Financial Planning in Illinois Archives

Even if you have a partner who traditionally manages household finances, it’s important to be involved in the budgeting and investing decisions that have an effect on your overall financial picture. Some credit traps to avoid: When using revolving credit, avoid spending more than you can pay off at the end of each billing cycle Be aware of hidden interest and fees When transferring balances to take advantage of low interest rates, be sure to pay off outstanding balances before the teaser rate expires Be sure to make payments on time; otherwise it could negatively affect your credit report Women and Money: Taking Control of Your Finances As a woman, you have financial needs that are unique to your situation in life. Perhaps you would like to buy your first home. Maybe you need to start saving for your child’s college education. Or you might be concerned about planning for...

Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached. That’s where financial planning comes in. Financial planning is a process that can help you target your goals by evaluating your whole financial picture, then outlining strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and available resources. Why is financial planning important? A comprehensive financial plan serves as a framework for organizing the pieces of your financial picture. With a financial plan in place, you’ll be better able to focus on your goals and understand what it will take to reach them. One of the main benefits of having a financial plan is that it can help you balance competing financial priorities. A financial plan will...