Use this handy calendar to remember the year’s most important financial dates.

JANUARY: Get ready for a brand new year.

  • Write down the major financial events you anticipate in the next few years. That will help guide a discussion about whether your portfolio reflects your short- and long-term goals.
  • Update your personal net worth to account for any significant changes in the past year.
  • Double-check your employer-sponsored retirement plans. When determining how much to contribute, make certain to check whether your employer offers a matching program.

FEBRUARY: This month, don’t forget your financial check-up.

  • Take a moment to check on your various insurance programs and coverage amounts. Draw up a list of questions if you believe they no longer reflect your lifestyle.
  • Create a list of your top-three major expenses scheduled for the year.
  • Take a minute and create a list of your monthly subscription services.

MARCH: Spring into spring.

  • You should have received most of your tax documents by now. Start organizing your important documents so you can complete your federal and state returns.
  • Check your credit report. All U.S. Citizens are entitled to a free copy of their credit report every 12 months from the national credit reporting agencies.

APRIL: Tax time is the right time.

  • Tax returns are typically due before midnight of April 15. If you need to request a six-month extension, you still need to pay any taxes due by April 15.
  • April 15 is also the last day to contribute to most retirement accounts for the prior year.
  • Don’t forget that first-quarter estimated income tax payments are due by April 15.

MAY: It’s summertime, and financial prep is easy

  • Create or update your home and personal property inventory. Use your phone and reliable digital-backup service to record and store videos of your valuable possessions.
  • Take a look at your estate strategy, and see if it continues to reflect your family’s wishes. Were there any marriages or divorces in the past year? Did your family welcome a new child or grandchild?

JUNE: We’re halfway to next year.

  • Take a look at your “sources and uses” of money. Is it what you expected, or are you considering making adjustments?
  • Don’t forget second-quarter estimated income tax payments are due by June 15.

JULY: Review the year so far.

  • Refresh your money skills. Add at least one book on personal finance, economics, or investing to your summer reading list.
  • Look back at the last 6 months. Are there any financial takeaways you can apply to the remainder of the year?

AUGUST: It’s time to go back to school.

  • As children or grandchildren get ready for school, create a strategy to help pay for the expenses. There are a number of educational funding choices, and one may be a fit for your situation.

SEPTEMBER: Sweater weather has arrived.

  • Most companies begin “open enrollment” for their insurance plans in the following months. Prepare now by looking at your current health plan and considering whether it meets your needs. Open enrollment for Medicare starts in November.
  • Check your credit card benefits and points earned. With holidays around the corner, you may be due a deal.
  • Don’t forget third-quarter estimated income tax payments are due by September 15.

OCTOBER: Don’t forget to prepare for trick-or-treaters.

  • If you have children off to college next year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) window opens once again on October 1. Encourage your child to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to increase their chances at available scholarships and grants.
  • File your income tax return by October 15 if you requested a six-month extension back in April.
  • If you want to establish a retirement plan outside of your work-sponsored program, you must open the account by your tax filing deadline plus any extensions, which is October 15 for most.
  • Medicare open enrollment begins, providing your opportunity to drop or switch plan coverage.

NOVEMBER: The perfect month to give thanks.

  • Review your charitable giving and update any funding strategies, if needed.
  • Watch for capital gains payouts. Investment companies typically distribute capital gains in December, and by November, they usually publish estimates of their distributions.
  • Healthcare.gov open enrollment begins, Medicare Part A and B premiums and deductibles announced.

DECEMBER: End the year full of ope and goodwill.

  • If you’re 73 or older, don’t forget to take your annual required minimum distribution (RMD) by December 31.
  • You can request an annual Social Security Statement. Compare your earnings record against your old tax returns for accuracy. This is also an excellent time to check for other irregularities to prevent identity theft.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

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

Buying a home is the single-largest financial commitment most people ever make. And sorting through mortgages involves a lot of critical choices. One of these is choosing between a fixed or variable interest rate mortgage.

True to its name, fixed-rate mortgage interest is “fixed” throughout the life of the loan. In contrast, the interest rate on a variable-interest rate loan can change over time. The mortgage interest rate charged by a variable loan is usually based on an index, which means payments could move up or down, depending on prevailing interest rates.1

Fixed-rate mortgages have advantages and disadvantages. For example, rates and payments remain constant despite the interest rate climate. But fixed-rate loans generally have higher initial interest rates than variable-rate mortgages; the financial institution may charge more because if rates go higher, it may lose out.

