AC Financial Partners

Setting goals for the new year is the easy part; sticking with them and ultimately achieving them is a bit harder. Check out this acronym to develop a SMART strategy for reaching your goals: https://bit.ly/48xO13e

To stay on track with New Year's resolutions, try this smart goal strategy As we dive into another new year of resolutions, managing time is the key to success. And learning to organize our time around our goals may mean saying 'no' to activities that don't align.

As Congress approaches a potential debt ceiling crisis, many are concerned about the domestic and global economic effects of the U.S. defaulting. But a default could affect your retirement plans as well. Here’s how: https://bit.ly/3MavgcB

What the debt ceiling standoff could mean for your retirement plans Biden has warned that defaulting on the national debt "would devastate retirement accounts," among other things. The head of advice methodology at Vanguard wants people to remember the bigger picture.

We had a great time at the Birmingham Zoo on Saturday! Thank you to all of you that came out!

We had three new arrivals on the terrace at our office this week! Welcome baby goslings!

Tipping options now pop up everywhere from online grocery deliveries to dog walking services to fast food order pick-ups. See how your gratuity compares to the average respondent’s in this interactive article: http://bit.ly/3KaGJcm

Confused about tipping? You’re not the only one. Take our test and see how you compare

Commonwealth CIO Brad McMillan discusses whether a recession is less likely, given the recent data on job growth and service sector business confidence. Don’t miss Brad’s latest Market Thoughts video: http://bit.ly/3kGcMaq

Market Thoughts for March 2023 [Video] In his latest Market Thoughts video, Commonwealth CIO Brad McMillan discusses February's market and economic news and the potential risks ahead.

If you want to boost your heart health, don’t save up all your expressions of love just for Valentine’s Day. Learn the ways showing affection throughout the year can also improve your physiological well-being: http://bit.ly/3YQ5LSU

Don't reserve celebrations of love to just Valentine's Day if you want a healthier heart, expert says Love is essential for humans to form relationships, purpose and meaning. It's also a powerful benefactor to our physical health.

Good news from the U.S. Department of Labor: 517,000 jobs were added last month, and the unemployment rate decreased to its lowest level in 50 years. Read more about the report and the job market here: http://bit.ly/3YohQhY

U.S. employers added 517,000 jobs last month. It's a surprisingly strong number U.S. employers added 517,000 jobs in January, as the unemployment rate fell to 3.4% . The job market remains tight, despite signs of a slowing economy.

A new, affordable housing option for multi-generational families is gaining popularity. Accessory dwelling units (A.D.U.s) can be either free-standing or attached to a larger shared property. Read on about their appeal, and why they can also be controversial: http://bit.ly/3HGhKMP

Senior Housing That Seniors Actually Like “Granny flats” are popping up in backyards across the country, affording Americans a new housing option. Some communities are not happy about it.

Investors are worried about the debt ceiling crisis and a potential recession. Commonwealth CIO Brad McMillan offers his perspective on both, and reasons to keep calm: http://bit.ly/3Xzw8wa

Investor Worries on the Rise—But Is It Time to Panic? From a pending recession to the debt ceiling, investor worries are on the rise. But according to Commonwealth CIO Brad McMillan, there's no need to panic.

Don’t forfeit the money in your 2022 flexible spending account (FSA) if you still have a grace period to spend it. Check your employer’s policy to see if you have more time, and check this article for ways to use it before you lose it: https://bit.ly/3ioLpjT

You may get extra time to spend unused 2022 funds in your flex spending account. What to know about the rules About three-quarters of employers either give their workers a grace period to spend 2022 FSA funds or let them carry over a limited amount.

Worried you won’t meet your money goals in 2023? Check out these ways to improve your chances of fixing your finances in the next 12 months: https://bit.ly/3Qae60m

Millennial Money: Up the odds of meeting money goals in 2023 With a new year ahead and the holiday fanfare behind, this is a great time to set money goals, especially if you recently spent a lot on gifts and travel and want to get your finances in shape. Right now, you may be highly motivated to solve every single one of your money issues in the next few mont...