By Jessica Perrone Has your financial advisor ever used a tone that belittled or made fun of you? Did it make you feel like you weren’t smart enough? Was the conversation a one-way street, where it was difficult to ask questions or learn something new? If these scenarios sound familiar, you may be dealing with a bully. I know it’s easy to feel helpless, especially if you are not confident in your financial knowledge and understanding. You might even be tempted to ignore the problem, thinking it will disappear. But you have a right to advocate for yourself. It’s your money, and it’s crucial to...

By Jessica Perrone Ladies, no one ever plans to be sick or disabled. Yet knowing the financial ins and outs of the household can make all the difference in an emergency. Women also live longer than men; according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the average American man will live to 76, while the average woman will live to 81. I don’t want to be a “Debbie Downer,” but imagine a scenario where your partner cannot communicate the ins and outs of your joint finances. For these reasons, women should speak to their partners about household money matters before an emergency happens. I know,...

Jessica Perrone, Founder of HerFinIQ.com,  is a Summit mom and experienced investor who’s on a mission to empower women and teen girls through Financial and Investing Education. Each month, she will answer questions she commonly receives on how to invest. Each holiday season, parents, grandparents, and friends seek out exciting and unique gifts for children. Cash slipped into a card is an easy solution, but wouldn’t it be nice to give a gift that appreciates in value?   Financial gifts could be an excellent way for babies, kids & teens to kick-start their financial wellness and begin...