Ready to Navigate Life’s Milestone Moments

Life is a journey — full of dreams, adventures and achievements. Along the way, we all have decisions to make and sometimes a few challenges to face. Take this short quiz to get set up with ideas and resources that will help you prepare for your next chapter.

Find Your Milestone
01/05

How would you describe your career at the moment?  

I’m still figuring out what I’m going to do and be.
I’m building my very first professional resume. 
I want to be ready to retire when it is time.
I’m on the hunt and ready for a new job.
I'm ready to put my dreams into plan and work for myself
Next
02/05

What does home look like for you?

Living in a college dormitory or with roommates. 
Searching for or moving into my first apartment. 
Getting ready to buy my first home.   
Ready to buy my next home.
I own a home and have no plans to move
Back
Next
03/05

What best describes your current savings goals?

I’m just trying to pay the bills, get ahead, while having some fun.
I’m putting aside as much as I can for something big.
I’m wondering what to do about retirement and investments.
I’m worried about getting through the next little bit.
I have enough savings to allow me to live comfortably for a period of time
Back
Next
04/05

Good debt, bad debt, too much debt — what does borrowing mean to you right now?  

Keeping up with my credit card payments.
Getting approved for a mortgage.
Paying off wedding loans.
Figuring out what we need to renovate our house.

Getting approved for a loan to kick-start my plans

Back
Next
05/05

What does ‘growth’ mean to you right now? 

Starting a family.
Building a nest egg.
Moving my career forward.
Improving my credit score.
Invest in my professional dreams
Back

High School Graduation 

The hard work paid off and you’re off to college! Sure, it can be a big transition, but a little extra reading now can get you through this exciting phase with top marks. 

Curated Articles
How to Prepare for College: The High School Senior’s Guide

Follow this chart to stay on top of your college planning and make sure you’re primed for success when class begins.

Read More
Banking 101 — A Guide for High School Seniors
5 Tips for Choosing the Best College Housing
Student Loan Calculator
Where do you stand?
I will graduate high-school soon, but I want to work rather than go to college right away
You're not alone.
According to the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics, among recent high school graduates ages 16-24, college enrollment rates for men were 62.0%; and 69.8 % for women. That means about 30% of highschool graduates have other plans.
According to the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics
among recent high school graduates ages 16-24, college enrollment rates for men were 62.0 %; and 69.8 % for women. That means about 30% of highschool graduates have other plans.
How to Prepare for College: The High School Senior’s Guide
Banking 101 — A Guide for High School Seniors

Learn the basics of money management, including how to choose the right bank and bank account for your unique adventure. 

Read More
5 Tips for Choosing the Best College Housing
Student Loan Calculator
Where do you stand?
I have money set apart for future college expenses
Good for you!
Expenses in college include things like tuition, room and board, textbooks, fees, amongst other things- so having money set apart for this will set you up for success!
You could  consider getting a student loan to aid with college expenses;
According to the research group Educationdata.org, 49% of high school graduates in 2017 would have qualified for a Pell Grant.
How to Prepare for College: The High School Senior’s Guide
 Banking 101 — A Guide for High School Seniors 
5 Tips for Choosing the Best College Housing

On-campus or off-campus? Both have pros and cons depending on budget, commute time and how much independence you’re ready to take on. 

Read More
Student Loan Calculator
Where do you stand?
Which do you think will be your biggest expense when you're in college?
Tuition and fees

are considered the biggest expense of going to college, although room and board are also considered very significant expenses, according to Federal Student Aid.

Room and Board
Room and board will probably be a great expense, together with tuition fees.
Actually, tuition and fees
are considered the biggest expense of going to college, although room and board are also considered very significant expenses according to Federal Student Aid.
How to Prepare for College: The High School Senior’s Guide
 Banking 101 — A Guide for High School Seniors 
5 Tips for Choosing the Best College Housing
Student Loan Calculator

Get a clear picture of your borrowing options and what your monthly payments might look like when you graduate.

Read More
Where do you stand?
Are you planning on applying for a student loan?
If you don't have any money saved for your college expenses, a student loan is something to be considered.
Student loans could be classified as  “good” debt, as the money you're borrowing will put you through school and help you get a degree & work on your chosen career.
That means you might have different funding options for your college experience!

