Blog

Were you raised with the money taboo? Many people are taught from a young age not to speak openly and honestly about money, even with their loved ones. This might not seem like a big deal, but the money taboo has real consequences....

Responsible money management is often a foreign concept to teens that is complicated and confusing. Yet, if they learn how to save and be financially responsible early, they can protect themselves in the future. To empower teens to get...

Katharine Hepburn famously said, “Without discipline, there is no life at all.” It’s certainly true with money: when people save, it brings life rewards. But sometimes after being on your best money behavior for a...

If 2020 shook your financial confidence, you are not alone. Perhaps you or a loved one faced a career setback in the economic crisis. Maybe you or a family member got sick and ran up debt during the illness. Whatever challenges you...

Have you heard of the Great Wealth Transfer? If you’re a millennial, it will likely be of particular interest to you, as it may involve an inheritance coming your way. But do you know how you would handle a large influx of...

Studies show that now more than ever, today’s women are disproportionately responsible for caring for children, doing laundry, cooking and cleaning, despite many having full-time careers. What’s more, when compared to...

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans were familiar with job turbulence. In January 2020, the median employment length for American workers was 4.1 years, and only 2.8 years for workers 25–34.1 Now, in the wake of 2020,...

WHY IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO START PLANNING FOR YOUR RETIREMENT In a perfect world, we all begin saving for retirement in our mid-20s—and the closer we get to retirement, the more confident we feel about having enough saved to...

If you were born between 1981 and 1996, you’re now likely moving into your prime earning years. The late 20’s through early 40’s bring a busy, exciting phase of life. In many cases, you’re building a family and...

Are your employees experiencing financial stress? With money still a taboo topic for many, the people who work for you may be suffering in silence, bringing unspoken financial stress to their jobs. A survey by the American...

Everyone has a vision of their retirement in their heads. It could be the quintessential condo at the beach, moving closer to the grand kids or volunteering at your favorite nonprofit — but whatever it is, you won’t get it...

“Cut spending.” “Slash expenses.” “Avoid shopping.” The overwhelming advice about cutting expenses makes it sound downright unappealing. No wonder many of us haven’t learned to be good...

Financial spring cleaning is an important part of being fiscally fit, but don’t limit yourself to clearing the financial clutter during a specific season: Financial spring cleaning should always be in season, keeping you focused...

The first National Women’s Equality Day was in 1971. Women couldn’t get credit cards in their own name back then. And if a woman became pregnant, she could be legally fired. Thankfully, a lot has changed, but some things...

Do you think of your spouse or life partner as your “better half”? If so, you know that your relationship is more than just two people meeting halfway. In a life partnership — and in the family that grows from it...

There are two certainties in life: death and taxes, or so it’s been said. While the thought of filing taxes may not fill you with delight, for many Americans, receiving a tax refund could be the mini financial windfall they need...

Women of color have collectively taken an important seat at the table of business ownership. While the number of women-owned businesses in the U.S. grew by 58% from 2007 to 2018, those owned by women of color grew by almost three...

Company culture has long been tied to the physical office environment. Now that organizations all over the world are shifting to remote work, employees and businesses are rethinking the future of workplace culture. If your office is...

The gig economy has been on the rise for years, for better or for worse. Of the 10 million jobs created in the US between 2005 and 2015, a staggering 94 percent were in the category of “alternative work,” meaning gig work...

As a small business owner, you’re used to having to rely on yourself for everything from retirement planning to health insurance. Saving for your children’s college fund is no different. It may seem like a daunting task,...

An estimated one in seven middle-aged Americans supports both a child and an aging parent.1 This isn’t expected to change any time soon. The circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic have added even more households to the...

Move over Punxsutawney Phil, there’s a new groundhog in town! Boca Betty can use her groundhog powers to forecast whether you’re on track with your retirement plans. If Betty doesn’t see her shadow, that means you...

Do you feel like everyone around you is moving? It’s probably because they are. An estimated 811,000 new homes were sold in 2020, 18.8 percent above the 2019 figure of 683,000.1 But is making a move right for you? COVID-19 has...

