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No, I’m not talking about that “B” word! I’m talking about that curse word known as a BUDGET. I commonly refer to your budget as “Lifestyle”. Now, I’m not talking about a budget in the sense that everyone has to have an itemized spreadsheet or spend countless hours a week micromanaging transactions. In generalities, a budget is having an idea of how much income is coming in and how much in expenses are going out. At some point, you will need to carefully manage income and expenses, so why not start practicing today?

Springtime is here! Spring brings a sense of renewal and optimism after the long dreary winter months. As the warmer weather moves in, we tend to find ourselves feeling more motivated, ready to clear out the old and bring in the new! Spring cleaning is a popular tradition for many, as it provides a chance to clear out any stagnant clutter and stale air. We kick off the season with scrubbing, organizing, and decluttering all of the physical aspects of our home and lives. This year, in addition to tidying up your home and other physical aspects of your life, why not do the same for your finances?

Are you trying to make aggressive payments on student loans? If so, this is certainly an effective new strategy that can be utilized to shelter income from state tax that did not exist prior to the passing of the Secure Act.

"It’s no secret that student loan debt is a major problem in this country. Many individuals in the generation that is now having babies and raising children are still paying down student loan debt. As a result, parents and grandparents are thinking more proactively about saving and planning for college expenses. Here are my favorite three strategies to save for college expenses."

By Brandon Carter, CFP®, CIMA®, ChFC®, AEP®, MSFS

By Brandon Carter, CFP®, CIMA®, ChFC®, AEP®, MSFS