Category: Smart Money Tips

What do you really know about finance?

How would you rate your financial literacy?

Most folks say they’re very knowledgeable about financial matters.

But guess what?

Only about 1 in 3 folks can score 80% on a simple financial literacy quiz.

And only 7% answer every question right.

So, how will you measure up?

Can you beat 93% of your fellow Americans?

Let’s find out and take the financial literacy quiz.

What Your Bills Could Look Like in 2030

Sticker shock at the grocery store? Price hikes at the pumps?

Prices are going up and spending more for basics can be startling.

Do you remember the first time you noticed prices increasing? It often happens so gradually that we don’t even notice.

Inflation is often more complicated than we realize and it’ll be with us for the rest of our lives.

So, what could prices look like in 2030?

Let’s find out by looking at some historical data, and projecting how prices for things like food and housing could go up.

What would make your life better?

A new house or car? A bigger paycheck or bank account?

It’s easy to want more when you think of being happier and living better.

And there’s little doubt that money can buy some (more) happiness.

But the happiness we get from money is fundamentally limited.

It leaves us wanting more, and it’s not enough on its own to enjoy a truly satisfying life.

The reality is a lot of the things that can make us happy and enrich our lives have nothing to do with money.

And some of the things that may bring us the most joy could already be within our reach.

What are they and how can they improve our lives?

Find out the answer with these simple life upgrade here. They can transform the way you experience and enjoy life.

For the first time in a long time, travel is becoming a real possibility.

The pandemic hasn’t disappeared (and it’s not going away any time soon) but we’re turning a corner. More of us are getting vaccinated against COVID-19 every day, and more of us have a ready-to-travel mindset.

After months of doing everything from home, we’re ready to get out — and really get away!

And we’re not wasting time. About 2 in 3 folks say they have a trip planned within the next 3 months.

Most are looking to get out of state or go abroad. That’s more than since the beginning of the pandemic.

TSA airport screenings are up.

As excited as we are to get out of our COViD-19 caves, we’re also anxious. We’re worried about getting sick or stuck in our destination. And we fear the unknown.

These worries are valid. But we can manage our stress about traveling by taking action. The right planning can help us manage our anxiety and prepare for the changes that will come with post-pandemic travel.4

So, if you’re just starting to think about getting out or you’ve already booked a trip, here are some of the most important things to consider so you can make smart, safe choices and still have a great time.

Do you think you’re telling yourself the truth about money?

We may think we know the facts about our finances. But our beliefs can often overshadow the facts.

Our wishes, hopes, and fears can tip the scales away from the truth. This makes it easier for us to believe what we want to about money — and it can happen without us even realizing it.

The money lies we tell ourselves can change the way we think and act when it comes to finances.

And since most of us rarely talk about money with our friends and family, the money lies we tell ourselves stick around. That can lock us into destructive beliefs and reinforce poor financial habits.

But no matter what money lies we tell ourselves, it’s never too late to set the record straight.

Let’s look at some of the most common money lies we all buy into at some point — and the truth behind them in this Visual Insights Newsletter.

Clutter is a common annoyance, especially in a busy household. But did you know it sneaks up in your financial life as well? And that it can also cost you money?  Learn how to tidy up your financial life in this month’s Visual Insights Newsletter!