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
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
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
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

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

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
Yes
Yes answer here
No
No answer here
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
Yes
Yes answer here
No
No answer here
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
Tuition answer here
Room and Board
Room and Board answer here
Other
Other answer here
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?
Yes
Yes answer here
No
No answer here

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?
Are you able to have an emergency fund to help cover unexpected expenses?
Yes
Yes answer here
No
No answer here
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?
Have you thought about how and when to start building credit?
Yes
Yes answer here
No
No answer here
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?
As a recent graduate, are you able to establish a monthly budget?
Yes
Yes answer here
No
No answer here

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?

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The 50/30/20 Budget Rule
 Before or After College Graduation? Learn the Best Time to Take a Gap Year  
Where do you stand?
Are you able to have an emergency fund to help cover unexpected expenses?
Yes
Yes answer here
No
No answer here
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?
Have you thought about how and when to start building credit?
Yes
Yes answer here
No
No answer here
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?
As a recent graduate, are you able to establish a monthly budget?
Yes
Yes answer here
No
No answer here

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.

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.

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What can you do if you’re applying for your first job, but don’t have any work experience?
Correct, 
even volunteering shows that you are responsible.
What can you do if you’re applying for your first job, but don’t have any work experience?
Correct! 
If you have illustrated strength in a particular course, a professor’s letter might get you noticed.
What can you do if you’re applying for your first job, but don’t have any work experience?
Yes,
 your education is important and should be noted, especially if you just don’t have any work experience yet.
What can you do if you’re applying for your first job, but don’t have any work experience?
Yes,
 this is acceptable if you just don’t have any relevant experience, but are eager to learn.
What can you do if you’re applying for your first job, but don’t have any work experience?
Yes,
 each of these methods will show prospective employers that you have the initiative to jump-start your career.

How to Nail Your First Interview

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

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Your company’s human resources department is the best resource for all things employee benefits.
Your company’s human resources department is the best resource for all things employee benefits.
Correct! 
Understanding your benefits is one way to plan for your future.
Your company’s human resources department is the best resource for all things employee benefits.
Incorrect. 
Human Resources/Employee Relations Department can guide you when signing-up for benefits at your company.

Career Relocation

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

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I’m just starting out in my career, but I have long-term financial goals.
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.
I’m just starting out in my career, but I have long-term financial goals.
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.

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
My goals in the near future include home ownership. I am ready to make a plan.
My goals in the near future include home ownership. I am ready to make a plan.
Congratulations! 
Home ownership is a big step forward.
My goals in the near future include home ownership. I am ready to make a plan.
Renting might be the preferred option 
for you at this point in your life.

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
Opening a savings account can help keep your financial goals in sight.
My goals in the near future include home ownership. I am ready to make a plan.
Correct! 
Setting and achieving savings goals feels amazing!
My goals in the near future include home ownership. I am ready to make a plan.
Incorrect. 
A savings account dedicated to your first major purchase will help organize your budget and expenses.

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

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The interest rate that you pay to borrow money is:
Correct! 
The higher your rating, the less interest you’ll pay each month. Financial institutions rely on your credit rating to determine your interest rate.
The interest rate that you pay to borrow money is:
Correct! 
How much you owe and how long you have owed the debt matters to lenders.
The interest rate that you pay to borrow money is:
Incorrect. 
Interest is the money that you pay to receive a loan from a lender.
The interest rate that you pay to borrow money is:
Trick question! 
It’s possible to refinance your mortgage.

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.

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.

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Moving in with your significant other is a good time to:
This is correct! 
Anytime you are about to combine resources and finances is a good time to have transparency with your partner in regards to your financial obligations and credit rating
Moving in with your significant other is a good time to:
Correct! 
Decreasing debt is a good way to improve your credit rating and to help plan for the future.
Moving in with your significant other is a good time to:
Yes! 
Sharing bills ultimately means sharing resources. Sharing a bank account means staying in the know about household finances.
Moving in with your significant other is a good time to:
Correct! 
Moving in together is a good time to discuss your shared visions and dreams.
Moving in with your significant other is a good time to:
Each of these steps 
help build a future together.