Student debt has become a reality for one in three U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 29, amounting to a nationwide debt of $1.5 trillion1. And it can take a toll– not only on your wallet— but on your mindset....

2020 certainly was a year. While few of us are sad to see it go, there are lessons to be learned from this most unusual time. Hindsight 2020 is Living Confidently’s newest series, exploring the ways we can look back to move...

If 2020 shook your financial confidence, you are not alone. Perhaps you or a loved one faced a career setback in the economic crisis. Maybe you or a family member got sick and ran up debt during the illness. Whatever challenges you...

For more than 30 years, the wealth gap has been growing between the top 1% and the bottom 99% of earners in the U.S. — and the disparities become even more prominent when the numbers are broken down by race. Below we’ll...

College was fun. But now the bill has come due. American students have over $1 trillion in student debts1. The debt burden college graduates have is a substantial obstacle to personal financial progress, but you likely already know...

Minority-business owners exist in every corner of the U.S., with new ones launching all the time. What business qualify as minority-owned? A private business must be at least 51 percent owned by members of a minority group to qualify....

Layoffs have become a more common reality due to COVID-19. Since mid-March, more than 60 million Americans have filed for unemployment. As devastating as it is, for some, however, it can still come as an unwelcome surprise when it...

What is the legacy you want to leave to the ones you love? Are they words of wisdom to ensure a successful career? Is it leaving a philanthropic footprint in your community for causes that are important to you? For many, it is leaving...

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the allure to overspend is high. The thrill of planning an expensive getaway or shopping for just-right gifts that make our loved ones’ faces light up can bring us joy. But do you want to take...

When you think of planning for retirement, like most individuals, you probably visualize a number. The reality is that most individuals think in terms of an account balance at retirement. Business owners think in terms of selling the...

As we continue to readjust our lives to a global pandemic, you may be wondering if now is the time to use that time to go back to school to pursue a higher degree, or if you can build new skills in other ways. As with any major...

Women are becoming entrepreneurs at five times the national average1 — and their businesses are powering the economy, employing nearly 7.9 million people and generating $1.4 trillion in sales.2 Women are even ascending to...

Just because your millennial child is living on their own or perhaps even raising children of their own, that doesn’t mean important parent-child conversations should stop.1 And this also includes the important protection...

Without even realizing it, most people are familiar with protection-first thinking. If you remember travelling on an airplane in a not too distant past, you would recall this important point in the safety demonstrations “In the...

The brain is a powerful thing, but when it comes to preparing for something that is far in the distance like retirement, it can easily be led astray — and result in some big retirement planning mistakes. Avoid preconceived...

One of the most impactful steps you can take to propel your career forward is to find a mentor. Throughout life, we have had people who have guided us—our parents, teachers and coaches. We have repeatedly benefitted from those...

Americans are saving more these days.1 Especially millennials. We know why to save: For emergencies, for retirement, to afford big-ticket dreams like home ownership or opening a business. But how to save is another matter. Great-aunt...

Do you love wine? Next question: Are you financially confident? This one is a little harder to answer, right? To be financially confident means that you feel good about your current financial situation and future outlook. If this...

In her virtual manifesto on the spending fast, “My Year of No Shopping,” author Ann Patchett discovered that, “The unspoken question of shopping is ‘What do I need?’ What I needed was less.”1 After...

The pandemic has challenged us to find our inner strength and navigate unpredictable times. Business owners can support employees by fostering their well-being. Many forward-thinking organizations foster workplace resilience, which...

A Retirement Resource for Individuals and Families by Peter Stahl, CFP® Bedrock Business Results The topic of health care is prevalent in our nation. Pre-retirees increasingly cite the cost of health care as their top financial...

A Retirement Resource for Individuals and Families by Peter Stahl, CFP® Bedrock Business Results The goal for most, when planning for retirement, is to ensure financial independence and never run out of money. Retirement can mean...

As we have all been forced to change our behaviors and depart from our “normal” routines, it is no wonder that our spending behaviors have changed too. For many, this means the opportunity to shift our constant spending to...

There are many types of life insurance policies that can help protect you and your family. Term life insurance can be an attractive choice for millennials who are looking for affordable coverage, especially if they’re not ready...

