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An introduction to 401(k) plans
December 27, 2021 / F&M Trust
There are many ways to save for your retirement, and the time-tested 401(k) is one of the most popular. The retirement account, however, is still underutilized. A whopping 59% of employed Americans have access to a 401(k), and yet only 32% are investing in one.…
How to create an emergency fund (before the emergency)
December 10, 2021 / F&M Trust
Name an emergency situation with a relatively large price tag. If you answered roof repair or replacement (or any major home repair), a new transmission for your car, emergency medical expenses not covered by insurance, or living expenses after a job loss, you have a good understanding of what an emergency fund can be used for — and how important it is to have one.…
How to protect your identity and spot signs of fraud
December 06, 2021 / F&M Trust
Your identity is a valuable piece of information. In the right hands (yours), it can be used to open a bank account, obtain a credit card, or apply for insurance benefits. In the wrong hands, it can do all of those things, and more.…
Tax Law Changes: The American Families Plan and how it might impact you
October 14, 2021 / Erin Sunday
President Biden’s ambitious American Families Plan is billed as “an investment in our kids, our families, and our economic future.” That investment comes to life in the form of programs designed to help families cover the basic expenses with which so many struggle, lowering health insurance premiums, and continuing the American Rescue Plan’s historic reductions in child poverty.…
Tax Law Changes: A closer look at estate and gift taxes
October 12, 2021 / Erin Sunday
Part three of our four-part series on 2021 tax law changes is a topic that might not impact everyone, but if it does impact you, it’s important to understand what changes are in store. The topic at hand is proposed estate and gift taxes.…
Tax Law Changes: A closer look at corporate taxes
October 07, 2021 / Erin Sunday
A few days ago, we kicked off our four-part series on tax law changes with a look at what’s in store — or at least what’s proposed — for your personal income taxes. Today, we shift financial gears to corporate taxes. (Future articles will look at the American Families Plan and estate and gift taxes.)…
Tax Law Changes: A closer look at individual taxes and what the changes mean for you
October 05, 2021 / Erin Sunday
A new presidential administration often means a variety of new tax law changes. In this four-part series, we’ll offer a closer look at some of the tax law changes being proposed by President Joe Biden and the House Ways and Means Committee. The series will include a review of the American Families Plan, estate and gift tax changes, corporate tax changes, and today’s post — individual tax changes.…
Why keeping up with the Joneses is never a good idea
September 30, 2021 / F&M Trust
Your neighbor just bought a new 21-foot bass-fishing boat (and a new truck to tow it). Your sister just posted more pictures of her luxurious vacation to Barbados (for the fourth time this week). And your best friend just upgraded his man cave with not one, but FIVE vintage arcade games (including Donkey Kong). If you’re feeling a little jealous — and maybe even feeling the urge to run out and upgrade your own possessions to maintain the same social status — don’t worry, that’s normal.…