These days, people worry about locking their front doors, but they often forget to secure something even more valuable—their personal data. From credit cards to Social Security numbers, a growing amount of information lives online. And while you might feel secure with a strong password or a trusted bank, cybercriminals are finding more ways than ever to get past those walls. Identity theft protection is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s becoming a smart consideration for anyone with a digital footprint.
What Is Identity Theft?
Summer and saving don’t usually go hand in hand. Most people are thinking about vacations, barbecues, and long weekends—not budgets or the winter months ahead. But the truth is, summer is actually a great time to take a few financial steps that could make life easier later. With fewer year-end obligations and more time to review your habits, you can set yourself up for a stronger finish to the year.
Small moves now can turn into peace of mind when expenses start to stack up around the holidays. Here’s how to use this season to your advantage.
When the economy starts showing signs of strain—whether it’s inflation, layoffs, or a volatile stock market—it’s natural to feel anxious about your financial future. Fear-based decisions rarely lead to long-term stability, but there are smart, practical steps you can take now to help shield yourself from potential disruptions. Below are several money moves to consider if you’re feeling uneasy about what lies ahead. Each of them is grounded in long-term financial health—not reactionary cuts or panic pivots.
Cryptocurrency has shifted from fringe curiosity to a mainstream investment class. From Bitcoin to Ethereum—and now thousands of altcoins—digital assets continue to attract attention from seasoned investors and curious first-timers alike. But alongside the headlines of overnight gains and decentralized dreams is a murkier, more complicated reality.
Divorce changes almost every part of life—your routines, your relationships, your finances, and often, your sense of direction. Amid the emotional and logistical toll, it’s easy to overlook how significantly a divorce can also change your tax situation. From filing status to claiming dependents, taxes after divorce come with new rules and frequently, new decisions.
Understanding what to expect ahead of time can help you avoid surprises and start your next chapter with more financial stability and less stress.
Sudden money can feel like a gift—and, in many ways, it is. Whether the funds arrive through an inheritance, a legal settlement, a business sale, or another unexpected event, the moment can change your life in ways you didn’t plan for. What many people don’t realize right away is that it also comes with a long list of financial questions, decisions, and consequences.
Losing someone close to you is never easy. The grief comes in waves, often when you least expect it. And just when you're trying to navigate those emotions, you're handed a pile of paperwork and deadlines—many of them involving taxes. Few people are prepared for that moment, yet it’s one most families will eventually face. Knowing what to expect can make this difficult chapter a little less overwhelming.
Who Takes Care of the Tax Matters?
A new home comes with excitement, hope—and often, a lot of paperwork. While most buyers focus on curb appeal, location, and loan approvals, few think to consult their CPA before signing a contract. That can be a costly mistake. Your CPA doesn’t just file your taxes—they understand how a major purchase like a home can affect your financial picture for years. Before you commit, there are some questions your CPA hopes you’ll ask.
How Will This Home Affect My Tax Situation?
Summer is usually considered to be a time for fun and relaxation. For those who are lucky enough to get the summer months off, it can also be a time to add to job skills, credentials or even the household coffers. For that, a summer job can’t be beat. Whether it’s a casual part-time job for your child or a foray into a new field where you can test the waters for a possible career change, summer jobs are full of potential
Why Summer Jobs Matter
Throughout history, there have been times when the economy has gotten so bad that we dipped into a recession. A recession isn’t as bad as a depression. Even younger generations will have heard of The Great Depression, thanks in part to shows like The Waltons, and stories passed down from grandparents. A recession isn’t considered as bad as a depression, but it can be bad enough that people can lose their savings, their homes and even their dignity. History repeats itself and we’re bound to have a recession sooner or later. What can you do to prepare for it?
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