fund might become a necessity Have you had your annual wellness screening? You know, the one […]

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Key Takeaways Learn how the SMART approach—making goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based—can help keep you on track Remember to review your life situation periodically and, if necessary, tweak your goal plan Let’s face it: Mom knows best. Wear a hat in the winter and sunscreen in the summer. Don’t play ball […]

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Key Takeaways Millennials are now the largest group of homebuyers Student debt continues to weigh on the would-be first-time homebuyer Millennial homebuyers are most interested in securing a low monthly payment Much has been said in recent years about how millennials won’t—or can’t—buy homes. However, the reality is that millennials are buying homes. In fact, […]

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Key Takeaways Financial health isn’t just about money; it also includes an emotional component A financial therapist or investing coach can help you get to the bottom of your emotional roadblocks when it comes to investing Money causes a tremendous amount of anxiety. It’s frequently cited as a source of stress as well as a […]

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