If prevailing interest rates trend lower, a fixed-rate mortgage holder may choose to refinance, and that may involve closing costs, additional paperwork, and more.1

With variable-rate mortgages, the initial interest rates are often lower because the lender is able to transfer some of the risk to the borrower; if prevailing rates go higher, the interest rate on the variable mortgage may adjust upward as well. Variable-rate mortgages may allow borrowers to take advantage of falling interest rates without refinancing.1

One of the biggest advantages variable-rate mortgages offer can be one of their biggest disadvantages as well. Rates and payments are subject to change, and they can rise over the life of the loan.
Should you choose a fixed or variable mortgage? Here are four broad considerations:

First, how long do you plan to stay in the home? If you plan on living in the home a short time before selling it, you may want to consider a variable-rate mortgage. With a shorter time frame, the loan will have less time to move up or down.

Second, what’s happening with interest rates? If interest rates are below historic averages, it may make sense to consider a fixed rate. On the other hand, if interest rates are above historic averages, it may make sense to consider a variable-rate loan. Then, if interest rates decline, your interest rate may fall as well.

Third, under what conditions can the lender adjust the rate and payment? How frequently can it be adjusted? Is there a limit on how much it can be adjusted in each period? Is there a lifetime limit on how high the interest rate and payment can be raised?

And fourth, could you still afford your monthly payment if interest rates were to rise significantly? How would it affect your finances if your payment were to rise to its lifetime limit and stay there for an extended period?

For most, buying a home is a major commitment. Selecting the most appropriate mortgage may make that long-term obligation more manageable.

1. Investopedia.com, July 19, 2024

Average Interest Rate: 30-Year, Fixed-Rate Mortgages

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the annual rate on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 6.63 percent (as of February 2024).

Source: FRED.StLouisFed.org, 2025. For the period between January 2004 to August 2025.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Learn about the average American budget in this fun and interactive piece..

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household earns an average of $101,805 a year before taxes and spends over 80% of their available income on basic necessities such as housing, food, and clothing. So, how does your household compare?

The average American spends roughly 33% of their income on shelter. This can include property rent, mortgage interest, property taxes, maintenance, repairs, and home insurance.

Americans spend an average of 17% of their total income on transportation, including the purchase and upkeep of their vehicle.

Whether cooking at home or eating out, Americans spend an average of 13% of their income on food.

After the “basic needs” are covered, Americans spend an average of 12% of their income on personal insurance and pensions.

The average American household spends an average of 8% of their total income on health care and health insurance.

At the end of the day, Americans still manage to spend an average of 5% of their income on entertainment.

Americans value charitable giving by spending an average of 3% of their income on cash contributions.

Finally, Americans spend 3% of their total income on apparel.

1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Knowing how insurance deductibles work can help you save money.

An insurance deductible is the amount you, the insured, pay before any claim is paid by your insurance carrier. Depending upon the type of insurance, a policy may set the amount of deductible, or offer you the ability to select a deductible amount.

Deductibles serve a dual purpose: they save the insurance company money (including the administrative cost of processing small claims) and may help keep your premium costs lower.

Choosing the Right Deductible Amount

Generally speaking, the trade-off between deductible levels and insurance premiums is simple: The higher the deductible, the lower the cost of insurance. Conversely, the lower the deductible, the higher the cost of insurance.

Deciding how to make that trade-off is a function of math and your own comfort level with higher out-of-pocket costs if you choose a higher deductible.

Only you can decide if saving $65 a year in premiums for a deductible that is $500 rather than $200 is worth it to you. You may find that the relationship between deductible amount and premium cost is different depending upon the type of insurance. For instance, the savings with a higher deductible may be significant with auto insurance, but much less so with homeowners insurance.1

Not only will this relationship between deductibles and premiums differ based on insurance type, but it may differ based upon other factors, such as your age and the value of your car, for example.

When you consider the appropriate deductible level for health insurance coverage, remember that deductibles may be on each member of the family.

