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It’s that time of year, the snow is falling, and families are preparing for the upcoming holiday season. This year the holidays may look very different. Families are trying to navigate how to celebrate and keep traditions with the pandemic at the forefront of everyone’s mind.   

FALL…it is my favorite time of year!  I love the leaves' changing colors, the crunching sound they make under my feet while outside enjoying the day.  Football is FINALLY back on airwaves, and in some areas, our kids are back on the field.  The air is cool, and the sweatshirts are back!  Did I mention it's my favorite! 

In a study conducted by Edward Jones in 2018, only 29% of Americans are familiar with a 529 College Savings Plan.   With college costs on the rise, parents have no idea what the cost of college will be when their child reaches college age; thus, they are not prepared for this considerable expense. 

There have been plenty of things to keep our minds busy these past few months, and unfortunately, hackers know just how distracted we are and are striking Americans hard.  Phishing scams are spiking as online criminals are taking advantage of corporations moving employees to a “work- from- home” office, which does not provide the same level of internet security as working in the office.

Most of us are experiencing a very different summer.  The out of state trips, kid's summer activities, and family gatherings we have been looking forward to maybe canceled.  Perhaps you or someone in your household may have been laid off, and budgets are tight. 

During this pandemic, you may have started doing things you never imagined doing before: homeschooling your children, working from home, canceling your trips, and preparing more meals at home. We have also struggled to find our favorite items in the grocery stores. Some of our favorites have been nearly nonexistent, especially in the produce aisle.

Spring has finally sprung!  We are beginning to come out of quarantine and find a routine once again.  During this “stay at home” time, I heard from many who dug into their closets and garages. Some of which have not been cleaned or organized in years. 

Well, here we are!  As one friend shared, “I woke up feeling great!  I’m so ready for another big day of handwashing and looking out the window!”  Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected the events of these last several weeks.  These are uncertain and ever-changing times, but I know we will get through this together. 

Do you have a go-to card, one that you use for all your purchases? Which card SHOULD we be using? When you think about using a debit card vs. a credit card you might be thinking,  Treasurer, this is a no brainer, I should use my debit card so that I do not build debt with a credit card. However, do you know which card is the SAFEST to use? 

Have you noticed when you turn on the tv, there always seems to be a new financial scam? We are warned of hackers, identity thieves, or the latest financial cyber threat.  In 2019, $8.5 billion was spent on funding cybersecurity.  

The holidays can be such a joyous time of year, but so much time and effort to plan and prepare, and then… just like that, it’s over. The meal leaves you full and exhausted. The holiday bills can leave you feeling much the same. Without even looking at your bills, you already know you ignored that “budget.” Now what?

North Dakota's longest-serving state treasurer won't seek another term in 2020.

Treasurer Kelly Schmidt told the Tribune on Tuesday that she doesn't intend to run for a fifth four-year term.

"This is not something I have taken lightly," the Republican said. "I have thought about it. I have prayed about it. I have visited with my family about it. And it's just time for a new chapter. I think we all get to that point that it's time to turn the page, and I feel that it's my time."