College Graduation

You made it to the higher education finish line! Now it’s time to jump-start another new beginning. Having some financial know-how under your belt will put you in a good position as you head out into the real world.

Curated Articles
Money Management Tips for Recent Grads

You’re in the real world and making real money, but are you being realistic about your finances?

Read More
How to Create a Budget
 Before or After College Graduation? Learn the Best Time to Take a Gap Year  
Where do you stand?
Learning to establish a budget is an important step in moving towards more independence
Learning to establish a budget
will certainly help you succeed with future plans.
Setting and sticking to a budget
is a good habit that will help you succeed.
Money Management Tips for Recent Grads
How to Create a Budget

Follow these easy steps to build a practical plan for spending, saving and living within your means.

Read More
 Before or After College Graduation? Learn the Best Time to Take a Gap Year  
Where do you stand?
As a recent graduate, are you able to establish a monthly budget?
Good for you!
Establishing a monthly budget can help you stay on track and focused on your financial goals!
Establishing a budget might seem tricky at first,
but good habits will pay off!
Money Management Tips for Recent Grads
 How to Create a Budget 
Before or After College Graduation? Learn the Best Time to Take a Gap Year 

Before settling into a job or before signing up for college? Find out what you need to know about taking a year off to explore the world — and yourself.

Read More
Where do you stand?
Federal Work Study jobs can help students pay for college and living expenses
Correct!
Federal Work Study jobs provide part-time employment while you are enrolled in school.
Incorrect.
The Federal Work Study program ensures that students can earn a wage while enrolled in college. The program is based on a student’s financial need.

Moving Out on Your Own

The road to independence starts here! Getting your first place can be scary, but a good game plan and a little research can make this new beginning a piece of cake.

Curated Articles
Ready to Move Out?

You’re in the real world and making real money, but are you being realistic about your finances?

Read More
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule
 How to Start an Emergency Savings Fund 
Where do you stand?
Do you know how to establish a monthly budget?
Getting your own place can present challenges,
but planning ahead will help you succeed.
Setting and sticking to a budget
 is a good habit that will help you succeed.
Ready to Move Out?
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule

This percentage-based budget divides your monthly income into simple categories that help you get the most from your spending and saving.

Read More
 How to Start an Emergency Savings Fund 
Where do you stand?
Yes
Having a roommate is an opportunity to learn about budgeting.
Yes
A roommate can be a way of holding yourself accountable, but with shared expenses.
Yes
But be sure to include this in your personal budget.
 Ready to Move Out? 
The 50/30/20 Budget Rule
How to Start an Emergency Savings Fund

When the unexpected comes up, it’s a big relief to have a financial cushion that can keep you afloat for three to six months.

Read More
Where do you stand?
Do you have an emergency fund to help with unexpected expenses of living on your own?
Great!
An emergency fund may come in hand if something unexpected happens- like a loss of income, for example.
We advise you to consider an emergency fund for those unexpected life moments- it may help you in many ways!

Starting Your Career

Nothing feels better than cashing your first post-grad paycheck, especially when you’ve done the additional legwork to start your first job off right.

Curated Articles
First Career Steps: How to Create Your First Resume

Make your personality and skills shine with this practical guide for crafting your first professional summary.

Read More
 How to Nail Your First Interview 
 Career Relocation 
Where do you stand?
Correct,
volunteering shows that you are responsible.
Correct!
If you have illustrated strength in a particular course, a professor’s letter might get you noticed.
Yes,
your education is important and should be noted, especially if you just don’t have any work experience yet.
Yes,
this is acceptable if you just don’t have any relevant experience, but are eager to learn.
Yes,
each of these methods will show prospective employers that you have the initiative to jump-start your career.
 First Career Steps: How to Create Your First Resume 

How to Nail Your First Interview

Ready to stand out from the crowd? Try these tips for turning your interview into a job offer.

Read More
 Career Relocation 
Where do you stand?
Do you know where to find all  information regarding employee benefits?
Great!
Understanding your benefits and where to find all information regarding them is one way to plan for your future.
Your Company’s human resources department is the best resource for all things employee benefits- and understanding your benefits is one way to plan for the future.
 First Career Steps: How to Create Your First Resume 
 How to Nail Your First Interview 

Career Relocation

When adventure and new opportunity calls, make sure you’re ready to roll and are equipped with some financial know-how. 

