Money Management
Cents and Sensibility: Nurturing Financial Fluency in Families
Studies have shown that an overwhelming majority of parents are reluctant to discuss financial matters, even basic money principles, with their children. In this most recent article, we look at some simple ways parents can begin having the money conv...
Money Management
Debt Healthy & Wise
Understanding how to use and manage debt wisely is critical to financial well-being. Starting conversations around loans and credit early on will help to instill healthy money habits. In this article there are ways for you as parents to discuss with ...
Money Management
Sharing is Caring
Sharing is caring. In addition to the positive psychological and physical benefits of charity and giving, teaching children to be philanthropic can promote social responsibility and encourage compassion and empathy. In this article there are differen...
Money Management
Needs vs. Wants
When children/grandchildren start thinking about that next set of purchases they have in mind they want to start saving for, don't miss this golden opportunity to discuss with them the concepts of needs versus wants and financial tradeoffs. As part o...
Money Management
This Month We Celebrate Financial Literacy Month
April is National Financial Literacy Month! As part of TFO Life Academy’s objective to equip the future generation with tools for financial success, we will be posting a new article with suggestions for practical ways of teaching financial concepts...
Buying A Car
To Lease or Buy a Car? That’s the Question
Leasing continues to grow in popularity among many new car buyers. People who formerly purchased their vehicles now wonder whether they should lease instead. Let’s look at an example to determine what might be best for you.
Cybersecurity
Protect Your Information From Prying Eyes
As more and more consumers search for financial information on the Internet, they may inadvertently leave themselves open to being “tracked” by certain companies and individuals. Visitors to financial Websites have created a large mass of informa...
Getting/Newly Married
Calling All Newlyweds: How to Get a Financial Head Start
If you are newly married with no children, you may have a special opportunity to build your savings and investments. In this article, we outline four financial “I do’s” each newly married couple should consider.
Career
What Job Seekers Should Know About Background Checks
Background checks allow companies to evaluate potential employees and assess whether a candidate is the right choice. As an applicant, it is important to understand the various laws and regulations you are protected by, as well as what information…
Cybersecurity
Be on the Lookout for Scams Around Tax Time
As the tax deadline creeps up on us, identity thieves continue to ramp up their efforts to take advantage of our personal information. Here are some tips on how to best protect yourself.
Credit & Debt
The Lure of Credit Cards – The Minimum Payment Trap
One primary factor contributing to the savings problem in America is the continued reliance on credit cards to purchase things one wants but does not necessarily need. Here is an example of the long-term impact of falling into the minimum payment tra...
College prep
Student Spending in College: A Beneficial Course in Budget Basics
One extracurricular activity that every student should master before heading off to college is personal money management. Typically, a student’s day-to-day spending is done on an ad-lib basis, meaning that overspending is the norm, rather than the ...
Money Management
Six Ways a Budget Can Help Boost Your Savings
Students and young adults have all heard about the importance of developing a budget. But, do they know why a budget is so important? Or Perhaps they simply spend what they must and save whatever’s left over. In either case, given the limits of the...
Fun Facts
How Many Cups of Coffee Do Americans Drink Each Day
Ever wonder what the typical coffee habits of U.S. adults are? Here we highlight the average number of cups of coffee Americans drink each day.
Loss of a Loved One
Coping with the Financial Challenges of Losing a Spouse
When you lose your spouse, evaluating your finances may take a back seat to more pressing concerns. But even amid the grief that accompanies the death of a loved one, it is important to assess your financial and legal situation to avoid making any ra...
Cybersecurity
Your Television Might Be Spying On You
Those internet-connected devices can be a gateway for hackers. We tend to think relaxing with our smart TV and favorite show wouldn’t necessarily be a security risk, think again.
Credit & Debt
Keeping On Top Of Your Credit Rating
The use of credit in today’s world is pervasive. People charge meals in restaurants and purchases in boutique shops, pay for appliances on the installment plan and obtain loans to buy homes and automobiles, take vacations, and pay for schooling. Th...
Credit & Debt
Crack the Code on Credit Scores
We break down the factors utilized to calculate credit scores and the actions you can take that have the greatest impact. Maintaining a high credit score is essential to good financial health and can have long-term benefits.
Money Management
10 Money Mistakes Millennials Should Avoid
Many millennials, even those with good educations and solid careers, are making financial mistakes. And some are making them over and over, digging a hole from which it may take years to climb out.
College prep
Education: One of the best Investments You Can Make
It wasn’t long ago when an individual went to college, got an education, and embarked on one career that usually lasted a lifetime. Many companies provided on-the-job training, and little emphasis was put on the idea of going back to school to cont...
Fun Facts
America’s Fastest Drive-Thrus
In a hurry this weekend? Check out our list of America’s fastest drive-thrus to help ensure you’re not stuck in line the next time you are hungry.