Money Matters

The road to retirement is a crucial aspect of financial planning. It involves various factors that influence when and how one can comfortably retire.  Early Entry into the Workforce: A Head Start Beginning your career at 18 can significantly shape your retirement journey. An early start allows more years to contribute to Social Security, potentially … Read more

Managing your credit score can definitely be challenging. You might be engaging in habits that negatively impact your credit score without realizing it. So, being aware of the things that lots of us do unintentionally that can damage your credit score helps you avoid these same missteps. 1. Missing or Late Payments Even a single … Read more

We’re constantly bombarded with videos and ads promising the dream of passive income—money flowing in while you sleep. But here’s the harsh reality behind those too-good-to-be-true schemes. 1. “Anyone Can Do It” They claim anyone can earn passive income, but that’s a lie. Without significant upfront investment or skills, most people will struggle to see … Read more

Managing finances is one of the most critical aspects of being an entrepreneur or freelancer. Without a steady paycheck, keeping track of your income, expenses, and taxes becomes even more important to ensure the long-term sustainability of your business. Whether you’re just starting out or are well into your freelancing or entrepreneurial journey, these top … Read more

Deciding whether to use a credit union or bank can be tricky, but knowing what features are important to you in a financial institution is a great place to start.  Considering Your Options If you’ve ever wondered whether banks or credit unions are a better fit for your money, reviewing what each option has to … Read more

If your education stopped short of teaching you how to manage your finances, these tips can help you get on the right track.  Closing Gaps in Financial Education For some reason, most schools still don’t include personal finance lessons as part of the standard curriculum, leaving young adults in the lurch as they go out … Read more

The cost of living in the United States varies widely, with certain states exhibiting significantly higher expenses than others. This variation impacts everything from housing to healthcare, influencing where people choose to live and work. Understanding the Cost of Living Index The cost of living index measures the relative price levels of goods and services … Read more

Discover why West Virginia (WV) is the optimal retirement destination. With stunning landscapes, affordable living, and a rich cultural heritage, it provides a unique blend of tranquility and community. Explore the practical reasons that make the Mountain State an ideal place for retirees to call home. 1. Music Heritage West Virginia has an awesome music … Read more

The path to financial success is less about luck and more about the traits you cultivate along the way. From the boardrooms of Silicon Valley to the bustling start-up scenes in cities like Austin and Boulder, certain personality characteristics stand out. Here are 21 traits that many financially successful individuals seem to share, offering a … Read more

The U.S. is facing a growing pension crisis that could spell disaster for many states and their residents. These looming financial threats, exacerbated by inadequate funding and poor investment returns, could lead to severe budget cuts and tax hikes. Here are 15 states where the pension crisis is most alarming: 1. Illinois Illinois has a … Read more