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You don’t need to be an expert to have success in the market, and with our beginner’s guide to stocks, you’ll be starting on the right foot.

With markets nearing all-time highs and retail traders shaking things up, interest in the stock market has never been higher. Newcomers often face a steep learning curve as the stock market has a language of its own, and professional traders have many advantages to retain an edge.

Simply put, a company’s stock is shares of ownership divided into equal pieces. When you buy one share of a company, you are now a fractional owner. Stocks are often referred to as equities within the financial world.

Publicly traded companies issue shares to raise money for new products, research and development, or pay off debt.

There are numerous reasons for investors to get involved in the stock market, but low-risk capital appreciation is the biggest draw. Don’t let the fancy finance words scare you off - this simply means that purchasing stock is a safe way to invest money and see returns without much risk of losing your entire investment.

Some equities are more volatile than others, but it typically takes years for companies to fail and for entire investments to be lost.

Because traditional stock markets are less volatile than cryptocurrency or foreign exchange markets, return potential is often lower - this doesn’t mean you can’t catch lightning in a bottle, but you shouldn’t view stock investments as lottery tickets. A savvy, well-balanced approach will earn you consistent gains with little downside.

Another way investors see returns from purchasing equities is through dividends. These payments are typically distributed quarterly or annually and are basically a distribution of profits from the company among its shareholders. Not all stocks give dividends, and you’ll typically need to own a substantial amount of shares to see significant returns from these payments. Still, any return on investment is beneficial, and dividend-bearing equities are quite popular among traditional investors.

Retail trading apps have made entering the markets more straightforward than ever before. You now have access to various markets, company news, and much more from your smartphone or computer.

To avoid losses, it’s recommended to try and diversify your buys to multiple industries. Loading up on one sector and nothing else will expose you to market declines, so try to spread the wealth to numerous types of businesses.

Without hiring a professional financial advisor, picking which equities to buy is entirely up to the individual. If there’s a company that you believe in or a particular business you love to shop at and want to own a piece of the action, then you should buy shares in that company.

A little research can go a long way, and financial statements and company road maps are usually widely available. The two primary schools of stock analysis are fundamental and technical.

focuses on a company’s financials, measuring its intrinsic value through earnings reports and debt statements.

searches for trends and patterns in the market data itself, paying little attention to the bottom line.

There is no silver bullet when picking stocks, and a strong knowledge of both techniques is advised for serious traders.

The easiest trade for beginners is simply buying shares of a company and holding with the expectation of the share price to rise. This is often referred to as “being long,” and you’ll have total freedom to sell some or all of your shares whenever you want. As long as the price is higher when you sell than when you bought, you’ll be making money.

The other popular trading tool for newcomers is the option. Options strategies and terminology can be incredibly nuanced and confusing, but the trade basics are quite simple. There are two types of options trades - calls and puts.

 give you a choice to buy 100 shares of a company for the strike price on the expiration date. If the share price is above the strike price, you’ll make the difference back times 100 shares.

 allow you to sell 100 shares at the strike price upon expiration. If the share price is below the strike price, you’re making the difference across 100 shares.

Options come with risk but are a great way to maximize a limited bankroll.

With improved access and tools for retail traders, the stock market is becoming much more inclusive. Small purchases now can pay off big over time, so take this guide and get in the game today!

Stocks 101: How to Get Started

Finances 101

Many people dream of retiring early, but it can seem impossible, especially if you don't make a lot of money. However, with proper planning and a few smart decisions, retiring early can become a reality for anyone. This guide will outline the key steps you can take to retire early, regardless of your income level.

Early retirement can have a range of benefits, both financial and personal. We spend most of our adult lives working and, during those years, have limited time to do the things we enjoy. Retiring at a younger age gives you more time to pursue hobbies, travel, volunteer, learn a new skill, spend time with family and friends, or simply relax and enjoy your leisure time.

Retirement can also eliminate work-related stress and allow you to focus on your health and well-being. This includes more time to sleep, exercise, and visit doctors. While the research is mixed on whether early retirement prolongs life, some conclude that retiring earlier reduces the risk of some diseases, such as diabetes or cardiovascular issues.