Read More
Where do you stand?
I’m just starting out in my career, but I have long-term financial goals.
Managing your finances
 now will ensure lifelong healthy financial habits.
It’s never too early
 to begin making a plan for your financial future.

Making Your First Major Purchase

Whether you’re making ready for owning your first house or buying a new car, saving and spending wisely is the best way to achieve your goals.

Curated Articles

Calculate Your Savings Goals 

Figure out how much of each paycheck you really need to put away to reach your financial goals. You might be closer than you think!

Get Started
 How to Improve Your Credit Score 
 Renting vs. Buying a Home 
Where do you stand?
Do you plan on owning a home within the next 5 years?
Congratulations! 
Home ownership is a big step forward.
Renting might be the preferred option 
for you at this point in your life.
 Calculate Your Savings Goals  

How to Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score can make a big difference in getting approved for a loan or mortgage — or qualifying for better interest rates.

Read More
 Renting vs. Buying a Home 
Where do you stand?
Do you have a savings account or are you considering opening one?
Great!

A savings account dedicated to your first major purchase helps organize your budget and expenses- and setting and achieving savings goals feels amazing!

Consider opening a savings account- it can greatly help you better organize your budget and expenses in order to make your first big purchase!

 Calculate Your Savings Goals  
 How to Improve Your Credit Score 

Renting vs. Buying a Home

Before setting your sights on owning, there are a few things worth considering to see if the equation is going to work for you

Read More
Where do you stand?
Do you know what interest is and how it's calculated?
Good for you!
It's very important to know and understand about interest and interest rates as you´re about to take such a big step as owning a home!

Now is a great time for you to try and learn all you can about interest rates!

Moving in Together

Making a home with your sweetheart is a pretty big deal. A little communication and thinking ahead can make this move toward long-term commitment a positive experience for everyone.

Curated Articles

How Do You Talk to Your Partner About Joint Checking Accounts?

Find out how to start the conversation and become good collaborators in the money management department. 

Read More
 Sharing a Place: 10 Tips for a Healthy Relationship  
 How to Save for Retirement as a Young Couple 
Where do you stand?
Have you considered opening a joint bank account with your partner?
Good idea!

Sharing bills ultimately means sharing resources. Sharing a bank account means staying in the know about household finances.

You and your partner could think about opening a joint bank account- which could make your lives much easier when it comes to sharing bills and resources!

 How Do You Talk to Your Partner About Joint Checking Accounts? 

Sharing a Place: 10 Tips for a Healthy Relationship 

Getting the money part right is one of the biggest challenges couples face. Check these boxes to make sure you’re on target for long-term success.

Read More
 How to Save for Retirement as a Young Couple 
Where do you stand?
What are yours and your partner's main goal when it comes to savings?
Congratulations on your decision to make a big purchase together!

Travelling together is a fantastic goal to have! 

This is great! Congratulations on your plan to start a business together!

Congratulations on your decision to start a family and plan a future together!!

 How Do You Talk to Your Partner About Joint Checking Accounts? 
 Sharing a Place: 10 Tips for a Healthy Relationship  

How to Save for Retirement as a Young Couple

You’re never too young to start building your nest egg. Doing it with your partner can make it a lot easier to achieve your goals.

Read More
Where do you stand?
Do you have a timeline for when you plan on hitting your savings goal?
Great! 
You´re almost there!
Planning ahead is the best way to go!

It's fantastic that you´re able to make long-term plans! That's the best way to organize your savings!

Getting Married

You’re in it to win it, newlyweds! And now it’s time to get serious about harnessing your financial potential and making all those dreams come true.

Curated Articles

5 Things to Consider Before Creating Your Wedding Budget

Before you start hiring vendors or ordering flowers, take a moment to sit down and crunch the numbers.

Read More
 How to Manage Student Loans After Marriage  
 How Married Couples Can Work Together to Reach Their Financial Goals 
Where do you stand?
Have you calculated your wedding budget & costs?

Good! Budget-planning helps you stay ahead of any surprises that might come along the way!

Calculating your wedding budget and costs can help you plan things like the number of guests to invite & vendors within your budget, among other very important details!

