Technology has changed nearly everything about the way we live, work, and connect including how scammers operate. Once upon a time, scams came in the form of clunky emails riddled with typos or too-good-to-be-true lottery wins. These days? The tactics are smoother, the impersonations more believable, and the emotional pressure far more calculated. Why the shift? Two letters: AI. Artificial intelligence has supercharged scammers' abilities. Now they can use AI to copy voices with just...
As spring arrives and the weather warms up, many people turn their attention to cleaning out closets and organizing their homes. According to a recent survey, about 80% of Americans have spring cleaning on their radar this year. 1 While most focus on the physical space, spring is also a great time to get your financial house in order. Refreshing your financial habits can reduce stress, provide structure, and uncover new opportunities to save money...
The world of finance is never static. It's an ever-changing landscape that reflects the ebb and flow of economic indicators, political events, and public sentiment. Lately, the chatter about market downturns and fiscal squabbles in Washington has reached a fever pitch. So, let's break it all down for better understanding.
As a long-term investor, you’re always thinking about what factors drive your investment returns. Unfortunately, many investors focus on things that cause short-term changes and actually have no impact on long-term market returns. It’s not their fault – these myths are so commonly believed that many so-called “savvy investors” would preach to you of their importance. To help you make informed investment decisions, let’s look at three investment factors that, contrary to popular belief, don’t...
What makes one investor stick with their strategy through market swings while another panics and pulls out? Often, it comes down to mindset. Your investing mindset can shape how you make decisions, respond to volatility, and pursue financial goals.1 Without a strategy that aligns with that mindset, it’s easy to make impulsive choices or lose sight of your long-term plan. The good news? You don’t have to be a market expert to invest. By understanding...
Can you relate to any of the following? “I should have bought that stock before the company went public!” “What a shame — I wish I had invested in that new tech before it went mainstream!” What’s the next “unicorn” that will make a fortune?” It’s common to feel this way. Many of us experience “fear of missing out” — or FOMO — in our financial lives. 1 When we do, it can cloud our...
When are you going to retire? How did you make that decision? Many of us look at finances and health when we’re deciding when to retire. Whether or not we realize it, we’re also considering our emotions and what we imagine for the future — we compare how we feel in our current circumstances to how we expect to feel in our anticipated retirement. 1 With that, we tend to overestimate our future emotions, thinking...
How many of your financial choices are based purely on logic? It could be fewer than you think. That’s because most of us make money decisions with our emotions in play. 1 With that, certain biases can follow. When they do, those biases can lead even the smartest, best-intentioned investors astray. Here’s how to recognize three common biases - hindsight bias, fear of missing out (FOMO), and survivorship bias - and avoid their traps. The...
Tax season might not spark joy, but a refund sure can. In 2025, the IRS estimates the average federal income tax refund will top $3,170. 1 That means a lot of folks are suddenly asking the same question: What should I do with it? Splurge? Save? Invest? The good news: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are a few options that tend to deliver more peace of mind and long-term upside. Here are five smart...
What will happen to your business when it’s time for you to take a step back? That can be a tough question that many business owners eventually have to face. Yet, far too many admit they don't have a formal succession plan in place. In fact, looking at family businesses alone, about 61% say they do not have a documented succession plan. 1 Why? Many business owners say they haven’t put together a succession plan...
What financial habits have helped you most in life? Which ones have held you back? No matter how you answer those questions, your money habits have a lot to do with how you grew up. 1 They also can be shaped by when you grew up. That’s because each generation can have a distinct perspective and different experiences shaping their approach to money and financial choices. With that, every generation can bring its own strengths...
Market volatility can feel like a rollercoaster. Thrilling on the way up, stomach-churning on the way down. Even seasoned investors get a little uneasy when the market takes a dive. But here’s the thing: While market fluctuations are inevitable, maintaining a disciplined investment approach has historically helped investors stay on track toward their financial goals. If market swings make you nervous, don’t worry. You’re not alone. We’re going to walk through some key strategies to...