Everyone knows it’s important to plan for retirement, but taking the first step can seem daunting. Fortunately, knowing a few ground rules can help you start off on the right foot – and ensure you’re more prepared for the future. Financial literacy Learning about investing, retirement topics and the markets is step one. Appreciating and …
Smart savings tips for young people
As a young person, you have an opportunity to make some major financial strides. You truly have time on your side when it comes to investing, saving and harnessing the power of compounding. Now’s the time to pay yourself first and do things that could make you wealthy in the future. These savings tips will …
College savings strategies from AAA
There’s no doubt about it: College savings is a tricky suject. The average per-year total of tuition, fees, and room and board for public colleges and universities is about $20,000. That number jumps to roughly $40,000 for private schools. When you plan ahead you can make the most of the time value of money in your …
Financial planning resources for members
To enhance AAA Ohio Auto Club’s member benefits, services and expectations, the club has partnered with The Strategic Wealth Management Group. SWM is a financial planning and investment advisory practice with locations in Mansfield, Columbus and across the country. The associates at Strategic Wealth Management will provide AAA members with unbiased, non-proprietary wealth management and financial …
Decoding financial terms
Reading the fine print of a credit card or student loan application can be daunting; just what do all those acronyms mean? Fortunately, we’ve broken down a list of some of the most common financial terms you’ll encounter in your day-to-day life. APR: The annual interest rate paid on an investment. APR doesn’t factor in …
Foreign currency tips from AAA
Heading across the pond (or around the world)? Local currency is important for tips, transportation, meals and other casual purchases. Luckily, you can avoid the exchange lines, high fees and poor exchange rates typically offered in airports, hotels and restaurants by purchasing foreign currency before you leave the US. Plan to bring the equivalent of …
What’s in a credit score?
Your credit score is one of the most important items to know and keep in good standing, but what makes up a score, anyway? The three major credit reporting bureaus – Experian™, TransUnion® and Equifax® – each offer one free report each year. Request your report by visiting Once you receive your report, look at …
Why you should start saving for retirement today
Tips on saving for retirement the smart way Financial experts advise that retirees will need 80 to 100 % of their pre-retirement income to live comfortably. How can you start making smart investments in your future? To understand how your investment can grow, you need to have a basic understanding of compounding interest and the Rule …
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Two financial resolutions to make for 2018
Whether you’re happy with the way your bank account looks or not, January is a great time to make some wallet-positive financial resolutions for the coming year. Plan ahead. Keep an eye on big events going on throughout the year. Knowing a special occasion is on the horizon allows you to start setting aside the …
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Does your budget need a New Year’s diet?
During the season of holiday parties, gifts, festivities and travel, your usual budget can quickly fall by the wayside. And while it’s OK to treat yourself, family and friends during special occasions, it’s also important to get your finances back on track. First, it’s important to understand where your money is going. Do you keep …