Late this summer, a Presidential Memorandum gave employers the ability to postpone Social Security tax payments between September 1 through December 31, 2020. Before you get too excited with your larger paycheck, you need to remember a few things: The action is not like a stimulus check or the forgivable Payroll Protection Program. The deferred…

Every year, my husband and I raise vegetables. With everything strange this summer, our garden is a reminder that soil, sun, and water are constants. Of course, it’s up to us to put in the work. Did you know that planting a vegetable garden has a lot in common with creating an investment portfolio? Let…

Losing your job can be incredibly stressful, especially if the events were out of your control. However, if you panic, you may not take steps that can improve your financial stability. The following tips are designed to help give you some direction. COVID-19 has led to many new government programs designed to provide you with…

Nothing is more glamorous than the red carpet at the Academy Awards. People in the know say this year’s fashion will be focusing on puffy sleeves, whimsical tulle, and color! Of course, every celebrity can’t wear every fashion, and it’s up to the designer to select what will make the star look the most glamorous….

Savvy estate plans just lost a popular tool for managing the tax liability of inherited individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The SECURE Act, which became law at the end of 2019, changed many rules around retirement contributions and withdrawals. Prior to the Act’s passage, when beneficiaries inherited an IRA, they had the ability to take their…

Especially if you live in the south, black-eyed peas are always part of the meal on January 1st. We eat them for prosperity in the coming year. The origins of eating black-eyed peas for luck on New Year’s is somewhat unclear. However, we know the practice goes back as far as 500 A.D. when they…

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it has little stress. It doesn’t come with an expectation of presents, and it focuses on food! Even though the Thanksgiving Day Parade ends with Santa’s arrival in Times Square, more employers are giving employees the day off and beginning the crazy holiday season after midnight. The…

Have you ever heard the financial phrase, “Buy term and invest the difference?” It’s a common saying, and sometimes, it’s great advice. However, like all financial issues, the decision is a little more complicated than it might look. Let’s start by reviewing the advice. The recommendation is to purchase term life insurance rather than whole…

Can you believe how quickly the summer is coming to an end? It seems like just last week, my family and I were watching 4th of July fireworks, and making homemade ice cream! Now, back to school activities are top priority in everyone’s mind. Here in Norman, OK, heading back to school reminds us that…

Your wedding day is one of the milestones of your life. Many people dream about the perfect wedding for years, but let’s face it—weddings are expensive. Here are some tips to help you have the wedding you always wanted without breaking your budget. Start planning early. Find the dress, book the venue, and choose your…