When we fall in love, everything is idealized. We promise to spend our lives together. We make plans for the future. And we often forget to talk about money.

As more couples wait until later into adulthood to get married, it becomes more of a challenge to blend households, says Ted Chapin, Ph.D., President of Chapin & Russell Associates in Peoria, Ill., and a licensed clinical psychologist.

Before launching your new venture, you’ll need to determine which type of business ownership works best for your situation.

At NAIFA, we're devoted to empowering individuals with the financial knowledge and confidence they need to effectively manage their resources. That's the driving force behind our enthusiasm for National Financial Awareness Day, a nationwide effort centered on equipping people with the essential skills and resources to make wise financial decisions.

You’ve filed your taxes and now feel like you can sigh a big sigh of relief.

While you can, there are still important steps you should take now that your taxes are filed. Tax preparation should take place all year long, not just in the month of April. The more proactive you are throughout the year, the easier it is to stay on track with your taxes.

First, let’s look at what you should do immediately after filing your taxes.

Financial wellness is more than understanding how to budget and manage your money – it’s about having security and stability planning for the short-term and long-term. It means setting financial priorities and thinking about how you want your future self to live.

On April 25, Retirement Council Inc., Financial Advisor Joeseph Chalom, CLU, RICP, LUTCF, LACP,  will provide an overview of how to achieve financial security in the webinar "Financial Wellness Concepts & Career Opportunities." This one-hour crash course provides you with the tools to create the best, most financially sound plan for you and your family.

Debt is the worst.

Sometimes people draw distinctions between “good” and “bad” debt, but for most of us, this is mostly just unhelpful hairsplitting. Debt is no fun even when you get something out of it, such as a college education.

We all tend to have a few different debts, often including student loan debt, credit card debt, and debt from medical expenses.

Everyone has opinions, right? And who doesn’t like making money?

The prospect of earning money sharing your views in an online survey might seem too tempting to turn down. Plenty of websites offer that opportunity.

Of course, answering surveys could never become a full-time career — and if you find anyone touting that, you’ve probably uncovered a scam.

But is it worth your time to take a few of these “pop quizzes” for cash while, for example, waiting in the doctor’s office?

The phrase “tax shelter” may sound sketchy, but the term is a little misleading. Law-abiding citizens can invest their income in several perfectly legal tax-sheltered savings accounts. These savings strategies allow you to reduce your taxable income and keep more cash in your pocket.

It might not be easy to get out of debt, but it is absolutely worth it. Start with these debt-elimination tips. The increased flexibility and peace of mind you gain when you’re no longer saddled with debt can transform your life — including your mental health.

By acquiring a few good financial habits, you can not only get yourself out of whatever debt you’re in right now but also live debt free indefinitely.

Let’s face it: No one likes paying taxes.

When you start to think about how much of your hard-earned money goes toward them, it can get frustrating—particularly when it comes time to file your taxes, and you see the yearly totals.

While there’s no way to avoid taxes altogether, there are ways to legally reduce how much you pay. Below are a few tips and tricks for keeping more money in your pocket.