Lindsey Brock, CFP®

One of my favorite recommendations is to set your 401(k) contributions to automatically increase over time. Many retirement plan providers offer this feature, and I’ve found it to be an incredibly effective way to build wealth effortlessly. Begin by contributing at a level you're comfortable with—let's say 6%. (For reference, I started at 2% when I was 22!) Then schedule your contributions to rise by 1% annually. Ideally, these increases will align with any raises you receive, making the higher savings feel almost unnoticeable. Before long, you'll be maxing out your 401(k) contributions without even realizing it!

Learn more about Lindsey here!

Annette Harris, SPHR, SHRM-CP, AFC®, FFC®

My financial tip is for couples to be proactive and communicate openly about money. Here's how to make these conversations easier:

1. Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Set a monthly time for financial discussions. This allows both partners to prepare mentally and reduces anxiety.

2. Create an Agenda: Outline topics to discuss, like budgeting or saving goals, to keep the conversation focused.

3. Practice Active Listening: Ensure both partners feel heard to find common ground in your financial approach. Use "we" instead of "you" to frame discussions around shared goals to build a stronger partnership.

Learn more about Annette and her children's books here!

Kieth Hiatt, CPA, AEP, CAP

Our tip is to protect your identity!  One form of tax identity theft involves someone stealing your social security number and filing a false return in order to get your tax refund. The problem is huge and growing worse each year.

How can you protect yourself?

*  Shred extraneous or no-longer-needed documents that show your personal financial information.

*  Monitor credit activity by requesting a free report from the three main credit agencies for everyone in your household, including your children. Even if your kids are too young to access credit, they're required to have a social security number for tax purposes. You want to keep that number safe.

*  Protect copies of prior year tax returns. Use passwords for electronic files and secure locked cabinets for hard copy paper forms.

*  Do not respond to texts, e-mails, or social media contacts purporting to come from the IRS. If there's a problem with your return, the IRS will first contact you via postal mail. Bring any correspondence to our attention so we can help you respond appropriately.

*  Be aware of the "dirty dozen" list of common scams. An example is the IRS-impersonation telephone scam, where con artists pretending to be IRS agents call and threaten you with arrest unless you make immediate payment of (non-existent) past-due taxes.

Learn more tips from Kieth here!