Retirement is something we all dream about. We often envision it as a well-deserved reward after a lifetime of hard work. We imagine it as a time of rest and relaxation, golden years of worry-free ease. The reality is far different for the majority of us. Studies show, for example, 23% of Americans have less…
It has been a year of uncertainty across the United States and the world, and now more than ever, many small businesses are at risk. The number of small business owners had been steadily increasing in the United States, but after April, that number decreased drastically (yet with a partial rebound in May).1 Despite small…
For most people, October means pumpkin spice lattes and candy. But for HR people, it means “open enrollment” season. As you put together your educational information to introduce your team to their different options, one you might pay particular attention to is the use of high-deductible health plans (HDHP), specifically the ability to pair them with…
Happy New Year! Wait…aren’t we a little early (or a lot late) for that greeting? The truth is that for many people, September is the “real” new year, despite what the calendar says. And it’s easy to see why—after all that was traditionally the time we came back to school in a new outfit, maybe…
Have you found yourself taking on a Do-It-Yourself project lately? Whether you’re painting a wall, replacing a kitchen counter top, or repairing the deck outside, you’re not alone. Millions of people working at home these days have started DIY projects. Empty lumber shelves and back-orders for appliances in local and big box stores nationwide…
When it’s time to start a family, many parents-to-be are so focused on decorating the nursery and choosing the right car seat that they can overlook the life-altering impact a baby can have on their financial life. And we’re not just talking the exorbitant cost of diapers—we’re talking nearly 4 million dollars in “potential income.” These…
As we bask in the lazy days of August, there are subtle reminders that the change of seasons is around the corner – from the school supplies clogging the shelves of big box stores to that one tree whose leaves are reddening prematurely. Before the first pumpkin spice latte hits the neighborhood coffee shop, take a weekend…
If you’re a typical gig economy worker, you have multiple income streams. Maybe you drive for Uber, deliver meals for Grubhub, serve as a virtual assistant for several clients, and write a regular blog that generates ad revenue. Having multiple income sources can be an advantage during uncertain times. But the downside of gig…
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Work-related stress is the leading workplace health problem. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently included “burnout” in its new edition of the International Classification of Diseases, describing it as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” And the…
Many states across the United States have either initiated or passed legislation to offer paid medical and family leave to employees. If you have access to this benefit, you may question if you need supplemental disability insurance. The short answer is YES. While paid leave may offer financial assistance in specific situations, the need for…
