Financial Basics

Don’t Fill Up on Chips: A Lesson on Opportunity Cost

Have you ever found yourself at a Mexican restaurant, diving into a basket of chips and salsa before your meal even arrives? While these complimentary snacks are delicious and easy to indulge in, they often leave you feeling hardly hungry enough for your actual meal. This familiar experience offers a crucial lesson in personal finance: […]

How to Reduce Financial Stress and Take Control of Your Money

Financial stress is rarely just about the balance in your bank account. It can affect your sleep, your relationships, your health, and your ability to make clear decisions. When money feels uncertain, it can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is that reducing financial stress doesn’t always require earning more money. Often, it starts with […]

Two Financial Lessons Inspired by Lou Holtz

Football Sitting on a Football Field

The sports world recently said goodbye to coaching legend Lou Holtz, who passed away on March 4th, 2026. His passing has led many to reflect on the lasting impact he made. Holtz was known not only for his success on the field but also for the wisdom he imparted that stayed with people long after […]

Sweethearts & Spending: A Financial Checklist for Couples

Valentine’s Day is a moment to appreciate love and your relationships. While money isn’t the most romantic topic, it is one of the most practical ones because it affects so many of the decisions you make together. This simple financial checklist is designed to help married couples create clarity, work together, reduce surprises, and avoid […]

New Year Financial Reset: A Checklist for the Season Ahead

Woman holding sparkler

In college football, the end of the season brings a familiar routine: coaches review film, evaluate the roster, make adjustments, and quickly begin preparing for what’s next. The past season, good or bad, becomes a learning tool, not a destination. The start of a new year can serve a similar purpose in your financial life. […]

Financial Lessons from College Football’s Coaching Carousel

Every December, the college football world turns into controlled chaos. Rumors fly, coaches jump from one program to another, surprise hires appear out of nowhere, and fanbases refresh social media like it’s an Olympic sport. Whether it’s a rising coordinator landing a big job, a high-profile coach holding a press conference to deny rumors, or […]

“6-7” Year-End Financial Planning Tips for 2025

If you’re a parent like me, or a grandparent, you’ve probably heard your kids or grandkids running around the house shouting “6-7!” multiple times a day and at any opportunity that presents itself. I’ve asked people of all ages what it means, and, after a few confusing explanations, I’ve finally accepted two things: I’m officially […]

Your Playbook: What Football Can Teach About Money

As the 2025 football season kicks off, there’s more overlap between the gridiron and sound money management than you might think. Just like a winning team, a strong financial plan requires strategy, discipline, and the right balance of offense and defense. Here are four lessons from the field that can help you move the ball […]

Social Security COLA 2026: What Retirees Should Know

Senior couple walking along path

As 2025 draws to a close, many retirees and Social Security beneficiaries are looking ahead to the anticipated Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. Current projections suggest that the Social Security Administration is likely to announce a COLA increase of approximately 2.6% to 2.7%. Each year, the Social Security Administration calculates the COLA using […]

Money Market Mutual Funds: Benefits and Risks to Know

With higher interest rates, inflation concerns, and market volatility, many investors are turning to money market mutual funds (MMFs) as a reliable investment option. These funds, which typically invest in short-term, high-quality securities like Treasury bills, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper, are designed to offer a compelling blend of safety, liquidity, and competitive short-term […]