Insurance policies are designed to help protect your livelihood, your loved ones, your property and those around you. As you approach retirement, your lifestyle changes…and so should your insurance concerns. Some forms of...

This year, you or a family member may have accumulated medical expenses. On average, Americans spend nearly $5,000 per person in their family, per year*. While many individuals may have health insurance to help pay for some of these...

With college tuition steadily increasing, saving is only getting more difficult. It is not uncommon to hear many of our clients with newborns already discussing college savings. While you may not be ready just yet to send your child...

This year, you may have faced significant changes in your career or business. From starting a new business to unexpected job loss, Northeast Financial Network is here to help you every step of the way. We understand how difficult it...

Bought or sold a house this year? Planning to downsize or retire? These are all questions to consider as you form your financial strategies for the upcoming year and beyond. In addition to the death benefit that can be provided with a...

The addition of a family member is a joyous occasion. With new additions to the family, there’s so much to consider – from diapers to college savings. A pivotal part of life insurance is making sure that your beneficiaries...

Every year, you reflect on your goals, achievements, and what you want to improve upon for the next year. The same reflection should apply to reviewing your financial strategies. When it comes to your life insurance policy or exploring...

Did you know that September is Life Insurance Awareness Month? Each year, September serves as a month of protection preparedness or awareness, and this year, we are focusing on Your Year in Review. So much can occur in an...

Just because your millennial child is living on their own or perhaps even raising children of their own, that doesn’t mean important parent-child conversations should stop.1 And this also includes the important protection...

Get ready. We’re about to get deep. Have you ever thought about what means, means? Yes, you can think about it for a moment…back now? Good. As a noun, it can be two things. It can refer to an action or system by which a...

Bean-bag chairs, foosball tables, pizza Fridays, and work-where-you-want schedules became the business norm over the past decade as hiring managers and business owners competed to lure in the top talent. However, as the workforce...

The teenage years are no easy feat no matter what. They are dealing with hormones, body changes, a demanding social scene, grades, and the impending pressure of leaving the nest. In our current world, teens are also facing one more...

The unpredictability of life can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed with grief. For some, that may be a monetary change brought about by the loss of a job or significant financial setback. While others may deal with the loss of a...

Congratulations, you’re ready to commit. Perhaps you now share keys to the same front door or there’s a ring in your near future. Whatever commitment looks like to you, every time you think of your partner, you hear music....

The dreams of small business owners and the business plans that outline the strategy to fulfill those dreams rarely include the insurance protections that business owners will need. Yet, having adequate protection can help your...

Let’s suppose you’re reading this on your phone. You’re wearing clothes that you bought online, and you’re on your way to wherever you are going in an Uber. Technology made all this — the phone, ecommerce...

Many small businesses are one person businesses. If this sounds like you, you might want to consider opting into a Solo 401(k) Plan. A Solo 401(k) plan is for a one-person business and may provide opportunities to increase your...

Buying your first home is a big decision that involves a major financial commitment, so you want to make sure you approach it smartly. Here are some important tips to help you make this decision. 1. MAKE SURE HOME OWNERSHIP IS RIGHT...

Owning a small business is a dream for millions of Americans. Starting a business is exciting. It is also a huge commitment that comes with a unique set of challenges, including planning for the unknown. Did you know that whole life...

Every new year brings promise, but sometimes this annual ritual can feel more like Groundhog Day. You start the year determined to keep your resolutions, but before too long, you default back to bad habits. For many people, this is...

In times like these—nearly a decade after the Great Recession and in the midst of the current crisis—teaching your kids the value of a dollar is more critical than ever. Doing so equips them to weather life’s...

Now’s a great opportunity to help kids learn about the value of money. Not just that it’s useful or necessary—but how we get it and how to maximize its value. Here are some interactive ways to help tweens understand...

What is a family? In the 1950s, the notion of the nuclear family predominated: Mom, dad and their biological children. Today, things are different. The term “family” embraces everything from same-sex married couples,...

During difficult economic times, it is even more critical to be smart about where you spend your money. And it is essential to do your homework so you can make informed decisions for a better chance of keeping your finances worry-free....

