finances
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Identity theft and fraud are growing concerns, and one of the best ways to protect yourself is by freezing your credit. This simple yet powerful step can help safeguard your financial future, but many people are unsure about how it works or whether it's the right move for them. Here's what you need to know about freezing your credit, including its benefits, potential costs, and how to unfreeze it when needed.
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Now that the tax deadline for 2022 has passed, as a business owner, you might be left thinking about ways to make it easier when the next one rolls around. Since many are busy enough actually running the business, it's easy to push the accounting work to the side, which is fine... until tax season approaches. By then, you have a mammoth job ahead of you.
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No matter the app or online reservation platform, renting a car can often be a headache. It's rarely clear which add-ons are necessary, costs range widely between rental companies, and what type of insurance you need. Here are some tips for navigating the rental car market.
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With unemployment rates reaching all-time lows in many areas throughout the country and positive job projections on the horizon for the foreseeable future, finding employment should be as simple as showing up. And, in some sectors, that may be true: a record number of Americans left their jobs in 2021 and 2022, creating a market flush with openings. But many job markets and industries — those with great compensation, flexibility, and benefits, in particular — have remained highly competitive, and job seekers need to offer strong resumes, cover letters, and interviews to secure these desirable positions.
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After watching gas prices skyrocket, savvy buyers in Pennsylvania are thinking twice about big purchases like vacations, automobiles, and homes. While speculation seems to be vacillating between optimistic and decidedly less than, consumers are left with questions and not many answers. Does it make more sense to drain your savings to pay for a new vehicle or to finance with any number of loan options?
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Amidst all the excitement (and worries, reservations, and, yes, sometimes tears) of an emptying nest, parents often fail to consider their kids' health insurance in the ensuing chaos. While most colleges and universities mandate student health insurance, those young adults choosing a different path may fall through the coverage cracks. And, navigating health insurance options and necessities can be overwhelming for even the savviest of parents.
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Fraudulent charges to your personal or business accounts can be both financially and emotionally devastating. Even if you do eventually recover the funds, the stress and time that results from having been stolen from can take a toll.
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For new homeowners, if you managed to buy a house in today's market, you definitely have a lot to celebrate. So now what? Well, whether you just purchased your dream home and plan to stay in it forever, or a property you hope to use as a stepping stone to better things, there are a few things you need to know in order to make your investment work for you.
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Winter is coming, and with increased costs on gas, food, and just about everything else, it's no surprise that your energy bill might threaten to strain your budget this season, too. But there's actually a lot you can do to stay cozy and warm and reduce your energy consumption this winter. Here are some ways to save on heating.
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Every type of business comes with its own unique risks. When it comes to insuring your business, you want to make sure you have the right type and amount of coverage, while not paying for coverage you really don't need. So how can you make sure you're getting the best deal, but not putting your business at risk?
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Most people these days are concerned about saving money and reducing their family's carbon footprint. We do this by turning off the lights, installing energy-saving devices, and making sure our homes are efficient in whatever ways we can. But did you know that there are many appliances in your home that may be using up energy and costing you money, even when they are completely turned off? Read on to learn more about these "energy vampires" and how you can prevent them from silently wasting your home's energy resources.
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Starting a family is a momentous and joyful occasion. But it can also be quite daunting for some, especially when it comes to the financial aspects involved. Frequent questions include: How much is this all going to cost? What type of insurance will I need?
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Although some in the U.S. have been fortunate enough to make it through the past eight months with their bank accounts intact, there's no doubt that many of us have struggled financially this year. Many have lost jobs, been forced to temporarily move in with relatives, or just found that they couldn't quite make ends meet. While the end of the pandemic (or at least the worst of it) seems to be in sight, many of us will still be struggling with the financial fallout for some time. Here are some ways you can work to stay within your budget while money is still tight.
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A used car can be a great investment and often makes much more sense than buying new. But one major downside is that you don't always know what you're getting. With just a little bit of knowledge, however, you can become a confident used car consumer.
