Category: Big Life Moments

  • Diverse group of five young colleagues gathered around a table for a casual team meeting

    Receiving Unemployment Benefits 

    Do you worry about changes in the economy? Have you recently been fired or been a victim of downsizing? Whatever your situation, you may be wondering if you’re eligible for unemployment benefits. For a basic understanding of how unemployment benefits work, read on!  Am I eligible?  The federal-state unemployment compensation program is a partnership based…

  • A woman in an orange top reviewing a document at her desk with a laptop and coffee nearby

    If I leave my job, will I lose my employer-sponsored health insurance? 

    Answer:  If you leave your job, voluntarily or otherwise, you may be able to continue your employer-sponsored health insurance under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985. Eligibility does come with some restrictions, however.  Employers with 20 or more employees are required to offer continued health insurance for up to 18 months…

  • Close-up of two people reviewing financial paperwork at a meeting table

    Leaving Your Job? Your Retirement Savings Plan Options 

    Are you leaving your job and considering whether to take a distribution from your 401(k), 403(b), or governmental 457(b) plan? if so, make sure you’ve considered all your options.  In general, you have the following four options when you’re eligible to receive a distribution from your employer retirement savings plan.1  Option 1: Leave the money in the…

  • Diverse group of coworkers laughing and giving high fives in a bright, open workspace

    Financial Survival After a Job Loss 

    You may have lost your job already, or it’s something you’re concerned about. Either way, the keys to surviving a job loss financially are to plan ahead, take stock of your income, and cut your expenses.  Plan ahead  If you haven’t been laid off, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for that possibility. It’s hard to know…

  • Three diverse young professionals sitting on outdoor steps collaborating with a laptop and tablet

    Coping with the Emotional Impact of Losing Your Job 

    Job loss can cause stress  Losing your job can exact an emotional toll on you and your family. Recognizing these emotions and dealing with them positively can go a long way toward helping you and your family cope with the stress that often follows a job loss.  Emotional reaction  Your immediate reaction to losing your…

  • A woman in a yellow sweater smiling while working on a laptop at a bright home office desk

    Evaluating a Job Offer 

    If you’re considering changing jobs, you’re not alone. Today, few people stay with one employer until retirement. It’s likely that at some point during your career, you’ll be looking for a new job. You may be looking to make more money or seeking greater career opportunities. Or, you may be forced to look for new employment if…

  • Loss of a Spouse/Family Member 

    What is it?  When your spouse or a family member dies, you’ll need to handle numerous financial and legal matters. Even if you’ve always handled your family’s finances, you may be overwhelmed by the number of matters you have to settle in the weeks and months following your loved one’s death. While you can put…

  • Couple relaxing on a vintage green sofa, looking at a tablet together at home

    Starting a Family Checklist 

    General information  Yes  No  N/A  1. Has relevant personal information been gathered?        2. Marital status? Time frame for starting a family        3. Has financial situation been assessed? Income Expenses Assets Debts and liabilities Insurance information Employee benefits available        Notes:  Money management  Yes  No  N/A  1. Have financial goals been determined or revised? Short-term goals Intermediate-term…

  • Silhouette of a family of four jumping joyfully together on a beach at sunset

    Family and Life Situations 

    What is it?  Throughout your life, you will face certain life-changing events. Some of these situations are unexpected and demand immediate action. For instance, you may have to plan the funeral of a loved one or decide how to care for an aging parent who suddenly needs a lot of help. Other situations arise less…

  • Couple relaxing on a vintage green sofa, looking at a tablet together at home

    Planning a Family? Get to Know Your Health Insurance Policy 

    Congratulations! You’ve decided to start a family. Up until now, your health insurance has probably been adequate, paying for routine doctor visits and prescription drugs. But now that you’re facing a lifestyle change, you must make sure that your health insurance policy will keep up with those changing needs.  Check your coverage  Some policies insure…