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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 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 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.)…
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.…
How to teach kids financial responsibility with an allowance
September 20, 2021 / F&M Trust
The debate over whether to give kids an allowance is as old as the practice itself, but the benefits of giving kids an allowance are clear. Kids who get an allowance are more financially savvy later in life than those who don’t, and are less likely to abuse credit as adults.…
Money myths: My partner manages our finances, so I don't need to think about it
September 16, 2021 / F&M Trust
In this new Money Moves series, we’ll tackle money myths (trust me, they’re everywhere) and reveal the enlightening truth behind them. Up first is a financial misconception that we is heard far too often: “My partner manages our finances, so I don’t need to think about it.”…
Post Covid Investing: Time for a Deeper Look
May 03, 2021 / Scott Ehrig
As the worst of the pandemic gradually recedes, investors are statistics that will, on their face, seem outlandish. Year over year comparisons will be stunning in notional terms. Economic indicators will also post extraordinary readings. But, like most things, true understanding requires a deeper examination, which is an important prerequisite to making smart, impactful decisions.…