Family

Has a dog or cat grabbed hold of your heart?  It doesn’t take much. A paw on the arm. A lick on the nose, or a soft purr or whimper can turn most of us into dog or cat parents in minutes.  With animal shelters across the U.S. frequently at their max, there are a record number of dogs and cats available for adoption. Of course, there are also those that are looking for a particular breed, and are willing to spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars when they find it.

Pet insurance. Cancer insurance. Discount dental plans.

You’ve likely heard about all of the above options, but if you haven’t purchased one, you may not fully understand how they work, what they cover, what they don’t cover, and ultimately, if they’re worth the cost. Here’s a brief explanation.

In a recent survey by JumpStart Coalition for Financial Literacy, only 26 percent of those between the ages of 13-21 said that they had been taught how to manage money. Yet, when they turn 18, kids are signing contracts for student loans, opening credit card accounts, and in many instances, living away from home with little financial guidance available.

If you’ve ever played the Game of Life board game, it becomes clear that compressed into the colorful path there are various stages of life. Each stage holds its own major financial challenges as well as prospective profits in addition to surprises (new baby!) and forks in the road.

Congratulations Newlyweds! Your fresh union symbolizes a new beginning facing the world. But before the glow of wedded bliss wears, it’s crucial to talk about finances. Let’s be straight, financial talks should be had well before the ring, but did you know that “68 percent of engaged couples surveyed held a negative attitude about discussing money with their fiancé.¹”

That’s a staggering percentage of couples who are afraid to have ‘the talk’. Below are a few tips and areas to consider if you’re in a serious relationship, newly engaged or if you’ve tied the knot!