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
More couples today are choosing to live together instead of marriage.
More couples today are choosing to live together instead of marriage.
Correct! 
According to the U.S. Census, among those age 18-24, cohabiting is now more prevalent than living with a spouse.
More couples today are choosing to live together instead of marriage.
Incorrect. 
The U.S. Census reports that cohabitation is up and marriage is down!

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
My significant other and I have decided to start saving for a house. 
My significant other and I have decided to start saving for a house. 
Congratulations 
on your decision to plan a future together!
My significant other and I have decided to start saving for a house. 
Perhaps 
there are other plans in your future.

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.

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.

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A wedding budget helps plan:
Correct! 
Each guest is an expense.
A wedding budget helps plan:
Correct! 
Vendor rates can add up quickly.
A wedding budget helps plan:
Correct! 
 Don’t forget the importance of saving for your post-wedding celebration.
A wedding budget helps plan:
Budgets help you stay focused on your goals, 
especially for a monumental occasion such as your wedding.

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
A wedding budget helps plan:
A wedding budget helps plan:
Correct! 
A wedding is one of the most important days in your life. But, if you’re not ready yet, saving for the big day now can be helpful.
A wedding budget helps plan:
Incorrect. 
A wedding is one of the most important days in your life. For some, saving long-term makes financial sense.

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
We’re getting married and we’d like to combine our savings.
We’re getting married and we’d like to combine our savings.
Congratulations on your marriage. 
Combining finances is a big step forward.
We’re getting married and we’d like to combine our savings.
Each couple should 
determine the best choices for their combined goals.

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.

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
The average cost of raising a child $233,600.
The average cost of raising a child $233,600.
Correct! 
The USDA estimates this is the cost to raise a child through age 17. This figure does not include college expenses.
The average cost of raising a child $233,600.
Incorrect. 
The USDA estimates this is the cost to raise a child through age 17. This figure does not include college expenses.

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.

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There are approximately 135,000 adoptions in the U.S. each year.
There are approximately 135,000 adoptions in the U.S. each year.
Correct! 
This figure includes step-parent adoptions, foster-care adoptions, and international adoptions.
There are approximately 135,000 adoptions in the U.S. each year.
Incorrect. 
Adoptions can include step-parent adoptions, foster-care adoptions, and international adoptions.

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. 

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The first step in family planning is to talk about it with your partner.
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.
The first step in family planning is to talk about it with your partner.
Incorrect. 
Honest conversations about concerns, aspirations, and what matters most are crucial. Planning your family also means planning your financial success.

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!

How to Start a Small Business

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

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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!

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
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 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.

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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 Register for a New Business

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

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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.

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.

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.

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The normal retirement age in the United States is:
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.
The normal retirement age in the United States is:
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.

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.

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Experts agree that you should begin saving for retirement at age 35. 
Experts agree that you should begin saving for retirement at age 35. 
This is not correct. 
Experts agree that you should begin saving for retirement as soon as possible, at any age.
Experts agree that you should begin saving for retirement at age 35. 
Correct! 
Experts agree that you should begin saving for retirement as soon as possible, at any age.

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.

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I contribute to my employer’s retirement savings plan.
I contribute to my employer’s retirement savings plan.
Congratulations! 
You’re one step closer to maintaining your current standard of living when you retire.
I contribute to my employer’s retirement savings plan.
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. 

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.

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What is an “emergency fund”?
Correct!
 
Funds that are not considered part of your recurring monthly bills and spending.
What is an “emergency fund”?
Incorrect. 
A vacation fund should be a separate account.
What is an “emergency fund”?
Correct! 
Supplemental income in case of loss of employment.

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.

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Contacting creditors is an important step if you have lost your job or primary source of income.
Contacting creditors is an important step if you have 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.
Contacting creditors is an important step if you have lost your job or primary source of income.
Incorrect. 
Communicating with creditors will bring you peace and help you avoid collections.

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.

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I am considering appointing a Power of Attorney.
I am considering appointing a Power of Attorney.
Good! 
Choose a trusted person to handle personal and financial matters in case you are unable to do so.
I am considering appointing a Power of Attorney.
Planning for future setbacks can seem daunting, 
but it does bring peace of mind.