Tag Archives: personal finance

Gift-Giving Made Easy: How to Write Checks as Thoughtful Presents

With the holiday season quickly approaching, you may have a long list of family, friends, and acquaintances that you plan to exchange gifts with. While you can take the time to conjure up ideas of the perfect gift for everyone on your list, there’s always a worry that you’ll gift someone something they already have, don’t like, or would rather pick out themselves.

Luckily, one thing nearly everyone can agree on is that receiving money as a gift is always welcomed. Plus, there’s a way to gift money in a thoughtful way that doesn’t lose the personal feel of holiday gift-giving — by using a personal check.

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How Election Season Affects Your Finances

The 2024 presidential election is quickly approaching. Among the many questions and concerns surrounding this momentous event, many folks are concerned about what the potential results of the election could mean for their finances.

While there’s no way to predict with full certainty what will occur, historical data and expert insights give us a glimpse into what we might be able to expect.

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Creating a Holiday Spending Plan: Balancing Gifts, Travel, and Festivities

Before you know it, the holiday season will be in full swing. From gift-giving to festive gatherings and long-anticipated travel plans, there’s plenty to look forward to this time of year. However, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement and let costs spiral without realizing it.

According to PwC’s 2024 Holiday Outlook survey, overall holiday spending is expected to increase by 7% from last year, ringing in at a total of $1,638 per shopper on average.

Whether you anticipate spending more or less than this amount, creating a holiday spending plan can help you stay on budget and avoid overspending. This way, you’re ready for every occasion and don’t have to miss out on any precious holiday moments.

Below, we’ll walk through some simple steps to creating a solid holiday spending plan.

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Checks in Estate Planning and Trust Funds

According to LegalZoom, over half of Americans, or 56%, think estate planning is important for end-of-life planning. So, even though this process can feel overwhelming, taking thoughtful steps now can ease the burden for your loved ones later on.

One way to make the process more straightforward is to organize your financial matters. This includes setting up clear methods for disbursing funds, like using paper checks. By being proactive with these details, you not only make the process easier but also give your family peace of mind, knowing that everything is in order.

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The Evolution of Checks: From Paper to Digital

Checks have long been the cornerstone of personal and business finances. They provide a secure and traceable way to transfer funds, an easy method to make a financial gift or donation, and a reliable payment form that doesn’t require you to have access to technology when initiating a transaction.

Though checks have evolved dramatically over the years, their purpose and benefits remain unchanged. Let’s take a look at how checks have evolved over the years and why they continue to stay relevant in the digital age.

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The Enduring Relevance of Checks in Today’s Digital Finance World

Despite the rise of electronic transactions, checks remain significant in personal and business finances in 2024. Some people simply prefer to write checks rather than send electronic payments. Plus, checks can even be a more secure payment method.

With numerous digital payment options, why do people continue using checks? Below, we’ll explore the advantages of check writing in 2024 and the various ways people continue to use checks in the digital age.

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Retirement Planning: Traditional vs. FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early)

Retirement planning is a topic that can seem distant and overwhelming, but it’s a crucial aspect of financial well-being. Traditionally, people have followed a linear path of working for decades, saving diligently, and retiring around the age of 65. However, in recent years, a new movement called FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) has gained popularity, challenging the conventional retirement narrative. In this blog, we’ll explore both traditional retirement planning and the FIRE movement, highlighting their differences, similarities, and the factors to consider when choosing your path to retirement.

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Financial Literacy: A Critical Skill We Should All Have

In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, financial literacy has emerged as a critical skill that individuals of all ages and backgrounds should possess. Yet, many people still lack a fundamental understanding of how to manage their finances effectively. In this blog, we will explore the importance of financial literacy, its impact on individuals and society, and how you can take steps to enhance your financial knowledge.

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Weathering the Storm: Thriving with Rising Interest Rates

In the complex and ever-shifting landscape of personal finance, few elements are as influential and perplexing as interest rates. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the world of finance, understanding and effectively combating interest rate changes is a vital skill. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of interest rate changes and discuss strategies to navigate these fluctuations with confidence.

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How to Make Plans for your Tax Refund in 2023

It’s that time of year to start asking yourself what you’ll do with your 2023 tax refund. Many are excited to get some cash back but sadly blow through the funds as quickly as they came. It’s time to make a plan on what to do with the money before it gets into your hands. That way, you’ll be able to make better choices and set yourself up for a successful year!

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