Blog

2020 has been an extraordinary year filled with uncertainty and unexpected challenges that will stay with us for a long time. Read on for what 2021 may look like.

We know from previous experience that New Year’s resolutions are iffy at best. This year, the first resolution should be to only make resolutions that you have a good chance of achieving. Here are some tips to make them meaningful.

For National College Savings Month in September, Jacob Merk, CPA, CFP, shares some of the key benefits and rules of 529 Plans.

Brenda Rolli, AAMS and Financial Consultant, shares the importance of factoring inflation into your retirement plan.

A 401(k) account is one of the most valuable tools for saving and planning for retirement. Many plans offer features that can help you set aside more of the money you earn for retirement and grow wealth for your financial future. If you’re able to save the maximum amount available, you should. Here are a few ways to do so.

Everyone’s financial well-being has been more top of mind than usual this year, so for this National Financial Awareness Day I want to share a few things that are specific to the economic climate we’re in right now, as well as a couple of general things to review mid-year.

On March 27, 2020 Trump signed into law the much anticipated $2 trillion stimulus package to help provide relief for people during the coronavirus pandemic. It is our hope that this assistance, paired with a strong economy before entering the pandemic, will be conducive to a short lived recession. Here are nine highlights of how the Act might provide you relief during these challenging times:  

Scammers, fraudsters, and other criminals are taking advantage of rapidly changing data and facts associated with COVID-19, both in the workplace and in our homes. These scams, which can be sent via email, text message, and social media claim to provide COVID-19 updates, sell products, ask for charitable donations, or reference government aid packages. Use these 7 tips to identify and avoid scams:

Spring cleaning doesn't just mean dusting off those bookshelves or vacuuming cobwebs off your ceiling. It can also mean tidying up your finances. Here are eight tips to get you started...

Newly retired people experience a honeymoon phase when they are finally free to do anything they want. But after the thrill wears off and the days seem to get longer, you'll need something to occupy your time. Try these strategies to find the right hobby...

The tough times that global markets were experiencing due to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) worsened this past weekend as a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia resulted in sharply declining oil prices. This combination of events is testing investors’ patience as we await a catalyst for a near-term recovery...

"Save thousands on health insurance." "Cut your premiums in half." We've all seen the ads for high-deductible health plans (HDHPs), touting their low rates. But do lower rates mean less coverage? Read on for the benefits of these plans, and what you should be asking before enrolling in one.

This year, don't wait for the holiday season to put the squeeze on your wallet. Take the time now to plan and budget, and by utilizing the holiday budget chart provided you'll be able to better plan and track your spending throughout the season.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and since threats continue to evolve, here are a few tips about creating strong passwords to help keep your information and technology secure.

If you're ready to start taking distributions from 529 savings plans for your child's educational expenses, take a look at what's covered (and what's not) before you get started.

There can be a little bit of sticker shock when you actually sit down and total up your debt, and while that total number may be startling, it should help reinforce the need to start paying it off. I’m going to focus on a method to pay off your debt that emphasizes being both cost effective and sustainable.

The importance of estate planning can often be underestimated, especially by young families and older couples. “There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding estate planning,” shares Cassandra Dorn, Financial Consultant with Provident. “Here are a few that I frequently hear from clients."

We’d like to congratulate one of our Administrative Associates, Alice Pichler, as she celebrates her 10 year anniversary with Provident this month.

As a shareholder in Provident, Cassandra had hoped this opportunity would help her learn more about the community and how Provident could make more of an impact within it.

While nurses typically enjoy a higher level of job security, it's still vital to have a good foundation of financial planning in place look toward the future...

While you and your financial consultant are creating your investment strategy, there are two factors in particular that work against investor returns to take into consideration and those are market timing and taxes," shares Brenda Rolli, AAMS and Financial Consultant with Provident.

Cassandra Dorn also shares 3 money lessons every high school graduate should know, in addition to discussing the Money Matters program the Boys and Girls Club offered to local teens...

We are excited to share that Bonita L. Graff, Provident Financial Consultants’ co-founder and CEO, has been elected to the Board of Trustees of her alma mater, Lakeland University. “My belief is that education is crucial for developing your skills and succeeding professionally...

“As a mother of three, I understand how every little bit can help," says Cassandra Dorn, CFP. "Last March, a child tax rebate passed through the Wisconsin State Legislature and it’s definitely something you’re going to want to get on board with...

Provident Financial Consultants' co-founder, Mary Wiedenmeier, is retiring in May. "I can say with confidence that the people I’ve been surrounded by over the years, my co-workers and clients, played a big role in that enjoyment, and are the part I will miss the most...

For Provident clients, we'll be holding our annual shredding event. “We encourage you to take the time to organize your financial records and discard old records at this event,” commented Jacob Merk.

If you have a high deductible health insurance plan, opening an HSA is an ideal way to help pay for medical expenses. Here are 8 perks and facts, including contribution limits.

This time of year people need to be on high alert for potential tax scams. Here are several tips from the IRS to help avoid being a victim of tax scam...

Each year, the Provident Financial Consultants team chooses a focus charity. Several of our team members will say, along with many of our clients, what an important role their pets play in their lives. Those special connections played a big role in selecting our 2018 Focus Charity...

“The new year is a great time to sit down and really take a look at your finances,” says Wealth Advisor, Brenda Rolli. "These six steps are a great way to to learn how you're spending your money and put your financial priorities into perspective...