Plan for tomorrow

Resources to help you better manage your money, prepare for retirement, and protect what matters most.

Content with Learn and Plan Categories Budgeting & Debt Management .

Two college girls walk together on campus.
Budgeting & Debt Management Home & Family

As a college student, you likely have a lot on your plate, from keeping up with classes to making important decisions that will impact your future. Even before you graduate you can develop healthy financial habits to help you leave school be better prepared as you strike out on your own.

Read the blog
A young mother pushes her baby in a stroller while walking in the park.

How to lower your cost of living

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Budgeting & Debt Management Saving Tips

As inflation continues to increase and affect the cost of everyday items, many families are feeling the squeeze. Households around the globe are taking a closer look at their budgets and finding ways to cut back spending to try and keep pace with rising expenses.

Read the blog
A young woman walks proudly to her new job.
Budgeting & Debt Management Life Insurance

Starting on a new career path can be a thrilling and busy time full of new routines, expectations, and responsibilities. Whether you’re stepping into a different role or changing your profession completely, there are likely financial changes to be prepared for to ensure a smooth transition.

Read the blog
A woman works through her monthly budget.

Steps to creating a monthly budget

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Budgeting & Debt Management

No matter your income level or your expenses, developing a budget can allow you to better track your spending, work toward your savings goals, lower debt, and improve your overall financial health.

Read the blog
A young family work together to build a snowman
Budgeting & Debt Management

Goal setting is very important; it just may require you to switch up how you approach the process to be successful. Choosing short-term, attainable goals can help keep you motivated and allow you to reach the finish line one step at a time.

Read the blog
A wife hugs here husband while he gives their child a pigg-back ride.
Budgeting & Debt Management

As you reflect on the year behind you and what you wish for the new one ahead, you may be thinking about ways to improve your financial well-being and build a stronger, more secure future.

Read the blog
A young woman volunteers by packaging canned goods.
Budgeting & Debt Management Health & Wellness

Donating money to charitable causes can be beneficial all year long, but many people choose the holiday season to make their contributions. Nearly one-third of annual donations happen in December, often inspired by the holidays, potential tax write-offs, and year-end bonuses.

Read the blog
A grandchild gives his grandfather a big hug.
Budgeting & Debt Management Health & Wellness

To make the most of this season of thankfulness, here are several ways to practice mindfulness and help give your financial well-being a healthy boost.

Read the blog
A man covers his girlfriends eyes before giving her a holiday gift.
Budgeting & Debt Management Saving Tips

By creating a holiday budget and putting a plan in place early, you can help curb overspending and greatly reduce money stress surrounding this time of year. Here are five budgeting tips to control holiday spending.

Read the blog
A woman looks at her computer screen while reviewing her finances.

Conducting a yearly financial checkup

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Budgeting & Debt Management Planning for Retirement

Reviewing your budget, expenses, and overall financial plan yearly can help determine if your money management practices are on track or could use a tune-up. Use this checklist to help conduct an annual financial checkup and monitor your progress from last year.

Read the blog
A mother helps her teenage son file his FAFSA.
Budgeting & Debt Management Home & Family

To apply for federal student aid, the current or prospective student will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Here’s a closer look at the FAFSA and what you need to know to help ensure a smooth application process.

Read the blog
A retired woman looks concerningly at her computer.
Budgeting & Debt Management Home & Family

In our current digital world, cybercriminals continue to be on the rise, looking for opportunities to gain access to sensitive information and personal data. Tyler Musser, Associate Vice President of IT Security, Sammons® Financial Group Member Companies, shares his insight into spotting common financial scams and how you can boost your protection against cyberattacks.

Read the blog
A father embraces his teenage daughter
Budgeting & Debt Management Home & Family

With the cost of a college education continuing to rise every year, saving enough money to send your kids to school can feel like a daunting task.

Read the blog
A father helps his daughter back for her move to college.
Budgeting & Debt Management Home & Family

For many years, you’ve worked hard to help your children grow into well-rounded, capable adults. Now the time has come when they will leave the nest to head out into the world.

Read the blog
A mom and her son shop for back-to-school clothes

Back-to-school savings tips

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Budgeting & Debt Management Saving Tips

As summer comes to a close and a new school semester is just around the corner, you likely have back-to-shopping on your mind if you’re a parent.

Read the blog
A dad enjoys a summer night grilling with his son.

Tips for nearby summer fun on a budget

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Budgeting & Debt Management Saving Tips

With soaring gas prices and record inflation you may be thinking twice about summer vacations. Fortunately, there are a variety of fun things you can do close to home that won't require filling the tank and breaking your budget.

Read the blog
A young man wraps his arms around his father's shoulders.

Money saving tips from dad

Reading Time: 5 minutes
Budgeting & Debt Management Home & Family

On June 19, we will celebrate Father's Day as a way to honor our Dads and everything they’ve done for us. To help mark the occasion, we asked our employees to share the best budgeting tips and tricks their fathers ever gave them.

Read the blog
A man hugs his mom.
Budgeting & Debt Management Home & Family

We asked our employees to share the best financial advice their mothers ever gave them.

Read the blog
An older couple place groceries in a reusable bag to be sustainable.
Budgeting & Debt Management Saving Tips

While it can be costly to be environmentally-focused, some sustainable switches can also help you save money.

Read the blog
A young man smiles while doing his taxes.

Federal tax deadlines you should know

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Budgeting & Debt Management Estate Planning

Knowing key Internal Revenue Service (IRS) dates will help you avoid any penalties so you’ll get your refund faster.

Read the blog