Knowledge Center

object(WP_Post)#459 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(205792) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "177" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2013-05-01 06:00:47" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-05-01 10:00:47" ["post_content"]=> string(785) "[lvvideo id=2330573124001 width=480 height=268 auto_start=true] On average, a disabling accident occurs once every second in the U.S., and 18.5% of Americans are living with a disability. But disability insurance provides income for more than just accidents—cancer is the second most common reason why people take out a claim on their disability insurance. In this video, Stephany Kirkpatrick CFP®, LearnVest Director of Financial Planning, explains what you need to know about disability insurance—like the fact that you can buy private disability insurance to fill in any gaps in coverage provided by your employer. " ["post_title"]=> string(48) "What You Don’t Know About Disability Insurance" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(114) "Disability insurance is more than just coverage for accidents. A LearnVest Planning Services CFP® breaks it down." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(45) "what-you-dont-know-about-disability-insurance" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2013-05-17 15:47:41" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-05-17 19:47:41" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=205792" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#460 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(205810) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "177" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2013-05-01 06:00:23" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-05-01 10:00:23" ["post_content"]=> string(905) "[lvvideo id=2330573122001 width=480 height=268 auto_start=true] Talking about life insurance can be awkward. After all, it's based around an uncomfortable fact: One day you won't be around anymore. While that thought can be distressing, you need to address your mortality—especially with your significant other. Life insurance is cheaper if you buy a policy when you're younger, but many young couples don't think that they need it, or put off the conversation until later in life ... when insurance is more expensive. In this video, Stephany Kirkpatrick CFP®, LearnVest Director of Financial Planning, details how to frame a talk with your partner around the tricky topic, from discussing income to naming beneficiaries. " ["post_title"]=> string(61) "How to Have the Life Insurance Conversation With Your Partner" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(119) "Learn to frame a discussion with your partner around this tricky topic, from discussing income to naming beneficiaries." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(61) "how-to-have-the-life-insurance-conversation-with-your-partner" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2013-05-17 15:48:38" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-05-17 19:48:38" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=205810" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#462 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(197464) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "177" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2013-04-17 17:07:54" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-04-17 21:07:54" ["post_content"]=> string(1086) "[lvvideo id=2305811699001 width=480 height=268 auto_start=true] We get it. Investing can be intimidating. But it's also something else: necessary. Even if you're not ready to craft your own extensive portfolio, and religiously stalk Morningstar.com on a daily basis, there is a certain amount of investing that you can—and should—be doing to keep inflation from eating away at your savings. Smart investing will also allow you to more quickly achieve important life goals, such as buying a home, paying for college costs and saving for retirement. But where do you start? Since it’s easy to get sidetracked by bad advice or “get rich quick” schemes, we sat down with Brandie Farnam, a LearnVest Planning Services CFP®, to suss out the four influences that you should be wary of when investing—from hot stocks to quick moves." ["post_title"]=> string(42) "4 Things You Need to Know Before Investing" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(88) "An expert points out four things you should be wary of when putting money in the market." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(42) "4-things-you-need-to-know-before-investing" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2013-05-01 14:02:23" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-05-01 18:02:23" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=197464" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#463 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(199133) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "177" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2013-04-08 16:56:37" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-04-08 20:56:37" ["post_content"]=> string(1253) "[lvvideo id=2286776690001 width=480 height=268 auto_start=true] If you sometimes feel as if everyone but you was given a golden guide to savvy investing—a cheat sheet, if you will—take heart in this knowledge: There really isn't a holy grail for investing. Sure, it helps to read the right books and visit the right websites, but more than anything, you need the right experience. Many investing professionals have years of carefully culled experience under their belts, which helps to explain why they're so good at their craft. Of course, we know that average investors don't necessarily have the time to dedicate years to improving their own investing know-how, so we asked Brandie Farnam, a LearnVest Planning Services CFP®, to divulge four professional investing tricks that anyone can use—years of experience not required." ["post_title"]=> string(33) "Top 4 Secrets of an Investing Pro" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(120) "We asked an expert to divulge four professional investing tricks that anyone can use—years of experience not required." