Employee & Family Readiness Blog

Preventing Identity Theft

A 2017 study estimated that identity thieves stole $16 billion dollars in 2016. Once identity thieves have your personal information, they can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit cards, open new utility accounts, or get medical treatment with your health insurance.  Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to safeguard your personal information and prevent identity theft.

Get Control of Your Debt

Online shopping and easy access to credit cards can make living above your means an easy prospect. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, American households carried credit card balances totaling $815 billion dollars in 2018.

Invest in your Financial Health - Saving for College

There's no doubt that a college education can be costly. If you start planning and saving for college tuition as early as possible, you can benefit from various incentives and reduce the financial load later on. First, estimate how much you need to save to meet college expenses. Then, research your savings options. Some college savings account options come with substantial tax benefits or other incentives. In each case, carefully consider the potential risks, costs, and limitations before investing any money.

Tax Time Savings Tips

According to a 2016 report from the Federal Reserve Bank, 46 percent of consumers indicated that they either could not pay for an emergency expense of $400, or would need to borrow or sell something to do so. Saving throughout the year can be tough.  It may feel like every paycheck is spent before you get it.  You might not have access to an easy way to save, like a separate account or automatic deposit from your paycheck.

If you’re going to get a tax refund, it may be the single biggest lump sum you will receive all year.  You can take advantage of tax time to prepare yourself for unexpected emergencies, or plan ahead for the future.

What You Should Know - Financial Literacy

Did you know that if you have a balanced personal budget, save for unexpected emergencies, and save for retirement, you create positive health benefits? Financial debt and poor budgeting can impact relationships, psychological well-being, and your ability to retire.  You should regularly reflect on your spending, saving, and ability to reach your financial goals. A good first step is a financial wellness check-up.

Does your Elderly Loved One Need Help?

As our parents and elderly relatives age and experience increased health problems or cognitive changes, completing daily living skills may become more difficult or even impossible. Loss of independence and trouble completing daily tasks can occur incrementally or suddenly. When parents become less able to care for themselves, a family member often takes on the responsibility of assessing whether or not additional help is needed for their parent to continue living independently.

What is Elder Law?

Elder law focuses on the legal, financial, medical, social, and family issues affecting seniors, people with disabilities, and their families.