What you need to retire early depends on various factors, such as your desired retirement lifestyle, expected expenses, and potential income sources. However, a common rule of thumb is the "4% rule," which suggests that if you want to have an annual retirement income of $40,000, you would need to have a retirement portfolio of $1 million. This assumes your portfolio will generate an average annual return of at least 4%, or approximately $40,000.

This is just a general guideline, and your specific retirement needs may be higher or lower than this estimate. Additionally, consider other sources of retirement income, such as Social Security or a pension, which can help supplement your retirement savings. Ultimately, the money you need to retire early will depend on your unique financial situation and retirement goals.

What Are the Steps to Retiring Early on a Limited Income?

The first step towards retiring early is determining your retirement goals to calculate how much money you need to save and invest to retire comfortably. Consider factors such as your current lifestyle, expected expenses in retirement, and any potential income sources, such as Social Security or a pension.

The earlier you want to retire, the more aggressively you need to save and invest to cover those additional years of not working. 

There are also financial consequences of collecting from your social security before 70, the age of full retirement.

Reducing expenses is one of the most critical steps toward retiring early, especially with a lower income level. Start by creating a budget and tracking your spending to identify areas where you can cut back on unnecessary expenses. If your top priority is to retire early, you may need to significantly reduce, delay, or put off completely non-essential spending. This may include home improvements, travel, entertainment, and shopping beyond your basic needs.

While reducing expenses is important, maximizing your income is also crucial. Find ways to increase your monthly earnings and earning potential. This may include:

Taking on a side hustle or freelance work

Negotiating a raise or promotion at your current job

Investing in your education or skills to increase your earning potential

Aggressively saving and investing are vital to retiring early. This means setting aside as much money as possible each month and investing it in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other assets. The sooner you start investing, the longer your money has to grow.

Automate your savings by setting up regular contributions to your retirement accounts and take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s or IRAs. A financial advisor and accountant can help you create an investment plan to reach your goals and make the most of your current financial situation. They can also share resources if you are self-employed or your workplace doesn't offer retirement plans.

Finally, monitor your progress toward your retirement goals. Meet at least annually with a financial advisor to review your portfolio performance and adjust your savings and investment strategy as needed. Keep track of how much more time and savings your need to reach your goals.

Remember, retiring early is a long-term goal, and staying committed to your plan is important even when the market experiences ups and downs. With discipline, patience, and informed decision-making, anyone can retire early, regardless of income level. Make your dream of early retirement a reality by setting clear retirement goals, reducing expenses, maximizing income, saving and investing aggressively, and monitoring your progress.

Many people dream of retiring early, but it can seem impossible. Read more in this sponsored article from Bank of Sun Prairie. 

Retire Early: A Guide for Average Income Levels

Unfortunately, credit card fraud is an all too common occurrence, and many people don’t know what to do if it happens to them.

Whether your card has been lost or stolen, or your account information has been exposed to thieves, you need to take fast action to secure your financial well-being.

In this article, we'll cover what you need to do if your credit cards have been compromised and how to help prevent it from happening again. With these tips, you’ll be spending safer and with peace of mind.

Be Proactive and Keep an Eye on Your Accounts

The first step to protecting your credit card information is keeping a close eye on your accounts.

If you check your accounts only when you log in to pay a bill, you won’t have a good idea of when fraud has occurred.

Check your spending at least once a week, and be on the lookout for unfamiliar charges. Many companies offer monitoring services that will notify you when any amount is charged to your card, when your card number has been used online, or when it has even been used for international purchases. You can authorize the purchase with the tap of a button or reject it and report it for fraud.

It can be unnerving knowing that a bad actor has your data and is spending your money, but you shouldn’t stress about financial ramifications in these situations. Most of the time, credit card companies offer complete protection for unauthorized purchases, and you shouldn’t have to pay any money for what others have spent. Reporting fraud and getting new accounts is time-consuming and inconvenient, but luckily, it won’t be a financial burden, as well.

If your card is lost or stolen, or you notice suspicious charges to your account, contact your card company and shut it down immediately. You’ll also be able to report all fraudulent spending that may have occurred.

A new account will be created for you on the spot, and new cards will be sent immediately. Be sure to verify your personal and contact details with an agent, and make sure new cards arrive at your current address.