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(33) "top-4-secrets-of-an-investing-pro" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2013-05-09 17:09:46" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-05-09 21:09:46" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=199133" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#465 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(187966) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "241" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2013-02-12 06:00:42" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-02-12 10:00:42" ["post_content"]=> string(593) " It's easy to come up with financial dreams, like paying off your student loans in one shot or buying your perfect home ... in one month. But it's much harder to come up with concrete financial goals that you can actually work toward--and see through to fruition. Three of LearnVest's Certified Financial Planners sat down to discuss the smart way to outline your financial goals, and how to stay motivated to achieve them--even if it takes a few years until you finally get there." ["post_title"]=> string(36) "The Right Way to Set Financial Goals" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(178) "Three of LearnVest's Certified Financial Planners sit down to discuss how to set financial goals you'll actually be able to achieve, without losing your motivation along the way." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(36) "the-right-way-to-set-financial-goals" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2013-02-12 10:48:17" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-02-12 14:48:17" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=187966" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#466 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(188194) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "241" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2013-02-06 06:00:35" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-02-06 10:00:35" ["post_content"]=> string(537) " Saving for retirement in a 401(k) or an IRA is great--but just contributing each month isn't quite enough to make sure that you're on track for those golden years. Each year, there are certain steps that you need to take to ensure that you're on the right path, from rebalancing to upping your contribution. Find out from LearnVest's Certified Financial Planners what you need to do in 2013 to start saving smarter!" ["post_title"]=> string(34) "How to Reboot Your Retirement Plan" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(142) "If you're saving for retirement, that's great ... but you're not quite done. Find out what you need to do this year to ensure you're on track." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(42) "how-to-reboot-your-retirement-plan-in-2013" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2013-01-28 10:11:43" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2013-01-28 14:11:43" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=188194" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#468 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(180617) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "225" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-12-10 17:30:31" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-10 21:30:31" ["post_content"]=> string(1066) " One night this fall, hundreds of women made change happen. No, we’re not talking about election night—we’re talking about LearnVest LIVE. On October 9, LearnVest, in partnership with Chase Blueprint®, hosted LearnVest LIVE, bringing together amazing speakers from LearnVest and Chase as well as experts like Cosmo editor in chief Joanna Coles and Top Chef’s Gail Simmons to educate women on such topics as investing, real estate, career, food and more. There were exciting topics for attendees to hear about, but one of the most popular was the Budgeting for Your Life session, hosted by LearnVest’s Director of Financial Planning Stephany Kirkpatrick and Chase’s Head of Consumer Practices Marge Hannum. Just because you didn’t make it to LearnVest LIVE doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from their wise words on the fine art of budgeting. Check out our video above. to learn why a budget is so important and how to get started." ["post_title"]=> string(52) "How the Right Budget Can Help You Achieve Your Goals" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(124) "Check out LearnVest and Chase experts speak on how building a personalized budget can help you secure your financial future." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(52) "how-the-right-budget-can-help-you-achieve-your-goals" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-18 12:37:53" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-18 16:37:53" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=180617" ["menu_order"]=> int(13) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#469 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(179211) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "241" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-12-07 17:26:38" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-07 21:26:38" ["post_content"]=> string(1245) "[lvvideo id=2016599141001 width=480 height=268] Decorating your home is a huge undertaking. Since the costs can quickly become astronomical, it’s important to make sure that you’re making smart choices–both about home décor and staying on budget. To help with both goals, we sat down with two experts: Michael Wood, an expert interior designer with firm IX Design, and Jennifer Roberts, President of Chase Card Services. Learn which design aspects are most important and how to infuse your personal style into your home; then, find out how to stay on budget while turning your house into your dream home." ["post_title"]=> string(64) "An Expert Shares His Top Design Secrets for Decorating Your Home" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(153) "Expert interior designer Michael Wood shares his top tips for designing a home and infusing your personal style into your space while staying on budget. " ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(64) "an-expert-shares-his-top-design-secrets-for-decorating-your-home" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-18 12:37:53" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-18 16:37:53" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=179211" ["menu_order"]=> int(13) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#471 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(179204) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "241" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-12-07 17:24:52" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-07 21:24:52" ["post_content"]=> string(998) "[lvvideo id=2016574222001 width=480 height=268] Money is one of the hardest things for couples to talk about, but also one of the most important. Alexa von Tobel, LearnVest’s CEO and founder, and Jennifer Roberts, President of Chase Card Services, sit down to talk about the financial discussion all couples need to have, as well as how to handle the “money talk” with minimal awkwardness and maximal success." ["post_title"]=> string(56) "Why You and Your Partner Need to Have the Money Talk Now" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(172) "LearnVest founder and CEO Alexa von Tobel and President of Chase Card Services Jennifer Roberts discuss why having a financial discussion with your partner is so important." