Independent Advice
Tools you can trust from a reliable source
Square away your finances or deal with a particular issue with tools and information from the Financial Security Project at Boston College.
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Let us help you Build a Personalized Financial Plan
Tools you can trust from a reliable source
Get a plan & live your life better
Make smart financial decisions
Square away your finances or deal with a particular issue with tools and information from the Financial Security Project at Boston College.
Learn More About Us
We’ll help you make a list of things to do – it’s often not that long! – then help you knock things down, one at a time.
Build a Personal Plan
Money makes your life go around. So learn what you need to know, decide what to do, then do it – so your life will go around better.
Explore an Issue
A 9-minute checkup to see where you stand and get your finances squared away.
Know where your money goes, to spend smarter and live within your means.
You can have your cake, eat it, or do a bit of both.
To 1) cut your payment, 2) pay it off faster, 3) get cash, or 4) switch to a fixed or adjustable rate loan.
Uninsured medical expenses can bankrupt you. So at least have insurance that covers very large bills.
Get what you need, without out-living your savings.
Social Security provides a basic retirement income.
Money in your pocket gets spent. So set up a system that moves it where it should go before it gets spent.
Know where your money goes, to spend smarter and live within your means.
If you don’t have a will, the court will distribute your property according to state laws.
A reverse mortgage can provide cash or an income for life and allow you to stay in your home for the rest of your life. But there are things you...
If life throws a monkey wrench into your plans
It's usually your largest expense & store of wealth. If you need more income, it’s the logical place to look.
A relatively safe way to invest in stocks, bonds, or other investments.
Know how you're taxed, how you might save, and how taxes change in retirement.
Get a personal estimate in 6 minutes or less.
It changes what you own, what you owe, & your monthly expenses.
To 1) cut your payment, 2) pay it off faster, 3) get cash, or 4) switch to a fixed or adjustable rate loan.
A low-cost way to borrow using as collateral the equity in your home – the mortgage-free portion of the house you own.
You'll sign papers that make you responsible for the mortgage loan and monthly payment. If buying, you'll also get title to the property.
Costs often run 3-8% of the loan amount. Some can be split with the seller or lender. Those you pay can often be rolled into the loan.
You need to show lenders that you and your home are good investments.
To get a better loan and borrow on more favorable terms.
Eight in 10 Americans choose a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Should you?
Get a personal estimate in 6 minutes or less.
Disability insurance can keep you afloat if you’re unable to work.
Retirees spend about 20% of their income on health care.
Uninsured medical expenses can bankrupt you. So at least have insurance that covers very large bills.
If you don’t have a will, the court will distribute your property according to state laws.
Life Annuities, like Social Security, send you a check each month as long as you live.
Most elderly Americans need care – from family, paid helpers, or a residential facility
If trust and expertise is what you want, here's how to find a planner that fits the bill.
See how much your savings might grow in average, good, and bad times.
Build a plan to get where you want to go.
You can have your cake, eat it, or do a bit of both.
A relatively safe way to invest in stocks, bonds, or other investments.
Get what you need, without out-living your savings.
A low-cost way to borrow using as collateral the equity in your home – the mortgage-free portion of the house you own.
It usually makes sense to use savings to pay off the mortgage after you retire, but probably not before.
Money in your pocket gets spent. So set up a system that moves it where it should go before it gets spent.