You should also change your account passwords during these first few hours. If you’ve noticed suspicious charges and still have your physical card, thieves likely have access to your account online. Make it a point to change all of your passwords periodically to help keep your information safer on the web.

Changing passwords shouldn’t be the last step, however. Be sure to monitor your statements for a few months after the initial fraud to ensure no other charges made it through. Unauthorized purchases take a long time to show up, so get in a routine of checking for this kind of activity, and you’ll catch new instances and old cases alike.

If your credit card company doesn’t offer identity theft and fraud monitoring services, consider signing up through a third party. These companies will cost you a little each month but can be invaluable in securing your long-term financial health. They provide fast communication in the event of fraud and can help get things back on track quickly.

While most of us will suffer a case of credit card theft or fraud at least once in our lives, there are simple steps you can take to stay as secure as possible. With attention and fast action, you’ll be able to keep a step ahead of thieves and never be inconvenienced again.

In this sponsored article, Bank of Sun Prairie covers what you need to do if your credit cards have been compromised.

What to Do if Your Credit Card Has Been Compromised

Zombie debt is a term that describes old debts that have been written off or deemed uncollectible by the original creditor.

This usually happens when zero payments have been received for a specific period, typically six months or more, and the creditor has exhausted all efforts to collect the debt. These debts are then typically sold to debt collectors for a fraction of their original value, and the collectors then attempt to collect on them.

The term "zombie" refers to the circumstances when the debt rises from the dead and is pursued again. Consumers can protect themselves by being aware of the potential for zombie debt, knowing how to avoid it, and understanding their rights when collectors come knocking.

What Kinds of Debts Can Come Back to Life?

Some common types of debt that can become zombie debt include credit cards, medical, utility bills, personal loans such as car loans, and student loans. However, any financial obligation can become zombie debt if written or charged off by the original creditor and sold to a collection agency.

When this happens, it does not mean the debt is forgiven or the borrower is no longer responsible for paying it. The debt will remain on the borrower's credit report for up to seven years from the date of the first missed payment, which can significantly lower their credit score.

The length that zombie debt lasts depends on the statute of limitations for the particular type of debt and the laws in the state where the debt was incurred. Once the statute of limitations has passed, the debt is no longer legally collectible, and the creditor cannot sue the borrower for it.

However, even if the statute of limitations has passed, debt collectors may still attempt to collect on the debt through other means, such as phone calls and letters. In some cases, they may even threaten legal action or report the debt to credit bureaus, which can negatively impact the borrower's credit score.

Here are some resources you can use to find out the statute of limitations for debt by state and type:

How to Avoid Zombie Debt from Rising from the Dead

Here are a few steps you can take to avoid zombie debt:

Respond promptly to any collection letters or calls.

Negotiate with debt collectors to see if you can settle the debt for a lower amount.

If you have a charged-off debt, take action to address the debt as soon as possible. Try to negotiate a settlement with the debt collector or dispute the debt if you believe it is inaccurate or fraudulent. You may also seek the advice of a financial counselor or debt relief professional to plan for paying off the debt before it comes back to haunt you.

(FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, deceptive, or unfair practices to collect debts. These include:

 Debt collectors are prohibited from using abusive or harassing language, threatening violence or harm, or making false statements about your debt.

The right to request verification of the debt

 if you believe you do not owe the debt or the amount is incorrect.

 You have the right to request that the debt collector only contact you in writing or to restrict the times and places they can contact you.

The right to sue for damages and attorney fees

 if a debt collector violates your rights under the FDCPA.

In addition to these rights, the FDCPA also restricts the actions debt collectors can take to collect a debt. For example, debt collectors can only call you after 8 a.m. or before 9 p.m. If you're dealing with zombie debt or any other debt collection activity, consider consulting with a consumer protection attorney or a credit counseling agency to understand your rights and options.

"Zombie debt" describes old debts that have been written off or deemed uncollectible by the original creditor but is later pursued again.

Read more in this sponsored article from Bank of Sun Prairie.

Rising From the Dead: Understanding Zombie Debt

Retirement should be a time for enjoying the fruits of your long years of working. However, with increased life expectancy and the rising cost of living, it has become essential to make the most of retirement savings to ensure financial security throughout your golden years.