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(56) "why-you-and-your-partner-need-to-have-the-money-talk-now" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-18 12:37:53" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-18 16:37:53" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=179204" ["menu_order"]=> int(13) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#472 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(176721) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "177" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-11-26 17:00:46" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-11-26 21:00:46" ["post_content"]=> string(836) "Check out the first chapter of the LearnVest and Chase Blueprint® The Money Talk webinar featuring LearnVest Director of Financial Planning Stephany Kirkpatrick and Jennifer Roberts, President of Chase Card Services. This chapter introduces what the money talk is and why it's so important for a healthy relationship. Then, check out Chapter 2: What to Talk About When It's Getting Serious." ["post_title"]=> string(63) "The Money Talk: What Is The Money Talk and Why Is It Important?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(116) "Watch The Money Talk, by LearnVest and Chase, to find out why discussing finances with your partner is so important." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(37) "love-and-money-webinar-the-money-talk" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:35:39" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:35:39" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=176721" ["menu_order"]=> int(24) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#474 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(176774) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "177" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-11-26 17:00:09" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-11-26 21:00:09" ["post_content"]=> string(845) "Check out the second chapter of the LearnVest and Chase Blueprint® The Money Talk webinar featuring LearnVest Director of Financial Planning Stephany Kirkpatrick and Jennifer Roberts, President of Chase Card Services. This chapter helps you determine what to talk about when it's getting serious between you and your partner. Check out Chapter 3: Know Where You and Your Partner Stand Financially." ["post_title"]=> string(60) "The Money Talk: What to Talk About When It's Getting Serious" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(140) "Watch the second chapter of The Money Talk, by LearnVest and Chase, to find out what to discuss when it's getting serious with your partner." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(66) "love-and-money-webinar-what-to-talk-about-when-its-getting-serious" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:35:40" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:35:40" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=176774" ["menu_order"]=> int(24) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#475 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(176777) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "177" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-11-26 17:00:06" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-11-26 21:00:06" ["post_content"]=> string(842) "Check out the third chapter of the LearnVest and Chase Blueprint® The Money Talk webinar featuring LearnVest Director of Financial Planning Stephany Kirkpatrick and Jennifer Roberts, President of Chase Card Services. This chapter helps you plan how to figure out where you and your partner stand financially. Check out Chapter 4: What To Talk About Before You Combine Accounts with Your Loved One." ["post_title"]=> string(65) "The Money Talk: Know Where You And Your Partner Stand Financially" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(136) "Watch the third chapter of The Money Talk, by LearnVest and Chase, to find out how to discuss your financial standing with your partner." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(68) "love-and-money-webinar-where-you-stand-financially-with-your-partner" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:35:40" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:35:40" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=176777" ["menu_order"]=> int(24) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#477 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(175077) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "241" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-11-06 11:25:01" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-11-06 15:25:01" ["post_content"]=> string(709) " Nothing ruins holiday cheer faster than sinking into debt. Find out how to manage your spending and prepare for the holidays like a pro with LearnVest CFP® Brandie Farnam, brought to you in partnership with Dell. [lv_share_bricks] Check out these tips, and start using LearnVest’s tools and content to help you plan your holiday spending. And if you’re interested in any of the amazing Dell products displayed in this video (or want to gift a Dell product over the holidays), head over to Dell.com/home to find out more information." ["post_title"]=> string(35) "How to Prepare for Holiday Spending" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(201) "The fastest way to put a damper on holiday cheer is to sink into holiday debt. Find out how to control your spending with these great tips, brought to you by a LearnVest CFP® in partnership with Dell." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(35) "how-to-prepare-for-holiday-spending" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:36:02" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:36:02" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=175077" ["menu_order"]=> int(24) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#478 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(171103) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "371" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-10-03 17:00:29" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-10-03 21:00:29" ["post_content"]=> string(338) " " ["post_title"]=> string(25) "What Is the Stock Market?