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In many cases, a warranty can seem like a sneaky way for manufacturers to squeeze a few extra bucks out of their customers. In some cases, purchasing a warranty might actually be a good idea. Whether you're thinking about signing up for a warranty on a major purchase, or deciding whether to pay a few extra bucks for a warranty on a small appliance while standing in line at Target, here's what you need to know in order to make the best decision.
Deciding to sell your small business is no small decision. Whether you're moving on to a new opportunity, shifting your professional focus, or just handing over the reins to an owner with fresh enthusiasm, it's always bittersweet to let go of something that you undoubtedly poured yourself into. Here are some things you can do to ease the transition and leave on a positive note:
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Should you sell your house without an agent? It depends on many factors. As we enter one of the prime buying and selling seasons of the year, here are some pros and cons of selling your home agent-free, along with a few tips to guide you through the process.
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We've had a number of clients ask questions about not just insurance but small business loans, grants, payroll protection, and the family first act. We're trying to keep informed to help direct those questions. We can't offer legal of financial advice, but we've been trying to help our clients wade through the muddy waters of the information that is out there and give advice about how this effects their insurance and how they can prevent or mitigate new risks that could arise. (And advice is always free).
Your roof needs to be replaced. The kids have been begging for a pool and you've finally succumbed to their incessant requests. You've decided to remodel your outdated bathroom and kitchen. Any change to the structure or use of the property will, more often than not, change your policy. However,you'll never know until you contact your insurance company, which you should do before any type of home renovation.
It seems like a lot of people have a side hustle these days, a way to make some extra money or pursue the things that really strike their interests. And plenty of people have turned even their most unusual hobbies, dreams and ideas into full-time careers. So how do you know if you'll be able to successfully make the leap from employee to entrepreneur? Here are a few things you might want to check off the list before giving your two weeks' notice.
There is an old adage that goes like this: "A Man is only as Good as his word".It implies that the integrity of a man or woman is the most important thing in a relationship.It also implies that if the other party has integrity having 'his word' is probably enough and also implies that there is no need for a formal contract.That relationship can be personal, professional, peer-to-peer, buyer-seller, etc. and can often involve parties that have different levels of control over a situation.A decade or two ago no one knew what a 'pre-nup' was; warning labels on consumer products were much simpler; local attorneys didn't advertise on TV; and there seemed to be more trust in both people and systems.Those days are gone and may never return.One by-product of this is contracts are everywhere - from EULA agreements that dictate internet terms to the small print on the back of your garbage service 'contract' to signs posted everywhere declaring 'Not Responsible for Damage or Loss'... it's hard to go through an hour of a day without having to check "I AGREE" on some document somewhere.
For many modern entrepreneurs, creatives, and freelancers, working from home is a dream come true. But the reality of it can be much different. How do you stay on task, handle isolation, and keep yourself from eating a full sleeve of cookies from the kitchen? Read on to find out.
As a small business owner, you may not be in the position to offer traditional benefits, such as health insurance or 401Ks, to your staff. But there are other things you can do to make your business a great place to work, and enticing for both current and potential employers. Try these to get started:
What does it mean to age in a healthful way? Although it's different for each person, healthy aging is about maintaining a high quality of life at every stage, and cultivating habits that allow you to continue to enjoy your life and do the things you love to do. And while aging is inevitable, aging well is a choice.
Fall in Pennsylvania is fast approaching, and back-to-school sales are already underway, everywhere you look. If you're sending your teenager to college for his or her first year, you're going to need much more than just notebooks and pencils. Make sure your student is ready by following these guidelines.
When the last of the children head off to college or out on their own, some parents, although sad, breathe a sigh of relief. For many, getting the kids out of the house will immediately relieve some serious financial stress. But it's important to be smart with how you handle that extra income so that you're setting yourself and your children up for a secure future. Here's what to do when your dependents become independent:
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Spring is a great time to clear away the clutter and freshen your living and working spaces for the year ahead. Why not borrow the idea and give your personal finances a thorough "cleaning" too?
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