10 Easy Ways to Get Your Finances Fit For Summer

By Mikey Rox

"Summer is just around the corner, and the warm weather and extra free time can put a big ding in your finances. Stay proactive about potential summertime overspending by implementing these smart strategies that'll have you headed into the season financially fit. "-A quote from the article

All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan

by -Elizabeth Warren & Amelia Warren Tyagi

Elizabeth Warren, offers a new way of thinking about and managing your money that will allow you lifelong emotional peace and financial well-being. You work hard and try to save money, so why is there never enough to cover all the bills, to put some away in your child’s college fund, to pay off your credit card debt—or to relax and have some fun, for once?The secret? It’s simple, really: get your money in balance. Warren and Tyagi show you how to balance your money into three essential parts: the Must-Haves (the bills you have to pay every month), the Wants (some fun money for right now), and your Savings (to build a better tomorrow). No complicated budgets, no keeping track of every penny. Warren and Tyagi will show you a whole new way of looking at money—and yourself—that will help you get your finances on track so you can enjoy peace of mind for the rest of your life. (Amazon)

5 Smart Financial Steps to Take During Summer

Give your finances a mid-year checkup this summer season.

By

Trent Hamm

"Summer is here. Children are out of school. The weather is hot. Half of the year is already gone. Summer vacations are happening. People are starting to look ahead at what's coming for the rest of the year.If you find yourself indoors on a hot and humid afternoon, there are several little financial tasks that are worth completing. Here are five personal finance tasks that you should consider tackling in the heat of the summer. "-A quote from the article

The Biggest Reason You Should NEVER Use Your 401(k) to Pay Off Debt

By Alix Langone-Money 

"Bankruptcy among older Americans is on the rise, and some of those who ultimately file sacrifice their retirement savings in the process.

This is a mistake, experts say, because funds in your 401(k) are protected in bankruptcy by federal law. So even if most of your assets are seized to repay your creditors, your retirement account is considered exempt and can’t be touched. “You don’t want to use your 401(k) or IRA money to pay any debt that can be discharged in a bankruptcy,” Clark says. Dischargeable debt includes credit card debt and medical debt. “If it can be discharged in a bankruptcy, the government is acknowledging that it is ok to save that money for the future. You’re being encouraged to hit the reset button and protect that money for the future.” " Excerpt from Article

10 Money-Smart Ways Freshmen Can Prepare for College

Summer is the time for incoming freshmen to earn cash, secure more financial aid and learn to budget.

By Susannah Snider, Senior Editor, Personal Finance

US News & World Report

"Use Summer to Search for, Secure More College Funding​Even after the madness of applying to college, earning an acceptance letter and selecting a school, incoming freshmen still have some college preparation ​to do. Summer is the time to start gearing up financially​ for school, including assessing affordability, saving and reading through financial documents. " Excerpt from article.

Travel Scams

By Federal Trade Commission Blog

Sightseeing, sunbathing, skiing — who doesn’t like a good vacation? But don’t relax just yet. Whether it’s promising free or discounted trips, posting phony rental listings, or telling timeshare sellers they’ve got a buyer lined up, scammers are working to get a cut of your hard-earned travel money. Here’s what you need to know to avoid a scam.

7th Annual Trolley

Wine & Beer Tasting Gala

May 1st, 2019