Jess Williams

1 week ago | hammondstar.com | Jess Williams

Whether your children are in grade school or high school, they’ll be leaving for college or trade school before you know it. With the cost of education rising, now is the time to prepare for that day. Starting to invest when your child is born is often a great way to build a strong financial future. Even if your children are older, you can still make progress and potentially reap tax benefits by contributing to a 529 education savings plan.

2 weeks ago | hammondstar.com | Jess Williams

Marriage is more than a ceremony – it’s a union of families and finances. When you and your partner are honest with each other about money and financial goals, it can help build trust, leverage your strengths and help pave the way for a financial happily ever after. Since talking about money can be difficult, begin with conversations not so much about money itself but about the things that matter to you.

3 weeks ago | hammondstar.com | Jess Williams

Do you have a parent or other elderly relative who may soon need a caregiver? If so, be diligent when selecting the right person for the job – because choosing the wrong one could lead to big financial problems. You might find a close family member or friend to serve as caregiver – someone who is honest and trustworthy, with good judgment and strong money management skills. However, in many cases, people hiring caregivers just don’t know how they’ll perform until the caregivers have begun work.

4 weeks ago | hammondstar.com | Jess Williams

If you’re adding a child to your family, it’s an exciting time, and you have much to anticipate. Of course, this new addition will bring many changes in your life, so you’ll want to be prepared – especially in terms of your finances. What financial moves should you make as you welcome your new child? Here are a few to consider:Estimate expenses – and create a new budget.

1 month ago | hammondstar.com | Jess Williams

Achieving financial stability doesn’t happen overnight – it takes a journey. And, as with every journey, you’ll need to make some stops along the way. These stops, or milestones, can tell you how far you’ve gone – and where you need to go next. Milestone 1: Build a foundationWhen you’re first starting on your financial journey – typically, when you are beginning your career – you’ll want to build a foundation by acting on key issues, such as saving, paying down debts and investing for the future.