Kate Arndt, CFP®

A 20% down payment used to be the rule of thumb when purchasing a home. Avoiding private mortgage insurance (PMI) and lowering the interest rate on your loan were some of the benefits. But times have changed! If you’re unable to afford a 20% down payment, you have options - but be sure you understand the pros and cons first!

There are a plethora of tools that can help you streamline your finances – from automatic transfers to bill paying services to auto escalation for retirement accounts. Taking advantage of this technology can go a long way in helping you meet the financial goals you’ve defined, setting you up for continued success in the future.

Who’s your financial role model? It makes sense to turn to experts for advice and guidance when it comes to things like investments, retirement planning, and tax strategies. But what many might not realize is that each of us has someone who shaped our financial literacy and perception of money at an earlier stage in life – be it good or bad. Kate shares three money lessons she learned from her financial role model – her Dad – and demonstrates the importance of playing that role in a child’s life, shaping their future perception of how to handle financial decisions.

Financial institutions are a dime a dozen these days, so how do you know which one is right for your needs? We explore the different types of banks to help you better understand the pros and cons and make an informed decision.

You’ve got one thing other generations wish they still had – time. Here’s how to make the most of your working years.

Whether you’re a Parks and Recreation fan or not, chances are you’ve taken a day or two to “Treat Yo’ Self.” But can you splurge on a budget? While that might seem to be a contradiction, you can treat yo’ self without breaking the bank. Kate shows us how!

Everyone would love to be a millionaire overnight – so why isn’t everyone doing it?! While there are avenues to grow your money quickly, they’re usually filled with risk and, more often than not, lead to failure. Instead, follow our lead – living within or below your means, combined with saving and investing, can be that rewarding combination you’re looking for, without the high risk.

It’s that time of year! If you’re in the market for your first home, it’s critical to ensure you have a good game plan for the purchase. Not sure what to include in your game plan? We have you covered with the ins and outs of buying your first home.

Not all education paths after high school look the same…so what should you do about that 529 if your child decides to take a different path than traditional college? The good news is you do have options. Whether it’s attending a vocational school, going into the military or immediately joining the work force, your 529 savings aren’t lost. We break down just what your choices are and how those will affect you.

Everyone from Indiana knows that the season between fall and spring isn’t winter…It’s Pothole Season! And with it comes the potential for damage to your car. If you’ve found yourself unable to dodge the craters during your daily commute, what can be done? Insurance might cover the pothole damage to your car, but it could come at a cost. We’ve outlined what you need to know if you’ve fallen prey to the dreaded pothole!

It’s winter in Indiana! Hit a pothole hard enough and you might end up with a pricey bill for the repair. Or, what if your furnace dies when ...

1,097 pages! That’s how many pages are in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Trump on December 22nd. If you haven’t had time to read each page, we’ve broken down the main areas that might have the largest impact on you and your family. It might just be time to update your tax planning strategy for 2018!