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Investing in your Future
The questions that come after you’ve built your wealth
Preserving wealth requires asking different questions from the ones that built it. Once you’ve accumulated meaningful assets, the focus shifts from growth

Brian Smith
1 day ago2 min read


Stay one step ahead of cybercriminals
Your financial security is only as strong as your digital security. A single stolen password, convincing scam or fraudulent investment offer can lead to lost savings, damaged credit or hours spent recovering compromised accounts. As our financial lives move increasingly online, protecting your personal information is part of protecting your financial future. Cybercriminals are getting smarter, and technology like AI is making their job easier. But fortunately, some consisten

Brian Smith
Oct 12 min read


Simple budgeting tips that fit real life
If you’ve just started managing your own finances, recommitted to doing it well or noticed your spending isn’t making you as happy as you’d hoped, a budget might be exactly what you need. When you know where your money is going, you’re likely to feel more in control and more confident your finances reflect what actually matters to you. A simple budgeting framework to start: The 50/30/20 rule One of the easiest ways to structure a budget is the 50/30/20 rule. The concept is r

Brian Smith
Sep 172 min read


Building your child’s education fund, one brick at a time
Every solid house starts with a good blueprint and a strong foundation. Saving for a child's education is very similar.

Brian Smith
Aug 202 min read


Your credit score matters more than you may think
Your credit score can play a surprisingly big role in your financial life. From renting an apartment to getting a cellphone plan, your credit score can open doors or close them.

Brian Smith
Aug 132 min read


Small habits help shape a stronger financial future
Financial security doesn’t have to come from a big salary, a lucky investment or some dramatic turning point. For most people, wealth is built more simply, through small habits repeated many times over.

Brian Smith
Jul 22 min read


Five questions that could change how you see retirement
Saving for retirement is important, but it’s only part of the picture. If you’re within five to 10 years of your target retirement date, it’s time to start thinking about what you actually want your retirement to look like. After all, getting to retirement isn’t the end goal — it’s what you want to do once you’re there that matters. Start by asking yourself these five questions.

Brian Smith
Jun 112 min read


Sustainable investing means investing with purpose
When you think about investing, you probably want your money to grow. But maybe you also want it to make a positive difference in the world while you continue pursuing your financial goals. That’s the foundation of sustainable investing — an approach that considers environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors alongside traditional financial analysis.

Brian Smith
Apr 272 min read


Take charge of your debt, one step at a time
If you’re dealing with debt, you’re far from alone. More than 80% of U.S. households carry some form of debt (2025 Federal Reserve report), and since 2019, total household debt for Americans has increased more than 31%, to $18.59 trillion.

Brian Smith
Mar 192 min read


Unlock the full potential of your 401(k)
Your 401(k) is one of the most powerful tools for securing your financial future. The question is: Are you using it to its full potential?

Brian Smith
Feb 263 min read


Love languages can help you enjoy Valentine’s Day on a budget
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, the most meaningful expressions of love often cost little to nothing. The key is understanding your partner’s love language and tailoring your approach accordingly. When you know what makes your partner feel truly valued, you can create memorable experiences without the financial pressure that often accompanies this holiday.

Brian Smith
Feb 122 min read


Tax-saving moves you can still make for 2025
Tax season is upon us, and while April 15 may seem like it’s right around the corner, you still have time to make some strategic moves that could lower your 2025 tax bill. Whether you’re looking to reduce your taxable income or set yourself up for a more secure financial future, these options are worth considering.

Brian Smith
Jan 292 min read


New tax laws for 2026 that you should know
The new year brings more than resolutions and fresh starts; it also ushers in several tax changes that could affect your wallet. Whether you’re saving for retirement, funding your child’s education or supporting your favorite charity, here’s are a few things you need to know about the tax landscape in 2026.

Brian Smith
Jan 222 min read


Putting your aging parents’ wishes first
As your parents grow older, it may be time to talk with them about financial and aging issues, which may involve difficult conversations.

Brian Smith
Jan 152 min read


Join the trend with these New Year resolutions
With the new year around the corner, many people are setting goals for 2026. After months of rising prices on everything from milk to mortgages, money-related resolutions are prominent. One out of four Americans (27%) plan to make 2026 the year of their financial comeback, according to 2025 research from Edward Jones and Morning Consult. Others will continue with previous goals (21%), start from scratch (20%) or catch up on missed goals (14%). Here are their top three finan

Brian Smith
Dec 31, 20252 min read


Take control: Why budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive
Let’s be honest: The word “budget” doesn’t exactly spark joy for most people. It can feel restrictive or even generate feelings of guilt about past spending choices. But what if budgeting could feel empowering? When done right, it’s simply about understanding your money and making sure it aligns with what truly matters to you. Who needs a budget? While nearly everyone can benefit from budgeting, it’s especially helpful if you’re just starting out on your own, if your expense

Brian Smith
Dec 24, 20252 min read


Managing risk at different stages of life
As an investor, you will always need to deal with risk of some kind. How can you manage the risk that accompanies the volatility of the financial markets? The answer depends somewhat on where you are in life.

Brian Smith
Dec 11, 20252 min read


Is this a good year for tax-loss harvesting?
Thanks to market swings, evolving tax laws and new technology, it may be a good year to consider tax-loss harvesting – a strategy that can help reduce taxes and improve long-term returns.

Brian Smith
Dec 4, 20252 min read


Making the most of your Health Savings Account
When it comes to saving for healthcare costs, few tools are as powerful as a Health Savings Account (HSA). Yet many Americans don’t take full advantage of it.

Brian Smith
Nov 26, 20252 min read


Generosity meets strategy with tax-savvy donations
Giving to charity feels good, but understanding the tax benefits can benefit both the charity and you. Whether you donate regularly or are planning your first gift, knowing how charitable tax deductions work can help you make informed decisions while supporting causes you care about. Here are things to consider.

Brian Smith
Nov 20, 20253 min read
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