MEL Consulting CO.

Money Mondays: How much do you pay in ATM fees? While it may seem like a few dollars here and a couple of more there, it can really add up! Take a minute to see what your bank is charging. See if you can reduce and avoid these annoying charges.

How to avoid ATM fees When you visit an ATM to check your balance or make a withdrawal, your bank might charge a fee. Here’s how to avoid ATM fees so they don’t chip away at your balance.

Money Mondays: Here are some tips to protect your credit and yourself from fraud.

How to create a strong credit card password and protect your personal info In this landscape of digital vulnerability, understanding how to create a strong credit card password and protect your personal information can't be overlooked.

Money Mondays: Have a FSA? Use it or lose it by year end! Here are some items you can purchase to take the full deduction.

Use Your FSA Balance Before it Expires Make a plan to spend this money before you forfeit it, whether on doctors' visits or stocking up on medical supplies.

Money Mondays: Check out predictions on how the year will end!



https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/investing/stock-market-outlook

Money Mondays: Folks are always asking me about podcasts to listen to concerning finances. Here is a top 10 list provided by Investopedia, a one stop resource for all things related.

Top 10 Personal Finance Podcasts The Dave Ramsey Show and The Clark Howard Podcast lead the list.

Money Mondays: Have a fur baby? Here are some financial suggestions for taking care of them!

Money Mondays: Ever wonder what Fed hikes me to you? Check out this quick article to learn more about why they do it and how it'll personally pertain to your finances.

What the Fed rate-hike pause means for bank accounts, CDs, loans, and credit cards Here's how the Fed's pause on raising interest rates would affect savings products, various types of loans and credit cards.

Money Mondays: Whether you're a business owner or employed by one (and especially if you work from home), this is worth a read!

Can I use a business credit card for personal expenses? Using a business credit card for personal expenses should be avoided. Not only is it a tax nightmare, but it can add unnecessary problems to your plate. Here's what you need to know.

Money Mondays: Rewards credit cards offer a return on money you’re already spending, making them one of the best assets in your personal finance arsenal! Read more to see if one makes sense for you.

How to find the best rewards credit card for October 2023 Rewards credit cards are a great way to get a return on the money you’re already spending. Here's how to find the best rewards credit card for you.

Money Mondays: There are 4 common discounts that can help lower your annual premium!

How to get all the best car insurance discounts Learn how to lower your auto rates with car insurance discounts, including how to maximize and combine them.

Money Mondays: A friendly reminder that the stock market is closed today. Enjoy your Columbus Day!

Money Mondays: Autopay is ideal for payments that are the same every month, such as your mortgage and car payments. You know what to expect from these bills, so it's easier to plan and budget for automatic drafts. However, many should NOT be auto set. Check out the list and plan accordingly.

11 Bills You Should Never Put on Autopay We can all use a simpler, more efficient way to manage expenses and save money. Putting your bills on autopay can ensure never forgetting a due date, which minimizes the risk of late fees and...

Money Mondays: Looking for more ways to save money? Here are some ideas to consider!

20 Best Frugal Living Tips To Save You a Lot of Money - New Trader U Frugal living is all about spending less and maximizing value for every dollar you spend. It's not about depriving yourself or leading an austere lifestyle.

Monday Mondays: Want to know the secret? It's working with a financial advisor/planner to help you achieve your financial game plan! Read on....

Schwab says doing this could potentially double your retirement savings After beginning the year at record levels, global events have caused market volatility to jump and equities to fall. The S&P 500 Index is experiencing its first major correction since 2020, so investors are understandably looking to safeguard their assets. … Continue reading → The post Schwab Sa...

Money Mondays: Looking for ways to reduce your expenses? Check out these three helpful tips!

3 Ways to Treat Yourself Without Overspending You work hard for your money. Keep reading for ways to ensure that a fun purchase is still a wise one.

Money Mondays: Clients are always asking me about buying a CD, especially in today's interest rate environment. I ask several questions to help them decide. Most times I suggest that it's not a good thing to allow the bank to lock up your funds. Consider an online high yield savings account instead.

Money market account vs. CD: Which is the best for savings? You can earn APYs that are 10 times the national average for savings accounts with money market accounts and CDs, but which is better? Find out here.

Money Mondays: Higher prices and sluggish market returns are negatively impacting our personal finances. So what are you doing about it? If nothing or you want a second set of eyes on your money game plan, let's chat!

More Americans are feeling lousy about their finances, Fed study finds In the fourth quarter of 2022, 35% of US adults reported they were worse off financially than a year earlier.

Money Mondays: Nearly half of Americans say they’re worried about the safety of the money they have in the bank, a degree of angst not experienced since during the financial crisis of 2008, a new Gallop survey found. Learn more about how FIDC/SIPC protects your money!

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/many-are-worried-about-their-bank-accounts-safety--heres-what-they-should-know-151729152.html

Many are worried about their bank accounts' safety — here's what they should know The FDIC's standard insurance covers up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, for every account ownership category.