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(101) "No need for confusion when discussing the stock market. Find out the basics with this helpful video. " ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(24) "what-is-the-stock-market" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:37:10" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:37:10" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=171103" ["menu_order"]=> int(58) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#480 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(168070) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "177" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-09-12 10:51:01" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-09-12 14:51:01" ["post_content"]=> string(473) "" ["post_title"]=> string(49) "Get the Financial Help You Deserve With LearnVest" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(149) " Learn why most Americans so desperately need finance guidance, and how LearnVest can help solve their problems and help them to achieve their goals." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(13) "1833070597001" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:38:01" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:38:01" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=168070" ["menu_order"]=> int(58) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#481 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(167640) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "177" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-09-10 15:47:24" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-09-10 19:47:24" ["post_content"]=> string(695) "[lvvideo provider="youtube" id="lzReSAg1jDg" width="640" height="360"] What are your financial goals? If you want to pay off debt, save for an emergency fund, buy a home or save for retirement, you know that you have some serious work cut out for you. To help you realize your dream, LearnVest and Dell have paired up to bring you a video on the five most important principles of personal finance. Check them out, and start using LearnVest's tools and content to help you follow these rules. And if you're interested in any of the amazing Dell products displayed in this video, head over to Dell.com/home to find out more information." ["post_title"]=> string(51) "The 5 Most Important Principles of Personal Finance" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(110) "Want to achieve some big financial goals? Then you need to know the five major principles of personal finance." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(51) "the-5-most-important-principles-of-personal-finance" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:38:02" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:38:02" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=167640" ["menu_order"]=> int(58) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#483 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(161779) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "364" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-08-10 11:02:24" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-08-10 15:02:24" ["post_content"]=> string(850) "   Orchestra is a task management app that goes so beyond list-making— it connects me to the people in my life who can help me get things done, which helps me get things done more quickly. In other words, it’s my dream come true. Watch to learn how to use this powerful app.

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An App That Organizes Your Daily Deals The Best Time Savers, Minute by Minute Quit Surfing the Web!" ["post_title"]=> string(47) "Finally: A To-Do List That Delegates Your Tasks" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(116) "Find out how to use Orchestra, an app designed to help you manage all the tasks you need to accomplish in your life." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(46) "finally-a-to-do-list-that-delegates-your-tasks" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:39:56" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:39:56" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=161779" ["menu_order"]=> int(58) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#484 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(161773) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "241" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-08-10 09:27:03" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-08-10 13:27:03" ["post_content"]=> string(500) "[lvvideo provider="youtube" id="MlXwCCwmA2g" width="640" height="360"] On October 9, LearnVest will be hosting its first live event in New York City. Find out what LearnVest CEO and founder Alexa von Tobel has to say about this exciting event! To buy tickets to join us in person or "virtual tickets" to see videos of the keynote speakers and receive a free budgeting plan (worth $69), click here." ["post_title"]=> string(53) "One Minute With Alexa: Announcing LearnVest Goes Live" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(148) "In October, LearnVest will be hosting its first live event. Find out who will be there, and why you should come to New York City to be a part of it!" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(52) "one-minute-with-alexa-announcing-learnvest-goes-live" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:39:57" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:39:57" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=161773" ["menu_order"]=> int(58) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#486 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(155113) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "364" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-07-23 17:00:04" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-07-23 21:00:04" ["post_content"]=> string(1155) "This video originally appeared on Digitwirl: [lvvideo provider="youtube" id="1uRb_MEv-io" width="640" height="360"] Managing your money is the pits. Monitoring online purchases, shoeboxing receipts and keeping track on those elusive cash buys is a hassle ... plus even if you have all the information in one place, what to make of it? Spending can get out of hand if we don't have a bird's eye view of where our money is going, but who has the time to squeeze all the data out of our spending history? Lemon offers a sweet solution, by helping you track all your purchases in one place, and then analyzing it all for you, so you can really see what's up with your money.