Here are some tips for stretching your savings so you can live comfortably on your fixed income and avoid depleting your retirement savings.

Also, include any anticipated income from pension plans. Then, calculate your expenses. How much will you need to withdraw from your retirement funds to cover your monthly expenses?

. Individuals 50 or older can add higher contributions to retirement funds to help save more aggressively as they reach retirement age. The 

 for someone over 50 are currently $1,000 additional for traditional or Roth IRAs, $7,500 for 401(k) plans, and $3,500 for a Simple 401(k).

. While you become eligible for Social Security benefits at age 62, delaying your claim until full retirement age (typically between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year) or even beyond can significantly increase your monthly benefits. Delaying benefits also ensures a higher payout for surviving spouses.

. Consult with a financial advisor regularly to ensure your investment portfolio aligns with your goals and risk tolerance as you approach retirement.

. Developing a comprehensive budget is crucial for effectively managing your retirement savings. Track your income and expenses to understand your financial situation clearly. You can allocate more funds toward your retirement savings by identifying areas where you can cut costs or adjust your spending habits.

. As you transition into retirement, reassess your housing needs and consider downsizing. Moving to a smaller, more affordable home can free up cash and reduce expenses such as mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs.

Stretch Your Retirement Savings with These Six Tips

A toy swap is a simple yet effective way for families to exchange gently used toys. The process typically involves families coming together to trade toys their children have outgrown or lost interest in.

The swap gives a new lease of life on toys that range from board games and dolls to video games and electronics. Participants then receive new-to-them toys without any additional purchases.

A successful toy swap requires some decision-making, planning, and organization. Here are the steps to consider when planning your event.

When defining the scope and format of the event, decide on the target audience, such as families with children of a specific age group. Will the event be in-person, online, or hybrid? Will it be a one-time event or a recurring activity? Also, decide whether you will require a pre-registration signup.

Choose a convenient date and time for the event. Then, secure a suitable venue to accommodate the expected number of participants and provide enough space for displaying the toys. This could be your home or a community space.

Set rules for the number of toys each participant can bring and take. Decide whether there will be any restrictions on certain items, such as electronic or plush toys. Establish a system for participants to take turns selecting toys, such as drawing numbers or using a rotation system.

Create promotional materials such as flyers and social media posts to spread the word about the toy swap. To reach potential participants, utilize local community centers, schools, online parenting groups, and social media platforms.

Instruct participants to clean and sanitize their toys before the event. Encourage them to label or tag their items with relevant age ranges and descriptions. Remind them of the event date, time, and location.

Thank participants for attending and contributing to the event's success. Decide how to handle leftover toys, such as donating them to a local charity and giving them back to the family who brought them. Be sure to collect participant feedback to improve future toy swap events and evaluate the event's success.

Could Toy Swapping Help You Save Money?

Homeowner's insurance protects you from financial loss due to damage or destruction to your home and its contents. This guide aims to demystify homeowner's insurance, explain why it's often rolled into your mortgage, and offer money-saving tips.

Whether you pay your home insurance through your mortgage company or receive an escrow waiver, there are a few ways to save money when selecting a home insurance company and policy. These include:

Compare offers from multiple insurers to find the best coverage at the most competitive price. Consider working with an independent insurance agent who can provide various options from different insurers.

Some insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle homeowner's insurance with other policies like auto insurance.

Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium. However, ensure you can comfortably afford the deductible in case of a claim.

Installing security systems, smoke detectors, and other safety features can lead to discounts on your premium. Homeowners in flood-prone areas who invest in flood mitigation measures, such as elevating their homes or installing flood barriers, to reduce risk can potentially lower insurance costs.

Four Ways to Save on Homeowner's Insurance

With inflation and a rising cost of living, many of us are looking for ways to lower monthly expenses. One effective savings method is leveraging online and print coupons for groceries, clothing, and other essentials. Here are some tips to help you make the most of these coupons and save significant money on your purchases.

There are many options for finding coupons beyond the traditional printed coupons that arrive in your mailbox. Here are some options:

. Join reputable coupon websites and apps that offer a wide range of digital coupons. Here are some examples:

 is a website extension that searches for coupon codes for more than 3,000 stores and offers cash back. Many credit cards and other sites like 

 is an excellent option for local restaurants, activities, and entertainment.

 allow visitors to search for coupons for specific products.

