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Transportation is probably one of the largest line items in your monthly budget. Gas, insurance, maintenance, repairs and even car washes can add up quickly. But there are ways to save on the ride you already own. 1. Gas Use an app like GasBuddy or Gas Guru to find the lowest price to fill your tank. Maintain proper tire inflation and plan your errands to avoid backtracking for maximum fuel efficiency. Especially as the temperature heats up, running the A/C can lower gas mileage, so roll down t

Whether you mow lawns, stock shelves or help a businessowner with social media, here are some tips for success on your first job. But first of all — congrats! Getting a job is a big accomplishment. You should be very proud of yourself. Someone is placing a great deal of trust in you. This is likely the first of many jobs in your life, and you have the chance to develop good habits and skills that will serve you well now and in the future. 1. Impressions matter Always present yourself profession

We all know the fable about the tortoise and the hare. And just like in the fairy tale, the tortoises of financial planning — the ones who slowly but steadily achieve — usually come out on top. If you delay planning and saving for retirement, that could leave you in the role of the frantic hare, racing to catch up before you reach the finish line. To help you plan your trajectory on the retirement race course, here are some mile markers for each decade of life. Your 20s The best time to launch

Creating — and sticking to — a household budget is the cornerstone of a sound personal financial plan. Here’s how to make one in 10 simple steps. 1. Pick a system There’s no shortage of budgeting apps and online tools available. You can also use a basic electronic spreadsheet or even pen and paper, if you prefer. But whatever your approach, select a convenient and flexible system to capture and categorize your income and expenses over time. 2. Track current spending Keep track of everything you

Saving for retirement and a child’s college fund at the same time is no different, but that’s not to say it’s easy.

An employer-provided financial professional can help you plan for a successful retirement and navigate a wide array of financial decisions and challenges. Unfortunately, many people fail to take advantage of this valuable resource because they believe one of the following myths: 1. Financial advisors are only for the rich You could actually make the opposite case — a financial advisor is even more important for those who aren’t independently wealthy. Good financial advice can make the differenc

Sticking to a budget is hard enough normally — and things are anything but normal right now. Unfortunately, this is one more area of our lives that’s a lot more complicated since the pandemic began. Just as many folks are rethinking how they work and grocery shop, it’s a good idea to look at your household budget and consider whether some adjustments are in order. Budgeting is about planning ahead. But before you do that, review changes in your spending habits since the COVID-19 crisis began. W

Having a financial advisor is like having a tennis or baseball coach. While you want them to track your performance throughout the year during routine practice, there are also key moments during a big game when you look to them for important advice. So, when exactly should you touch base with your advisor? 1. When you land your first job This is an excellent time to schedule a meeting with an adviser about setting up a monthly budget and starting to save for retirement. If your employer offers

There are plenty of ways to romance your sweetheart without breaking the bank. All it takes is a little planning and creativity. Dining on a Dime Dinner reservations may be difficult to book this February 14th, and even if you can score one, it’ll probably come with a hefty price tag. Why not cook up a meal from scratch with some romantic ambiance at home? Lay out a white tablecloth, light some tapers, eat off the good china and prepare a dish they’ll love, whether it’s spaghetti and meatballs,

Creating and maintaining a household budget is a powerful tool for achieving financial goals. But these eight budgetary blunders could tank your best efforts to stay on track. 1. Omitting occasional expenses You (hopefully) don’t have to repair your car on a monthly basis, but it’s unrealistic to pretend it’ll never happen. And just because you don’t know when the next breakdown will be, that doesn’t mean you should leave an occasional bill from your mechanic out of your budget. For unpredictab

Retirement can be a rewarding and exciting time. Make the most of yours by preparing ahead so you can relax and focus on all the fun stuff ahead.

You’re eyeing center-hall colonials in your neighborhood and dreaming about the garden you want to plant in the backyard and all the holiday celebrations you’ll host. You’ve saved toward this goal and think you’re ready to pull the trigger. But the real question is: How much house can I afford? Or is it? Perhaps a better question really is: What else do I want to afford? In other words, do you want to get the most house possible, with little left for a new car — or that European getaway you’ve

Perhaps you’ve lost a job, faced an illness or have been dealt a family crisis that emptied out your emergency fund. What are your next steps? Take stock of your situation First of all, stay calm. It’s much harder to make difficult decisions when you’re upset. Try not to panic and seek the support of friends and family — and the advice of a financial advisor. Every situation is different, so there are no hard and fast rules that apply to everyone, but here are some general points to consider as

The prospect of a larger-than-expected tax bill is one common source of anxiety, but so is the possibility of making a mistake that runs the taxpayer afoul of the IRS.

Here are five ways to overcome those pesky, persistent loan balances.