In this blog article, we'll explore the key considerations involved with combining or separating finances in a legal union or divorce.

Merging lives with a partner or spouse can be both challenging and rewarding. Yet few aspects of this process are as complex as deciding whether to combine finances—and if so, how.

Indeed, sharing a financial life with another person offers a variety of joys and benefits, such as collaboration, mutual support, and shared financial goals. But it can also lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and in extreme cases, divorce.

In fact, numerous studies show that money is the number one source of contention among married couples. Furthermore, arguments about money are a top predictor of divorce in countries like the United States, according to data from the National Survey of Families and Households.

How you navigate the journey of combining finances as a couple, or the potentially tumultuous task of separating finances during a divorce, can have a substantial impact on your financial health and overall well-being. Whether you’re taking the next step in your relationship or unwinding one, the following considerations can help you maintain your financial stability and avoid potentially costly missteps.

Although tax season is behind us, you may still be feeling the sting of an unexpectedly high tax liability. If you were caught off guard this year, now can be a great time to take steps to proactively reduce next year’s tax bill.

Most people tend to wait until year-end to implement tax savings strategies. However, by making smart money moves now, you can avoid the last-minute rush and ensure you’re financially prepared for next tax season. 

July tends to be a significant month for all Americans, as it marks the annual celebration of our nation's independence. However, it also plays host to a lesser-known event—National Financial Freedom Day, which takes place on the first of the month. Both occasions pay tribute to a common thread: the pursuit of freedom.

Indeed, true financial freedom means having the financial resources to cover your living expenses indefinitely without having to actively work to generate income. When you are financially free, you can live life on your terms and spend your time as you wish without worrying about money.

For many people, financial freedom is within reach. However, it typically requires careful planning and discipline. In this blog article, we’ll explore five steps you can take to set yourself on the path to financial independence.

April is National Social Security Month. With the future of Social Security in question, financial planning will become increasingly important for those seeking a secure retirement.

Social Security has long been the cornerstone of American retirement.

According to the Social Security Administration, nearly 67 million Americans will receive monthly Social Security benefits in 2023. Meanwhile, approximately nine out of ten seniors aged 65 and older were collecting Social Security benefits as of December 31, 2022. 

Indeed, many older Americans rely on Social Security as a key source of income in retirement. Yet with recent projections showing the program’s reserves are likely to run out by 2033—one year sooner than previously estimated—Social Security may no longer be the retirement bedrock it once was.  

The future of Social Security may be uncertain for some time. Nevertheless, careful financial planning will be necessary for those who hope to retire comfortably one day.

For the last several months, economists have debated whether a U.S. recession is imminent and if so, when it will take hold of the economy. Meanwhile, investors anxiously anticipate what an economic downturn may mean for their portfolios.

If you're feeling a sense of unease or apprehension, you're not alone. Uncertainty can raise questions and fears, especially when your hard-earned savings and investments are at stake.

In this article, we’ll explore what a recession is, why experts are divided on its likelihood, and the potential implications for long-term investors.

Consider these five tips to avoid unnecessary headaches this 2023 tax season.

The 2023 tax season is officially here, which means most taxpayers will be filing their tax return within the next two months. If you tend to stress about squaring up with Uncle Sam, there are steps you can take to help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible this year.