April Showers Bring May Flowers!

April is upon us!The expression "April showers bring May flowers" is a beautiful reminder of nature's natural cycles and the unexpected storms that may appear in our lives. This is an excellent time to consider starting a rainy-day fund to use as a financial umbrella in case any unforeseen expenses come your way. Whether it is a veterinarian bill or a home repair, it is always helpful to have accessible savings on reserve. 

Speaking of the beauty of nature, April 22^nd is Earth Day, an annual event to raise awareness and take action to protect the planet. This year's theme is "Our Power, Our Planet," inviting everyone to unite on the importance of renewable energy and advocation on clean electricity. Renewable energy, often referred to as clean energy, comes from natural sources that are continuously replenished. For example, new research shows that wind accounts for 9.2% of the United States's electricity generation and has become one of the cheapest energy sources in the country. This year, EARTHDAY.ORG shares many ways to educate and advocate; here are just a few affordable ways you can make a difference:

• Reduce your carbon footprint by replacing a bulb. Lighting can be a simple fix for a greener lifestyle. According to Energy Star, replacing your five most frequently used light bulbs with certified LED lights can save about $40 a year and uses 90% less energy than standard bulbs.
• Relax and unplug. Unplugging appliances and electronics that draw energy from electrical outlets can lower your electricity bill. Adding smart power strips is another quick way to save energy and money.
• Stay informed and inspired. Knowledge is key to making an impact on our environment. This Earth Day, consider learning more about interesting topics such as schools empowering education with the sun and the common myths about renewable energy. 

April is also Financial Literacy Month, a nationwide observance dedicated to spreading awareness of the importance of accessible information for consumers making financial decisions. According to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling's recent Financial Literacy Survey, 47% of US adults continue to give their personal finance knowledge a "C" or worse. Strong financial literacy is essential when making critical decisions such as maintaining a budget, managing savings, or investing. This Financial Literacy Month, take a closer look at how you can make smarter decisions with your wealth and improve upon your financial knowledge. You can build confidence in your future by setting clear financial goals and enhancing your understanding of personal finance. Here are some impactful ways you can educate yourself and your loved ones this month:

• Prioritize a budget. Calculating your monthly income and expenses is a simple way to start a budget. Yale University offers an insightful article on budgeting and goal setting to help you strengthen your skills.
• Listen to financial podcasts. Podcasts can be an excellent way to soak up the latest financial news, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. By tuning in just thirty minutes a day, you can learn practical tips for managing your wealth and simple explanations on financial topics that the whole family can use. Check out this recent list of the Top 10 Personal Finance Podcasts.
• Plan for significant expenses. As we enter the warmer months, you may have larger expenses on the horizon, such as planning a summer vacation. By saving in advance, you can help achieve your dream travel goals and reduce stress.

Whatever your current level of financial literacy, it is important to be a life-long learner and continuously grow your knowledge on essential financial topics. This is an excellent opportunity to take inventory of your current habits and see where you can improve. It's also necessary to start planning early regarding long-term goals such as retirement to maintain your desired lifestyle. If you're seeking financial guidance, call us today, and let's get started securing your financial future.