The back-to-school season can be a stressful time for parents as they prepare to equip their children for another year of learning. From school supplies to clothing and extracurricular activities, the expenses can add up quickly. In this financial blog post, we'll provide parents with valuable tips and strategies to help you manage back-to-school expenses without breaking the bank.

You may have heard the term “trust” discussed in financial advising or estate planning conversations, but what exactly is a trust? In the most basic terms, a trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are held for the benefit of someone else (the beneficiary). There are many types of trusts for various goals, and complex trust law makes it necessary to hire an experienced attorney to help you establish one. But learning the basics can help you figure out if a trust is right for your planning needs, and your financial advisor can certainly help guide you in the right direction.

You’ve likely done careful budgeting to figure out how to finance your vacation, so the last thing you want (besides a health-related setback!) is an unexpected medical bill. Travel health insurance can help provide financial protection if you need medical care while abroad. This not only can provide peace of mind, but it can help you avoid potentially devastating financial losses if you become sick or hurt.

Charitable donations have long been a way for individuals to give back to their communities and support causes they care about. However, many people may not realize that charitable donations can also have tax benefits. By donating from your IRA, you may be able to achieve tax savings while also making a difference in the world. Read the full article here to find out more.

For various reasons, the state of a woman’s financial security often depends on her marital status. A study from the U.S. Government Accountability Office says that women’s household income dropped by 41 percent after divorce, nearly double the size of the decline men experienced. In 2020, women earned just 82.3 cents on the dollar compared with men, according to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, a gap that was more pronounced for women of color. And women earn less than their male counterparts in nearly every occupation. Whether you are newly divorced, widowed, or single by choice, the following tips could help you shore up your financial security.

A Health Savings Account, HSA, is an account that can be opened by individuals who are under high-deductible health plans. The basis of the account is that it has tax advantages and allows individuals to save for certain medical expenses. Read more to find out about the benefits and downsides of HSA's, as well as what medical expenses are covered.