Follow brands and retailers on social media

. Many companies and retailers share exclusive coupon codes and deals on social media. Follow your favorite brands and retailers on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay updated on their latest promotions.

. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers and brands. Often, they send out exclusive coupons and deals to their subscribers. This can be a great way to stay informed about upcoming sales and discounts.

. Before purchasing online, visit the retailer's website and look for any available coupons or promotional codes. Some retailers have dedicated sections on their sites listing current promotions and providing coupon codes.

Several strategies are available for frugally-minded shoppers who want to maximize their savings. These include:

. Look for opportunities to stack coupons with ongoing sales or promotions. This can maximize your savings even further. Check if the retailer allows coupon stacking, as some may have restrictions on combining multiple coupons.

. Often your favorite stores provide exclusive discounts, personalized offers, and additional savings opportunities through a loyalty program. When possible, link your loyalty card with digital coupons to enjoy automatic discounts at checkout.

. These platforms offer cashback on your online purchases when you access the retailer's website through their links. Sign up for a credit or debit card with cashback rewards. Combine cashback offers with coupons to maximize your savings.

. Pay attention to seasonal sales, holiday promotions, and clearance events. These periods often come with increased coupon availability and better deals. Plan your purchases accordingly to take advantage of these opportunities.

. Carefully review the terms and conditions of each coupon to ensure you understand any restrictions or limitations. Some coupons may have minimum purchase requirements, limited redemption periods, or exclusions on certain products.

Tips for Saving with Print and Online Coupons

You hope it never happens to you, that heart-pounding realization that you don’t know where your purse or wallet is. Losing it is frightening, but don’t panic. There are steps you can take to minimize the damage.

Once you realize that your wallet is missing, call your various banks and let them know. This means calling every bank where you have a debit or credit card and telling them your wallet has been stolen, and you need to freeze your accounts immediately. 

Even if you think it’s unlikely that the police will be able to help you recover your wallet once it’s been stolen, you should still file a police report. Doing so will help you fight back against identity fraud. 

A police report proves that you were a victim of a crime and will help you convince banks that you are not responsible for charges. 

Get a copy of the case number and a hard copy of the file, as you’ll probably be referring to it.

Your driver’s license or other government-issued ID was probably in your wallet, so you’ll have trouble proving you’re you until you get a replacement. 

A thief is much more likely to go on a shopping spree than head out for a root canal and charge it to your dental insurance, but you never know, and you don’t want to be on the hook for anything.

If you carry a purse and the whole thing was stolen, think about what else a thief might have that could compromise you. For example, your phone was probably in your purse. Call your cell phone provider and have it shut off as soon as possible to keep the thief from finding out any more sensitive information about you.

What to Do If Your Purse or Wallet Is Lost or Stolen

Financial wellness is a personal and relative concept that varies from person to person. It's inherently personal and influenced by a myriad of factors, including:

While financial wellness is unique to each individual, there are universal steps that can guide anyone on their journey to economic well-being. These include:

Begin by assessing your current financial situation to serve as the foundation for your improvement plan. Review where you currently stand with your concrete financial needs, such as earning enough to pay your bills, building an emergency fund, and saving for long-term goals such as retirement. Also, review your feelings and thoughts about money and whether they are helping you reach or hindering your financial goals.

Create clear, achievable short-term and long-term goals that provide direction and motivation. Reflect on what truly matters to you and use money to support those values. This might involve spending on experiences, supporting causes you believe in, or investing in personal growth.

To make informed decisions, stay knowledgeable about personal finance topics, investment strategies, and economic trends. Consider taking a financial class, listening to finance podcasts, or joining a community focused on improving financial wellness.

Building a Positive Relationship with Money

Be aware of your thoughts and feelings about money and how they may hinder reaching your goals. Recognize that money is a means to an end – a tool that can help you achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.

You can receive personalized advice based on your unique situation by consulting with financial advisors, accountants, or planners. These professionals can help you stay accountable for your financial decisions and provide tools to reach your goals.

Developing good financial habits takes time and discipline. Regularly review your financial goals and track your progress. Adjust your plan as needed to stay on track and address changing circumstances.