 5 Things to Consider Before Creating Your Wedding Budget 

How to Manage Student Loans After Marriage 

As a married couple, student loans become everyone’s responsibility. Find out how to create a solid plan for managing debt. 

Read More
 How Married Couples Can Work Together to Reach Their Financial Goals 
Where do you stand?
Do you have savings specifically for your wedding costs?

Fantastic! Weddings can be costly and having savings specifically for your special day is a great idea! 

That's ok, you might have different savings priorities; creating and sticking to a wedding budget will help you plan a great celebration that fits in your pocket!
 5 Things to Consider Before Creating Your Wedding Budget 
 How to Manage Student Loans After Marriage  

How Married Couples Can Work Together to Reach Their Financial Goals

Get the most out of your dual-income household and learn how to reach your long-term financial goals.

Read More
Where do you stand?
When you get married, will you be considering combining your savings into one single account?

That's great! Combining finances is a big step forward.

That's ok, each couple should

determine the best choices for their combined goals.

Starting a Business

Starting a business is a very important step that requires quite a bit of planning and clear objectives in order to achieve great results!

Curated Articles

How to Start a Small Business

Find out the key factors to consider before diving into such a life-changing decision. 

Read More
 Where to Find Smart Business Startup Advice 
 How to Get a Small Business Loan 
 How to Register for a New Business 
Where do you stand?
Do you have savings to invest in your new business?
Fantastic! 

It's always a good idea to have some money saved before investing in a new business- especially for those initial costs. 

That's ok; there are loans you can apply for in order to get started in your new venture!

 How to Start a Small Business 

Where to Find Smart Business Startup Advice

These time-tested organizations will help you search for ways to make connections and get quick guidance.

Read More
 How to Get a Small Business Loan 
 How to Register for a New Business 
Where do you stand?
Have you created a Business plan with business milestones for the first year of your business?

Great! Sounds like you have a good plan in place!

It would be a very good idea to write down carefully where you would like to take your business, your aim in opening this business  and your milestones for the next year- in order to help you plan all you need to make it happen!

 How to Start a Small Business 
 Where to Find Smart Business Startup Advice 

How to Get a Small Business Loan

Find out what you’ll need to prepare in advance to help secure the small business loan you’re looking for.
Read More
 How to Register for a New Business 
Where do you stand?

Are you considering applying for a loan to get your business started?

Good! Applying for a loan to help you get started can work really well.

Good, that means you have other means of funding your business!

 How to Start a Small Business 
 Where to Find Smart Business Startup Advice 
 How to Get a Small Business Loan 

How to Register for a New Business

Find out the steps needed in kick-starting your business. 

Read More
Where do you stand?
What do you plan will be the legal structure of your business?

Great! As a sole trader you'll have a business that has just one owner- who pays personal income tax on profits earned from the business.

Great! An LLC business owner, you´ll have a structure that offers benefits such as limited liability protection and pass-through taxation.

Great! So each partner in your partnership structure will contribute to all aspects of the business; in return, you and your partner (or partners) will share profits and losses related to this business.

Starting a Family

And a baby makes three! This joyful and rewarding milestone is all about taking another look at your finances, goals and budgeting — from a slightly bigger vantage point.

Curated Articles

4 Financial Tips for Your Growing Family

Prepare your budget and maximize savings goals, so you’re ready for this momentous occasion and the future ahead.

Read More
 4 Financial “Baby” Steps to Take Before You Start a Family 
 Adopting a Child 
Where do you stand?
The first step in family planning is to talk about it with your partner
Correct! 
Honest conversations about concerns, aspirations, and what matters most are crucial. Planning your family also means planning your financial success.
Incorrect. 
Honest conversations about concerns, aspirations, and what matters most are crucial. Planning your family also means planning your financial success.
 
4 Financial Tips for Your Growing Family

4 Financial “Baby” Steps to Take Before You Start a Family

These essential measures can help you protect and provide for your children even before they say hello to the world.

Read More
 Adopting a Child 
Where do you stand?
Have you and your partner broken down the costs related to having a child?

Good! This is an interesting information to know: the USDA estimates that the cost to raise a child through age 17. This figure does not include college expenses.

