Money

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  Money

  Let’s Start Openly Talking About Money

  Americans aren’t known for shying away from hot button conversations. From the constant political spin on 24-hour news stations to our obsession with celebrities and reality television, we pour ourselves into current events, ongoing controversies, and people’s lives. And, we have strong opinions on them.

  We seek endless advice and validation on raising children, arguments we have with friends, and which new restaurant we should try. But our openness knows boundaries because, for some reason, most conversations grind to a screeching halt when someone gets close to approaching the topic of money.

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  Money

  After You Die: I Love You, and Here’s the Money

  “Honey, if I die tomorrow tell my kids I love them, okay? Oh, and you too!”

  This is the gem I whisper to my beautiful wife almost every other day in case, God forbid, my time runs out on this great planet. She hates it every time because it freaks her out (rightfully so), but personally, I sleep better knowing she and my kids will always know how loved they are.

  The fact is, death is going to happen to us all, and we can’t control when. What we can control is how easily our loved ones can pick up the pieces after we’re gone. That’s why I’m prepared.

  You know what else feels great to know? That my wife and kids will be taken care of financially should my demise come sooner than hoped.

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  Money

  Addressing Retirement Fears: Q&A with Shannah Game

  Following up from our first article where we Addressed Your Financial Fears, there was a theme in a lot of your questions about retirement. You’re worried about retirement, and rightfully so. If you are under the age of 40, chances are your life expectancy could be well into your 90s if not 100s, which means you could spend 30+ years in retirement. You need to make sure that your money doesn’t expire before you do, which is a tough task in today’s economy.

  Don’t be upset if your 401(k) balance doesn’t have a ton of zeros after it. You guys had some thoughtful questions about retirement that will help set you all on the right path for retirement saving.

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  Money

  Addressing Financial Fears: Q&A with Shannah Game

  A couple of weeks ago I shared my financial fears in marriage and some tips and tricks I’ve used over the years to overcome them. I love doing posts like this because not only do I get to share the fact that I, too, have financial fears but it gives me an opportunity to find out if all of us have similar concerns. Spoiler alert: we do!

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  Money

  My Biggest Money Fears After Saying “I Do”

  I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a few after the bliss of the wedding day wore off and reality was upon us. Although many fears come and go, I’ve faced three major fears in marriage that I’m sure many of you can relate to. Rest easy, though, because there are solutions.

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  Money

  Financial Lessons Learned From Buying Your First Home

  Lauren Bowling from LBee and The Money Tree shares what she’s learned (both good and bad) from buying and owning her first home.

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  Money | Grow

  The Two Financial Planning Must-Haves [Part 2]

  In Part 2 of this series, Jeff Rose, CFP, shares how you can invest your first $2,000.

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  Money | Protect

  The Two Financial Planning Must-Haves [Part 1]

  Jeff Rose, CFP, shares the must-haves for protecting your wealth and how you can get started.

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  Money

  Will My Kids Be Better Off? [Study]

  “Will my kids be better off than me?” is a question at the forefront of every parent’s mind. It’s certainly something I think about for my two children.

  Today’s parents are increasingly called upon to provide for their children well into adulthood. It’s never too soon to start preparing our kids for a strong financial footing, and we’ll do whatever it takes to ensure it. However, our concern for the next generation doesn’t begin and end at financial wellness.

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  Money

  When Did You and Your Better Half Discuss Finances? [Infographic]

  Discussing finances with anyone is a tricky subject. Think of when it comes time to split the bill and you know you didn’t have as many drinks as your companions. Or, remember when you needed to tell your future spouse about salary, savings and credit score?

  Speaking openly about finances is a vital conversation for successful couples. However, despite this being an important subject, many Americans are having a difficult time taking the plunge and putting their finances out on the table.

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