While this may feel like a golden age for the LGBTQ community—with the affirmation of marriage equality and a cultural shift embracing diversity—these successes may distract from some of the important work that needs to be...

Maybe your middle schooler is already hip to saving. Many kids this age do chores and earn allowances, perhaps putting part of what they earn into a savings account for college or another future expense. You know what’s better...

Applying the principle of self-care, of mindfulness, to your financial life can make a significant difference for the better—not just in how you handle your personal finances on a daily basis, but also in how you respond to...

Money is a central part of everyday life as an adult. We spend time most days earning it, we need it for survival, and we want it for fun and entertainment. Oddly, it’s often a topic that isn’t talked about or shared with...

Debt seems like a dirty word, and it can be — but there’s more to it than simply money owed. There are many different kinds of debt, each with different characteristics. What is “good debt,” and what should you...

With the current landscape creating changes—and challenges—for everything from our day-to-day routines like the way we shop for necessities to employment risks and realities, the need for self-care has never been more...

You’re at the amusement park, waiting to board the roller coaster. You can see the whole track as you stand in line. Peaks that seem to pierce the clouds. Dizzying descents. You climb into the car, clutch the harness, and off you...

Many business owners are surprised to learn that wages paid to a disabled employee, not subject to a written plan, are not tax-deductible business expenses. And, business owners may unknowingly expose themselves to claims of...

As of mid-2019, 45% of Americans have a side hustle1, and that figure is only continuing to grow. In any economy, side gigs can be a great way to earn extra cash or explore new interests. And especially in these uncertain times, it may...

Attract Better Employees with Better Benefits In a good economy, smart business owners know that a benefits package needs to fan a candidate’s excitement for joining the team. Serving up the usual can do just the opposite,...

Responsible money management is often a foreign concept to teens that is complicated and confusing. Yet, if they learn how to save and be financially responsible early, they can protect themselves in the future. To empower teens to get...

“Wherever you go, there you are” is a classic reminder to live consciously and fully in each moment. In terms of financial confidence and well-being for young adults, that advice makes excellent sense as well. Wherever you...

Many parents consider financial goals to benefit their children at major milestones, whether it’s the appearance of a first tooth, or the first day of school. No matter the time of year, it’s always a good time to resolve...

“Mom, can I have five bucks?” These words will be heard by all parents at some point. Every parent must decide—and fairly early on—how to answer and handle being a walking, breathing ATM. Children need to be...

Change comes at us from every angle as people update and upgrade everything from their diets to their devices, seemingly every day. When we enter adulthood as a young professional, we never imagine that we are only a couple dozen...

Everyone has a vision of their retirement in their heads. It could be the quintessential condo in Florida, moving closer to the grand kids or taking off to travel the globe — but whatever it is, you won’t get it for free....

It’s fun to daydream about a better financial future. But, unfortunately, too often people stay stuck in their dreams and don’t take action. Yet, as author Annie Dillard has observed, “How we spend our days is, of...

Buying your first home is a big decision that involves a major financial commitment, so you want to make sure you approach it smartly. Here are some important tips to help you make this decision. 1. MAKE SURE HOMEOWNERSHIP IS RIGHT FOR...

If it were easy to talk about money, everyone would do it. But in reality, conversations about finances are tough for a lot people. Money is an intimate topic that can make people feel vulnerable. This is true even for (or especially...

When’s the last time you reviewed your will? Do you remember your attorney discussing a concept known as the unified credit? Did your attorney discuss an amount that was exempt from estate taxes? Not that long ago, this exemption...

Every business wants to grow. But there’s a risk of extending your business so far, so fast that you hit the tipping point where expenses exceed income and find yourself in trouble. Maybe your business added overhead at a rate...

Approximately 20% of U.S. adults have a disability, according to the CDC.1 For the millions of disabled Americans, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, made it unlawful to discriminate in employment against a...

Everyone has a vision of their retirement in their heads. It could be the quintessential condo in Florida, moving closer to the grand kids or taking off to travel the globe — but whatever it is, you won’t get it for free....

If you are like most Americans, meeting the future financial obligation of sending your child to college requires years of disciplined saving and intelligent investing. One strategy for accumulating the necessary funds to pay for...

