Lifestyle

Creating a life map involves a close review of personal finances and an assessment of other building blocks. Lifestyle matters look at how to balance work and leisure, how to make smart choices for the future, and many other items in an effort to help an individual “enjoy the journey.”

Featured Video

Forecast

This short video helps explain why markets can be as unpredictable as the weather.

Acres of Diamonds

In life it often happens that the answers to our most pressing questions are right in our own backyards.

The Financial Literacy Crisis

Many Americans are operating their personal finances with only the barest minimum of knowledge.

The Richest Man in Babylon

In good times and bad, consistently saving a percentage of your income is a sound financial practice.

• Articles

  Keeping Good Records is Good Business

  Maintaining good records for your business not only helps to meet your tax and legal obligations, but it can save you money.

  The Financial Literacy Crisis

  Many Americans are operating their personal finances with only the barest minimum of knowledge.

  Fixed or Variable Mortgage, Which Should You Pick?

  When selecting a mortgage, one of the most critical choices is between a fixed or variable interest-rate mortgage.

  Creative Ways to Motivate Your Employees

  Five creative (and inexpensive) ideas for motivating your employees.

  Data Breach: Your Security To-Do List

  This article provides a checklist of steps to take if you experience a data breach.

  Please Leave Home Without It

  Concerns over identity theft continue to grow, especially with data breaches at major companies and financial institutions.

  View all articles

• Calculators

  Interested in a Fuel Efficient Car?

  Estimate how many months it may take to recover the out-of-pocket costs when buying a more efficient vehicle.

  How Much Home Can I Afford?

  With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.

  Bi-Weekly Payments

  This calculator estimates the savings from paying a mortgage bi-weekly instead of monthly.

  Comparing Mortgage Terms

  Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.

  Can I Refinance My Mortgage?

  This calculator can help determine whether it makes sense to refinance your mortgage.

  Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?

  This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.

  View all calculators

• Videos

  To Buy or Not to Buy

  The decision whether to buy or rent a home may have long-term implications.

  It May Be Time for a Financial Checkup

  It’s never a bad time to speak with your financial professional about changes in your situation.

  Consider These 3 Things Before Driving Off the Lot

  Here are 3 quick tips to keep in mind when buying or leasing your next vehicle.

  What to Do When You Lose Your Wallet

  Ever lost your wallet? Frustrating. Here’s what you can do to keep yourself safe.

  Coaches

  Coaches have helped you your whole life, in ways big and small. We'd like to be one of them.

  A New Way to Look at Your Bucket List

  Bucket lists don’t have to be for tomorrow.

  View all videos