FINANCIAL PLANNING

Nov 22 2025FINANCE

AI: The Game Changer for Finance Teams

Finance teams have been doing things the old way for too long. They spend hours on spreadsheets and manual data entry. This makes it hard for them to focus on bigger picture stuff, like guiding the company's strategy. The problem? The tools and skills needed to make this shift were often too expensive or complex. But now, AI is here to change that. It's not just an ...

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Nov 17 2025FINANCE

Why Small Investments Can Make a Big Difference

Starting to invest might feel like a big step, but it doesn't have to be. Many people hold back because they think they need a lot of money or a deep understanding of finance. However, the truth is, you can begin with just a little and learn along the way. One simple way to get started is by investing in an S&P 500 index fund. This type of fund follows the performan...

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Nov 17 2025HEALTH

Medicare Changes: What You Need to Know Before the Deadline

Medicare's open enrollment period is here, and it's crucial to understand your options. This period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, is your chance to switch or change your Medicare plan. It's important to note that the deadline is firm, even if it falls on a weekend. During this time, you can switch your Medicare Advantage plan, change your drug plan, or ...

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Nov 14 2025FINANCE

Crypto Taxes in 2025: What You Need to Know

Crypto investors have not been great at paying taxes on time. A 2023 IRS review showed that only about 25% of crypto investors are likely to pay their taxes on time. But things are about to change in 2025. Starting in 2025, investors with accounts on centralized crypto exchanges will have their transactions reported to the IRS. This means that if you sold or exchang...

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Nov 12 2025FINANCE

Smart Money Moves: Top Finance Apps for 2025

Managing money can feel like a puzzle. There are apps to help, but picking the right one is key. YNAB, or You Need A Budget, is a top choice for those who want to plan every dollar. It's like having a financial coach in your pocket. The app teaches you to assign jobs to your money, making spending decisions easier. It costs $15 a month or $109 a year, but the free tr...

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Nov 10 2025FINANCE

A New Chapter: When Health Takes the Lead

Marcus, a 56-year-old architect from Miami, is at a crossroads. He’s built a solid financial foundation, with a net worth of $2. 4 million and only a $150, 000 mortgage left. But life has thrown him a curveball—a serious health diagnosis that could return within two years. Now, he’s grappling with a tough question: Should he keep working and leading his nonprofit, or...

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Oct 30 2025FINANCE

Tax Time: What's Next for UK's Finance Chief?

In the UK, big changes might be coming to taxes. The finance minister, Rachel Reeves, has a tough job. She needs to find more money. She wants to raise about 30 billion pounds every year. This is to keep the country's finances stable and to avoid problems with investors. Reeves has said she will look at cutting spending. But most people think these cuts will be smal...

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Oct 30 2025FINANCE

Is a Fixed-Rate HELOC Right for You?

Lately, fixed-rate HELOCs have been gaining attention in the home equity lending world. These loans blend features of home equity loans and traditional HELOCs, offering a mix of flexibility and stability. But are they truly beneficial for homeowners, or just another clever marketing strategy? Fixed-rate HELOCs allow borrowers to lock in a stable interest rate on par...

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Oct 29 2025EDUCATION

Launch Your Farm Dream: Online Course for Future Farmers

Ever thought about starting your own farm or seafood business? There's a course for that! The University of Maine Cooperative Extension is offering a web-based business planning course for new and aspiring producers. It's a great chance to learn the ropes of running a sustainable business in the natural resources field. The course runs from November 6 to February 5,...

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Oct 26 2025FINANCE

Unraveling Social Security Taxes: What You Need to Know

Social Security benefits can be a lifeline for many, but taxes on these benefits can be confusing. It's not just about the money you receive; it's also about how it affects your tax situation. First, let's talk about "combined income. " This isn't just your regular income. It's your adjusted gross income plus any tax-exempt interest and half of your Social Security ...

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