When shopping for insurance, you should always ask your insurance agent what the premium costs are at each of the available deductible levels. Knowing that information may help you make a sound decision regarding your coverage.

1. For illustrative purposes only. This example is not meant to indicate any actual relationship between deductible amount and insurance premium cost.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

In this article, explore the benefits of the Federal Student Grant Program

You may have heard of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, if you or someone you know has plans to attend a college, career school, or university. Last year, nearly 50% of high school seniors submitted a FAFSA to the Department of Education to secure financial assistance. But what many prospective and current students may overlook are the various federal grants awarded to students in need each year.1

Granted value

Most federal grants, unlike loans, function as sources of funding. There are some exceptions, though. For example, if a student is awarded a grant but withdraws from the program in which they’re enrolled, they may be required to pay back all or a portion of that grant.2

Know your grants

The Department of Education offers multiple aid packages as part of the Federal Student Grant Program. The following three are granted most often, and each has different requirements for eligibility. The information below applies to the 2025-2026 academic year:

  • Federal Pell Grants – With a maximum award of $7,395, Pell Grants are reserved for undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree yet.2
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEO) – FSEO Grants award a maximum of $4,000 to those who demonstrate exceptional need and have not yet earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree. FSEO Grants also give priority to Pell Grant recipients over other applicants.2
  • Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants – TEACH Grants award a maximum of $3,772, and they’re reserved for students who are enrolled in teaching preparation programs and agree to teach for a minimum of 4 years at the elementary or secondary school level in a high-need field.2

FAFSA Required

No matter who you are or your financial situation, you may want to consider submitting a FAFSA. After all, the grants listed above do require recipients to have an application on file with the Department of Education. And who knows? The potential financial benefit that you could secure may surprise you.

1. NCAN.org, 2025
2. StudentAid.gov, 2025
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG, LLC, is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.

Many investors are looking to build a portfolio that reflects their socially responsible values while giving them the potential for solid returns. That’s where SRI Investing, Impact Investing, and ESG Investing may play a role.
In the past, some investors regarded these investment strategies as too restrictive. But over time, improved evaluative data and competitive returns made these strategies more mainstream. Even though SRI, ESG investing, and Impact Investing share many similarities, they differ in some fundamental ways. Read on to learn more.1

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Investing

ESG Investing stands for environmental, social, and governance investing. The model assesses investments based on specific criteria, such as ethical business practices, environmental conservation, and local community impact. The popularity of ESG investing has grown: in the United States alone, there are more than 500 ESG mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) available. Just a decade ago, there were only 100 ESG funds.2,3,4,5

SRI (Socially Responsible Investing)

SRI uses criteria from ESG investing to actively eliminate or select investments according to ethical guidelines. SRI investors may use ESG factors to apply negative or positive screens when choosing how to build their portfolio. For example, an investor may wish to allocate a portion of their portfolio to companies that contribute to charitable causes. In the U.S., more than $17 trillion are currently invested according to SRI strategies. This is an increase from the $12 trillion invested in SRIs by the end of 2017.4,5,6

Impact Investing

Also known as thematic investing, impact investing differs from the two above. The main goal of impact investing is to secure a positive outcome regardless of profit. For example, an impact investor may use ESG criteria to find and invest in a company dedicated to the development of a cure for cancer no matter the outcome of that investment.1

The biggest takeaway? There are plenty of choices to keep your investments aligned with your personal beliefs. No matter how you decide to structure your investments, don’t forget it’s always a smart move to speak with your financial professional before making a major change.

1. Investopedia.com, 2022
2. Investing in mutual funds is subject to risk and potential loss of principal. There is no assurance or certainty that any investment or strategy will be successful in meeting its objectives. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the funds. Contact the fund company directly or your financial professional to obtain a prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing or sending money.
3. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) are subject to market and the risks of their underlying securities. Some ETFs may involve international risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risk unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility. ETFs that focus on a small universe of securities may be subject to more market volatility as well as the specific risks that accompany the sector, region, or group. An ETF’s trading price may be at a premium or discount to the net asset value of the underlying securities.
4. Morningstar.com, 2022
5. USSIF.org, 2022
6. Asset allocation is an approach to help manage investment risk. Asset allocation does not guarantee against investment loss.
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.
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