The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was enacted in December 2019 as part of a larger federal spending package. This long-awaited legislation expands savings opportunities for workers and includes new requirements and incentives for employers that provide retirement benefits. At the same time, it restricts a popular estate planning strategy for … Continue reading The SECURE Act and Your Retirement Savings
In times of crisis, you don't want to be shaking pennies out of a piggy bank. Having a financial safety net in place can ensure that you're protected when a financial emergency arises. One way to accomplish this is by setting up a cash reserve, a pool of readily available funds that can help you … Continue reading Getting Started: Establishing a Financial Safety Net
Did you know there were 14.4 million victims of identity theft in 2018? According to Javelin Strategy, each case cost the victim an average of $1,050 – and that’s only the cost in dollars. When an individual’s identity is stolen, the thief wreaks major havoc on the victim’s financial health, which can take months, or … Continue reading Your Complete Guide to Identity Theft Protection
Tis the season for over eating and over spending, both of which go hand-in-hand, am I right? First, I stress over the fact that the list of people I need to shop for has increased yet again, so I grab a cookie. Then I realize my budget hasn’t increased enough to support the holly jolly … Continue reading Sticking to A Holiday Budget
In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission reported 1.4 million cases of fraud that resulted in $1.48 billion in losses. They found that identity theft was the most common form of fraud -- more than 167,000 people reported that their information was used to open fraudulent credit card accounts. What's worse, is most occurrences involve children … Continue reading YOU’RE SECURE WITH FIRST HERITAGE
Don’t let a Halloween scam spook you! Stay a step ahead of those crooks by looking out for these four scams this season. The Shipping Scam The internet is brimming with Halloween-themed stores in the months leading up to Oct. 31. Lots of these retailers offer an impressive selection of costumes, accessories and decorations at … Continue reading 4 Super-Scary Scams to Watch For This Halloween
You're ready to buy an insurance policy, but you feel a bit uneasy embarking into the insurance world. After all, the language can be technical, and you're wary of insurance agents throwing sales pitches at you. Whether you're buying an auto policy, a homeowners policy, a life insurance policy, or some other type of policy, … Continue reading Buying Insurance: What Savvy Consumers Should Know
Soon you'll be on your way, taking that trip you've looked forward to for ages--but suppose something happens. If you get sick, lose your suitcase, or have to cut your trip short, will any of your existing insurance policies cover your expenses or reimburse you for your losses? If not, you might want to purchase … Continue reading Travel Insurance
Being an educator requires expertise and that you stay current on developments in your field. However, that level of ongoing attention can make it difficult to find the time to stay on top of issues that affect your finances, or to put together a comprehensive financial plan. Whether you work directly with students or focus … Continue reading Planning Lessons for Educators: Addressing Your Financial Issues
Ever since a legal secretary named Ida May Fuller received the first retirement benefit check in 1940, women have been counting on Social Security to provide much-needed retirement income. Social Security provides other important benefits too, including disability and survivor benefits, that can help women of all ages and their family members. 1. How does Social … Continue reading Four Things Women Need to Know about Social Security
