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When inflation is high, holiday traditions like decorations, family gatherings, and gift-giving may feel like burdens. Rising prices may leave you wondering how to maintain your spirit without breaking the bank. Learn how inflation affects seasonal spending and some tips to keep your celebrations merry and bright.

Year-end charitable giving is often associated with the spirit of doing good during the holiday season. It gives the donor a feeling of satisfaction and, in some cases, a substantial tax write-off. However, one question that often comes regarding charitable donations is: should you spread out your donations throughout the year or give a donation all at once?

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great times to find amazing deals, but they’re also a prime time for scammers. While you’re hunting for bargains, stay alert to avoid getting caught in a scam. Here are some common tricks to watch out for so you shop safely.

Your credit and Social Security number are two of the most important pieces of personal information that you have when it comes to safeguarding your finances and even your identity. Having compromised credit significantly limits your options for everything from buying a car or home to being approved for a loan, and even getting certain jobs.

As a military family, you face challenges and opportunities in managing your finances. Planning for your financial future is important, regardless of where you are in your journey. Here are a few key financial considerations for military families.

Every year, the holiday season sneaks up on us and, before we get to turn around, it’s over. This frenzied time of year is filled with shopping excursions and office parties, and it’s easy to let financial planning slip through the cracks at the very moment when it may have the greatest impact. Here are some tips for timely year-end planning that may make a big difference.

In 2017, the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) offered many different taxpayers a variety of benefits including changing deductions, depreciation, expensing, tax credits, and other tax-related items. The provisions were never intended to be permanent, as they had a termination date unless Congress moved to keep the benefits in place.

Inheriting comes with many emotions, from sadness to confusion to perhaps even joy or relief. An inheritance can take various forms, such as cash, properties, stocks, bonds, property, or other assets. The person leaving the inheritance, the decedent, will likely specify how their wealth will be distributed through an estate plan or will at their death.

If you have a 401(k) plan at work and need some cash, you might be tempted to borrow or withdraw money from it. But keep in mind that the purpose of a 401(k) is to save for retirement. Take money out of it now, and you'll risk running out of money during retirement. You may also face stiff tax consequences and penalties for withdrawing money before age 59½.

Contributing to a 401(k) plan is an excellent method for saving for retirement. There are many benefits to having a 401(k) plan, and you often hear that you are supposed to max out your account. Yes, that is true, but not so fast. Consider these four reasons why you may not want to max out your 401(k) right away.