In a two-parent household, raising children can be quite the task. Raising children as a single parent brings additional challenges, stressors, and responsibilities – many of which are financial.

Though financially stressful, it’s important to remember that it’s possible to raise a child on your own and have a stable financial life. It merely requires discipline and planning. So, if you’re a single parent and feeling a bit overwhelmed, use these steps as a guide to help you achieve financial security.

It seems like yesterday that my daughter, Nina, turned one year old and was an adorable, chubby little girl. Now, she’s a beautiful 15-year-old teen who loves reading, skiing, tennis, travel, choir, and piano. As a parent, I feel the urgency to teach her essential life skills before she goes off to college, especially around financial literacy and money management, which are critical for her success and happiness.

So, this blog post is written for her and the teens in your life. Be sure to share it with them.

2020 was a year of pivoting - business owners pivoting to adapt to the changing market environment, and others having career changes “forced” upon them. As humans, we prefer the familiar, the predictable, the strategy that gives us the long view. But when it’s not forced upon you, change can be incredible, especially as you begin to feel the urge to make a career change. Many people ignore the nagging feeling because it’s easier to maintain the status quo than embark on a transition that may be overwhelming or stressful. There can be fantastic opportunities and fulfillment waiting on the other side for those who boldly choose a career pivot.

If you’re considering a career change, I advise you to determine your Why, What, and How. Let’s dig in.

With anticipating changes in tax laws happening next year, it's time to review your estate plan to ensure it will continue to achieve your goals by minimizing estate taxes. 

The federal government currently imposes a gift tax on lifetime gifts and an estate tax on transfers on death.  A properly structured estate plan can reduce taxes by taking full advantage of the available tax exemptions, specifically the gift and estate tax "unified credit".  The unified credit permits every individual to transfer a specific amount of assets (an "exemption") tax-free either during their lifetime or at death. 

When you’re young and just starting out, retirement seems so far away. There are more pressing things to spend your money on rather than focusing on your savings goals. Then you find the love of your life, maybe buy a house and start a family. Before you know it, your kids are looking at colleges, and, “suddenly,” retirement seems to have snuck up on you. Hopefully, you have not encountered too many of life’s obstacles and unforeseen expenses that can often derail a good savings plan. Life happens, though.

Perhaps you feel like your nest egg is growing too slowly. That’s okay; time and perseverance will get you where you want to be. Or perhaps you’re on the opposite end, and you’re not sure if you’ve saved enough.

Regardless of where you are in saving for retirement, one of the best ways to save is to set up small savings goals to help you feel that you are making progress along the way. Hitting the small goals can keep you going, especially when finances are tough or when something comes along to derail your plans.