This is an interesting information to know; The USDA estimates that the cost to raise a child through age 17. This figure does not include college expenses.

 
4 Financial Tips for Your Growing Family
 4 Financial “Baby” Steps to Take Before You Start a Family 

Adopting a Child

It’s the perfect path to parenthood for many of us. But it’s good to get an idea of some of the costs as you enter into this major life decision. 

Read More
Where do you stand?
The first step in family planning is to talk about it with your partner.
Correct! 
Honest conversations about concerns, aspirations, and what matters most are crucial. Planning your family also means planning your financial success.
Incorrect. 
Honest conversations about concerns, aspirations, and what matters most are crucial. Planning your family also means planning your financial success.

Planning for Retirement

Making ready for a comfortable retirement takes time, dedication and a good strategy to ensure you meet your post-work life goals.

Curated Articles

Determining How Much You'll Need to Retire

There is no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to how much you'll need to retire, but there are a few rules of thumb.

Read More
 
How to Develop a Retirement Income Strategy
 
The Impacts of the Pandemic on Retirement Plans: Learn What to Do 
Where do you stand?
The normal retirement age in the United States is:
You are incorrect. 
In the US, the normal retirement age is 65 to 67, depending on birth year.
You are correct!
 The normal retirement age in the US is 65 to 67, depending on the birth year. For example, those born in 1943-1954 can retire age 66; those born in years 1960 or later can retire at age 67.
You are incorrect. 
In the US, the normal retirement age is 65 to 67, depending on birth year.
You are incorrect. 
In the US, the normal retirement age is 65 to 67, depending on birth year.
 
Determining How Much You'll Need to Retire

How to Develop a Retirement Income Strategy

When you make the shift from saving to spending, adding some extra income can help ease some of the stress you might be feeling.

Read More
 
The Impacts of the Pandemic on Retirement Plans: Learn What to Do 
Where do you stand?
Do you have specific plans for when you retire?
That's great!
 It's never too early to make plans!

That's not a problem, there's always time to make plans!

 
Determining How Much You'll Need to Retire
 
How to Develop a Retirement Income Strategy

The Impacts of the Pandemic on Retirement Plans: Learn What to Do 

Retirement savers face a lot of uncertainty right now, but there are practical steps you can take to keep confident and come out on top.

Read More
Where do you stand?
Do you contribute to your employer's retirement savings plan?
Congratulations! 
You’re one step closer to maintaining your current standard of living when you retire.
It’s not too late! 
Sign-up now and contribute all that you can. Plus, your company may contribute a portion as well and automatic deductions make planning even easier

Experiencing Setbacks

Sometimes things don’t always go as planned in life, but it’s important to know there is a way forward and there are resources to get you back on your feet. 

Curated Articles

Dealing With Job Loss

Losing your job can be stressful, but being on top of the situation means you’ll be able to turn this transition into a win.

Read More
 
How Much Debt Is Too Much?
 
Living Will, Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney: What They Are 
Where do you stand?
What is an important financial step to take in case you lost your job or primary source of income?
 

Correct! Avoid expensive collection actions on your credit accounts by communicating with creditors as soon as possible.

You can try and re-negotiate your debt, but borrowing more money might not be the best idea.

This is not a good idea as will get you into more debt.

 
Dealing With Job Loss

How Much Debt Is Too Much?

Good debt or bad debt? Learn all about debt-to-income ratios and how to evaluate the right borrowing amount for you.

Read More
 
Living Will, Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney: What They Are 
Where do you stand?
Correct!
It is NOT a cost associated with a  vacation
Correct!
It is NOT a fund for monthly/yearly planned expenses

An emergency fund CAN be used as supplemental income in case of loss of employment

An Emergency fund IS a fund for unplanned expenses and situations that might happen along the way

 
Dealing With Job Loss
 
How Much Debt Is Too Much?

Living Will, Health Care Proxy, Durable Power of Attorney: What They Are 

At any age, it’s good to think about end-of-life issues and make a plan to protect loved ones and ensure your intentions are carried out.

Read More
Where do you stand?
Do you know what a Power of Attorney is?

Good! This is a very important information to have and take under consideration.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives one person the power to act for another person; this person, or “agent” can have limited authority or broad legal authority over the principal´s money, property & healthcare.