Do you love wine? Next question: Are you financially confident? This one is a little harder to answer, right? To be financially confident means that you feel good about your current financial situation and future outlook. If this...

More and more companies are choosing to donate to charities through volunteering their time, resources, or both. In 2018, foundations and corporations gave an estimated $427.71 billion to U.S. charities, according to Giving USA 2019:...

Entrepreneurship can be a rewarding but solitary pursuit. As a leader you may not have many peers in your day-to-day life — even a friend serving as, say, a corporate executive won’t know what it’s like to be...

Congratulations — your business is profitable! Have you considered how much of those profits to reinvest in your business? While some entrepreneurs funnel as much as 50 percent back into their companies, depending on your goals...

A successful retirement doesn’t happen automatically. It takes careful planning. The Long-Term Vision Test, our interactive retirement planning tool, can help you create the kind of future you envision. The tool has you rate 10...

Centuries before the crash of 1929, the dot-com bust, and cryptocurrency, there was the tulip bulb in the Netherlands. 1 In the 1600s, the country’s emerging middle class began to fawn over the flora and display tulips to show...

It’s morning and you’re out the door. Immediately your home’s smart devices take over, dialing down the heat, turning off the coffeemaker, and arming surveillance inside and out. In the car, rain-sensing wipers...

Did you know that U.S. households carry nearly $7000, in revolving credit card debt from month to month?1 By making only minimum payments and piling new debt on top of old, many of us start each month in the hole. We shoulder constant...

Can money buy happiness? Maybe. For example, people who have financial strategies are typically happier because they feel more in control. On the other hand, people who lack financial resources report varying degrees of stress and a...

Have you or a loved one ever had a major health scare? One that rocked your world for a few days (and sleepless nights) until you learned it was not as serious as you feared and that life would return to normal with the right care. A...

Planning. We all know we should do it. Indeed, we all do it much of the time to some degree. We plan dinners. We plan parties. We plan vacations. Legacy or estate planning is our ultimate chance to plan the future. You’ve been...

Nearly two-thirds of Americans lack confidence in their financial well-being, according to research. They have goals — saving for a home, protecting their family, putting money aside for retirement — but they can’t...

It’s fun to daydream about a better financial future. But, unfortunately, too often people stay stuck in their dreams and don’t take action. Yet, as author Annie Dillard has observed, “How we spend our days is, of...

Many small businesses are one person businesses. If this sounds like you, you might want to consider opting into a Solo 401(k) Plan. A Solo 401(k) plan is for a one-person business and may provide opportunities to increase your...

The good news is that Americans are living longer these days. The average life expectancy has risen steadily from 49 years in 1900 to 79 years in 2000. Congratulations if you live in Hawaii – your state has the highest life...

Everyone knows to “save for a rainy day,” right? That’s easier said than done because many of us don’t know what to consider as a “rainy day.” It’s easier to save for things we are motivated by...

When you cross the threshold into your thirties, you have a sense of confidence and direction for the kind of life you want to live. After all, you likely spent your twenties surviving tough lessons about work and self-sufficiency. You...

WHY IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO START PLANNING FOR YOUR RETIREMENT In a perfect world, we all begin saving for retirement in our mid-20s—and the closer we get to retirement, the more confident we feel about having enough saved to...

In the first few years after college, graduates tend to expect job turbulence. After all, the professional learning curve is steep, and it can take a while to find a good job fit. The surprising news, however, is that job certainty...

Imagine you’re planning a round-the-world cruise. It won’t happen for a few years but you’re serious about going. One of the first things you do is figure out the cost. As the date draws closer, you nail down the...

Tomorrow may be different. That’s why you need life event funds. If every day were the same, it would be easy to know exactly how much money you would need. You’d know exactly how much your coffee would cost, how much gas...

Thinking about starting a small business? Join the club – 97 percent of US employer firms are small businesses, a total of 27.9 million.1 What’s more, over 500,000 new businesses will open this month in the US. While...

While the savviest CEOs and bankers understand complex financial concepts that would confound most of us, there’s one critical concept they use that we can all get our heads around: cash flow. Cash flow is, in short, all the...