(StatePoint) Navigating the exciting journey of buying a boat requires careful planning. With various costs beyond purchase price, such as maintenance, insurance, storage and unexpected expenses, understanding how to budget for a boat is essential for a smooth sailing experience.

(StatePoint) Customer expectations continue to evolve at breakneck speed, and 2025 is likely to usher in further changes to brick-and-mortar stores as retailers compete for shoppers’ attention. With Gen-Z’s spending power projected to reach $12 trillion by 2030—according to Nielsen IQ—industry experts say that they’re leading the retail revolution.

(StatePoint) Financial planning may be a lucrative profession in a growing sector, but it’s also well-suited for those who love helping others.

(StatePoint) Are you a college student interested in a career as a financial planner? You might think you need to wait until you graduate to get started, but there are steps you can take as an undergraduate to jumpstart your career.

(StatePoint) As a college student, you have the opportunity to explore many exciting career options. One avenue you may not have considered is financial planning. This in-demand field offers impressive starting salaries, the potential for growth and career satisfaction. What’s more, one-of-a-kind opportunities exist to assist students of color embarking on this journey.

(StatePoint) The days of filing paper tax returns are gone, and criminals are taking advantage. With taxpayers managing their sensitive information online, thieves are finding new ways to scam victims. In 2023 alone, the IRS reported $5.5 billion lost to tax fraud schemes. And the increased prevalence of artificial intelligence means tax scams this year will likely be more sophisticated than ever.

(StatePoint) With temperatures dropping nationwide, it’s essential that your home and yard are prepared to face the challenges freezing temperatures and snowstorms can bring.

(StatePoint) It’s common to wonder how a new presidential administration will impact your wallet. As policies and regulations change, many people are left questioning what it means for their money.

(StatePoint) Ten percent of all U.S. children did not have enough food to keep them healthy in 2022. In the same year, the infant mortality rate increased for the first time in two decades and the rate of child poverty more than doubled. At a time when children need increased support to prosper, a new analysis of government spending in 2024 indicates that funding for programs benefitting the youngest Americans – those below the age of 3 – is falling short.

(StatePoint) As smartphones have transformed from simple communication devices to essential tools for navigation, entertainment, productivity, and much more, so too have their vulnerabilities—and the consequences of damage have become more severe. Now central to how we work, connect, and play, a broken smartphone can significantly disrupt daily life.

(StatePoint) There are over 1.3 million Asian American women-owned businesses today, generating $265.2 billion in revenue and employing 1.4 million people.

(StatePoint) Scammers don’t take days off. From phishing emails to package theft, fraudsters and scammers can cost you money. Fortunately, you can stay one step ahead of them with these simple tips to help protect yourself.

(StatePoint) With the increased use of digital tools, the mortgage process looks quite different today than it did for previous generations. These new technologies can make the home loan process more efficient for both those buying a home and those refinancing their mortgage. However, it’s important to understand how your information is being used.

(StatePoint) The United States’ estimated 1.4 million LGBTQ+ business owners employ tens of thousands of Americans and contribute 1.7 trillion dollars to the national economy. However, barriers persist that make it harder for LGTBQ+-owned businesses to thrive.

(StatePoint) If you’re like most workers today, you see remote work as a major perk. In fact, a Buffer study finds that 98% of all workers have expressed the desire to work remotely, at least part of the time.

(StatePoint) A new study reveals Americans’ relationship with charitable giving. While generosity is a core value for three-quarters of Americans, economic concerns have caused some to tighten their purse strings. Nevertheless, many Americans are open to advice for how they can prioritize philanthropy.

(StatePoint) Ensuring that financial service providers reflect the diversity of the people they serve is key to creating an inclusive financial system that offers everyone a chance to thrive. That’s according to the authors of a new report.

(StatePoint) January is a time for setting goals, new habits and fresh starts.

(State Point) Americans face unprecedented wait times to see their doctors. This squeeze is particularly acute in primary care, but is also being felt in specialties like neurology, psychiatry and OB/GYN.

(StatePoint) Looking ahead to 2025, luxury custom homes are pushing the boundaries of design, offering innovative elements that blend functionality with high-end aesthetics. From cutting-edge technology to timeless materials, these features are setting the standard for what’s next in luxury living. Here’s what to expect as you explore the homes of tomorrow.

(StatePoint) Every student deserves a fair shot. Fortunately, opportunities exist to help people with disabilities pursue the education and training they need to succeed in their chosen career path.

(StatePoint) Although fraudsters will prey on anyone, many tactics specifically target those facing financial hardship in the wake of a natural disaster.

(StatePoint) Taking the proper steps to weatherproof your rental is a simple way to stay snug this cold-weather season – while also resulting in notable savings on heating and energy bills.

(StatePoint) Afterschool programs help children and youth thrive in school and in life. They provide homework help, opportunities to get active, and access to healthy snacks and meals. They help children develop friendships, meet mentors, learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), explore college and careers, and engage in community service. Through these activities, and more, afterschool programs help youth build the skills they need to succeed.

(StatePoint) Even the most skilled cybersecurity expert can fall prey to today’s incredibly sophisticated phishing attempts.

(StatePoint) Planning to update your home siding this year? If you’re like many Americans, you’ll likely stick to neutral hues.

(StatePoint) Adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to your property can increase the value of your home, become a source of rental income, or help you expand your living space for your adult children or parents.

(StatePoint) The latest devices are packed with pricey new features, like advanced AI capabilities, call transcription and displays large enough to be worthy of gaming and binge-watching. And while they’re also getting more durable, they’re not indestructible, according to new research.

(StatePoint) Staying competitive in today’s market can be a challenge. As the business landscape continues to evolve, paying attention to the competition is more important than ever. Business isn’t run in a vacuum and understanding what’s working — and equally important, what’s not working — for other successful companies is an integral step in staying ahead of the game.