Money Mondays: Are you the master of your finances? Finding the balance between saving and investing with your lifestyle is the hardest task! Check out this article for some tips or reach out and we can put a game plan together.

Mastering this skill is the ‘hardest part’ of personal finance, advisors say Being a "master of cash flow" is an important foundational step households should consider addressing before they invest.

Money Mondays: Do you know the difference between an ETF and a mutual fund? Educate yourself! The average investor doesn't realize there are some big pros/cons when it comes to building a portfolio.

Mutual Fund vs. ETF: What's the Difference? Mutual funds and ETFs are pooled investments that enable low-cost diversification, and are similar in many respects but have some notable differences.

Money Mondays: Did you know that women only make 82 cents to every man’s dollar in 2022? Combine that with the fact that we live longer, spend less time in the workforce and therefore qualify for less retirement benefits. This is why I built MEL & Co., to educate and empower women on how to create wealth! Let's bridge the gap together.

Progress in shrinking gender wage gap stalled for 20 years Despite major educational gains for women, the wage gap between men and women hasn't changed since the start of the millennium, according to two new studies. One study found that women only make 82 cents to every man’s dollar in 2022. That’s despite women earning 42% of college degrees compared ...

Money Mondays: Take advantage of 2 great perks with a Roth IRA Conversion! Talk to your financial and tax professionals first to see how this may impact your personal situation.

* No Required Minimum Distributions

* Tax- deferred growth

How to Use Mega Backdoor Roths to Save on Taxes A mega backdoor Roth is designed for 401(k) savers who want to enjoy Roth account tax benefits. Learn how a mega backdoor Roth rollover works.

Women In Tech & Their $ Stories Series is celebrating 2 years! It's been an absolute honor to highlight and showcase as many Bada$$ women who wish to share their personal stories, including their successes, lessons learned and of course, their personal money tips. Check out ALL of their interviews!

Interested in being interviewed or want to nominate someone? Please let me know.

Women In Tech $ Series | melanie-husk Melanie Husk - Chicago Financial Advisor. Helping your finances grow.

Money Mondays: MEL & Co. Newsletter is here! Check out 3 money tips for investing today.

https://mailchi.mp/50d12b72fca4/mel-co-october-newsletter-13835030

MEL & CO. Newsletter: Opportunity Knocks! MEL & Co. is an Investment Advisor registered with the State of Illinois. All views, expressions, and opinions included in this communication are subject to change. This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory s...

Money Mondays: Have policymakers done enough to avert a system-wide crisis? How could the situation escalate? What does all of this mean for monetary policy? Learn more when you read more about your finances!

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/investors-face-3-big-questions-as-a-rolling-banking-crisis-shakes-markets-153248778.html

Investors face 3 big questions as a rolling banking crisis shakes markets As concerns over a looming banking crisis weigh on the minds of investors, one economist says the ultimate outcome will depend on three major questions.

Women In Tech & Their $ Stories: This month I took a break from interviewing Bada$$ women to focus on the money piece of the Series. It only seemed appropriate with tax season in full swing. Check out this educational webinar that I hosted with Lauren Buccola for IL Small Business Women Owners. You might learn something new about the 2022 tax updates!



https://youtu.be/GCTTWhl6mPQ

Next month, we're ready to highlight our next awesome women in tech!

IL Small Biz For Women Tax Webinar This is a FREE education webinar to help you figure out the best way to manage your 2022 tax planning. Topics covered include:Illinois PTE (IL pass-through e...

You're Invited! IL Small Business Owner For Women FREE Tax Webinar Tomorrow, Feb. 15th 10am CST. To join us, register here:



https://www.eventbrite.com/e/il-small-business-owner-tax-seminar-for-women-tickets-534049706047?fbclid=IwAR1gM787N1h9XXqe6vPN-QuFFVkOuo5H4fFq0H7dPjAe4FUbRWav-gjpnY8

IL Small Business Owner Tax Seminar for Women Looking for ways to reduce your overall 2022/2023 tax liability? Interested in learning more about the recent IL tax laws updates?

Monday Mondays: MEL & CO. Newsletter is here with Your Year-End Review! Check it out!

MEL & CO. Your Year-End Review What were some of your highlights?  This can be an accomplishment like learning how to work virtually or one of your favorite moments/memories from the year like the family vacation. Maybe you hit a sales goal early or helped others buy their first home. What were some of your disappointments?  O...

Looking to maximize your 2022/2023 tax liability for your IL Small Business? There are some new updates that YOU want to be aware of for sure! Free to attend.

IL Small Business Owner Tax Seminar for Women Looking for ways to reduce your overall 2022/2023 tax liability? Interested in learning more about the recent IL tax laws updates?

Women In Tech & Their $ Stories: This month I'm going to share the money tips of all the ladies featured inn this Series. It's my personal why for educating and empowering Bada$$ women on how to create long-term wealth AND achieve financial independence.

Excited to kick off the 5th cohort of my 6-week, comprehensive financial boot camp in March! Life throws us curve balls. Are you prepared?

For more info about the Series or the AFI program and to register, visit www.melconsultingco.com

#