As you ring in the holiday season, why not have some fun? Test your knowledge of the hidden stories behind holiday giving with our annual holiday quiz. Enjoy! Question 1: While wrapping gifts finds its origins in 2nd century China, the popularity of wrapping holiday gifts in colorful paper is attributed to what reason?A. When…

Year-end is more than just wrapping gifts and planning celebrations – it’s the last chance to make smart money moves that can reduce taxes and set the stage for a confident start to the new year. Use this checklist to help cover the essentials.   Check tax withholdings. Do a quick check to see if your…

Plenty of tax changes are lining up as the calendar turns toward 2026, and knowing what’s coming can help you stay a step ahead. Before then, there’s also several moves to make filing your 2025 tax return as easy as possible. Preparing to file your 2025 tax return Gather records to support deductions for no tax…

We used to fix things. Then came mass production and making gave way to buying. But something’s shifting. Again. Welcome to the rise of the DIY economy. Here’s a look at what’s driving this shift and how you can participate. The solution is at your fingertips You no longer need a workshop full of specialized…

Money impacts nearly every part of life. Whether you’re just starting your career, running a household, or trying to grow your savings, understanding a few key terms can give you a real advantage. Here are 5 financial terms that you should understand to help better manage your money 1) Net Worth = Assets – Liabilities…

Consider conducting a final tax planning review now to see if you can still take actions to minimize your taxes this year. Here are some ideas to get you started. Review your income. Begin by determining how your income this year will compare to last year. Since tax rates are the same, this is a good…

In a time when information is always at our fingertips and digital tools dominate daily life, there’s something quietly appealing about picking up a pencil, winding a watch, or playing a record. Here’s what appears to be driving the trend to operate without screens or batteries. Imperfection is the new perfection Technology has continually moved…

A growing number of students are saying no to paying for higher education with student loans. Here’s how to join the growing number of students graduating debt-free, often by using unconventional approaches.   Serve before studying: Military service. Military enlistment remains one of the most reliable routes to a fully-funded education. The Post-9/11 GI Bill not only covers…

Property taxes are still on the upswing in many parts of the U.S. To help get a handle on your property taxes, here’s a look at what goes into determining your bill and a few ideas that may help to reduce it. Background Property taxes are typically calculated using two factors: The assessed value of…