Plan
How to financially prepare for a baby in five simple steps
Starting a family is an exciting milestone, filled with both celebration and extensive preparation. Amidst decorating a nursery and planning a baby shower, it’s easy to overlook the crucial step of financially preparing for your new baby. As lackluster as this step may seem, it’s an imperative one. After all, according to recent data, the […]
Why future planning is important, and where to start
According to recent reports from a senior living referral service, Caring.com, 67 percent of Americans die without a valid estate plan, meaning that their assets, and end-of-life wishes, are distributed and upheld according to intestate succession laws. These laws establish the order of distribution of one’s assets – first to a surviving spouse or children, […]
Steps to buying a house: A guide for first-time homebuyers
Buying a home is one of the most exciting and important decisions you’ll ever make. With the average person staying in their home for 12 years, this purchase can have a mighty impact on your finances for the next decade or longer. While buying a home can feel like a daunting process, having the right […]
How to spot and report an IRS tax scam
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported that in 2023 alone, $5.5 billion was lost to tax-fraud schemes. With W-2s and other tax forms full of personal information, it’s easy for your private data to fall into the wrong hands. Whether they’re tricking you into clicking on malicious links, or impersonating a tax professional via social […]
How to finance summer fun with RV and boat loans
Summer is the perfect time for adventure, and there’s no better way to make the most of it than with a recreational vehicle (RV) or boat. Whether you’re planning cross-country road trips or cruising the open waters, securing the right financing and understanding the financial commitment can make your dream a reality. Lenders design RV […]
How to budget for your first big vacation
Vacations can serve as a relaxing reward for accomplishing a career milestone, meeting a financial goal, or celebrating a life change. However, the last thing a vacation should do is add stress to your life upon your return. Recent data suggests that travel prices are on the rise. A family of four can travel to […]
How to freeze your credit
According to the Federal Trade Commission, over 1 million reports of identity theft were filed in 2023, with nearly half of those reporting the opening of fraudulent credit cards. If you’re not actively shopping for a credit card or loan, freezing your credit is a smart security move. Let’s break down how to place a […]
Four smart ways to spend your annual bonus
According to the latest data from the career firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, roughly 66 percent of employers awarded a year-end bonus in 2023. With bonus payouts on the decline in recent years – as much as 36 percent at some companies – it’s more important than ever to strategize how you’ll spend any extra […]
Is it better to pay off debt or save first?
If you’ve ever found yourself stressed about a lack of emergency savings, you’re not alone. Bankrate reports that nearly 60 percent of U.S. adults feel they don’t have enough in savings, and over 25 percent don’t have a savings at all. Additionally, the Federal Reserve Division of Research & Analysis recently reported that over 77 […]
How to prepare your finances for holiday spending
‘Tis the season to be shopping! According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are expected to spend nearly $990 billion in November and December alone – an increase of 3.5 percent year-over-year. While the average holiday shopper is estimated to spend over $2,100 this winter, Empeople members are uniquely positioned to save while they spend. […]