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Apps That Organize Your Daily Deals Quit Surfing the Web!  Personal Assistants for the 99%" ["post_title"]=> string(25) "Put Your Receipts to Work" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(126) "Make your receipts work overtime by using a cool (free!) app called Lemon. Find out how to use it with this informative video." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(25) "put-your-receipts-to-work" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:46:04" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:46:04" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=155113" ["menu_order"]=> int(58) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#487 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(151909) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "364" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-07-13 10:00:49" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-07-13 14:00:49" ["post_content"]=> string(897) "This helpful video originally appeared on Digitwirl: [lvvideo provider="youtube" id="20rxIEALJk4" width="640" height="360"] Ever get tired of surfing from website to website? Once you understand what an RSS feed is and how to use a RSS reader, you'll be able to sit back and have the web's updated content come right to you.

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The Best Time-Savers, Minute by Minute Personal Assistants for the 99%? Sign Us Up! The To-Do List That Delegates" ["post_title"]=> string(33) "Stop Wasting Time Surfing the Web" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(121) "Don't waste time surfing the web: Learn how to create an RSS reader that will bring your favorite blogs and sites to you." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(33) "stop-wasting-time-surfing-the-web" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:46:20" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:46:20" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(67) "http://www.learnvest.com/?post_type=lv_evergreen_post&p=151909" ["menu_order"]=> int(58) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#489 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(130741) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "241" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-05-30 06:00:32" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-05-30 10:00:32" ["post_content"]=> string(9089) "[lvvideo provider="youtube" id="F8ImHf4r-e4" width="640" height="360"] With Memorial Day just behind us, it seems like summer has officially begun. Which means—eek!—bikini season. Some of us have dutifully hit the gym all winter long, and others are just now shaking last summer’s dirt off those sneakers, but we can all agree that a more effective workout in a shorter amount of time sounds pretty good. After all, with the demands of work, friends and family (and nice weather begging for some lazy lounging time), it’s challenging to find enough time to get in a solid workout. Not being able to find time is only one of the reasons why people avoid the gym, though. Not seeing desired results or feeling unsure about the best way to utilize the gym's offerings can also lead to missed workouts. [lv_more_content]Get in Shape for Less With This Guide! 7 Runners' Habits That Will Shape Up Your Finances 4 Free Exercises for You and Your Baby[/lv_more_content] To make sure you're actually making the most out of your gym membership (which, we know, doesn't come cheap!), we called in a pro. Amie Hoff is a personal trainer in Manhattan and the creator of FitKit, a $40 portable workout kit with basic tools like a jump rope, pedometer, resistance tubes and more. She gave us six expert tips for staying motivated, getting the most out of our gym memberships and saving money on fitness. Then, she taught us four total-body exercises that will whip you into shape in less time than a regular workout ... and can also be done at home, if you don't belong to a gym. Watch and learn in our video above!

1. Actually Get Yourself to the Gym

Getting to the gym is the most important--and hardest!--step. Amie recommends exercising before work, first thing in the morning. After a long day at the office, it's easy to come up with excuses why you should skip the gym that evening. Plus, a recent study has shown that exercising first thing in the morning, before eating, directly combats the "detrimental effects" of a high-calorie, high-fat diet and can prevent weight gain. Here are some ways to make sure you actually get up in the morning for your workout. (Don't belong to a gym? These strategies work just as well for making sure you get in your morning run outside or actually make it to the yoga studio.)

• Lay out your stuff the night before. Prep before bed by laying out your exercise clothing, sneakers, iPod, clothing for work (if you plan to shower and go to the office straight from the gym), water and snacks. This way, you won't waste precious time in the morning.
• Place your alarm clock on the other side of the room. It's easy enough to hit the snooze button when it's six inches away. Force yourself to actually get up by placing your alarm clock out of arm's reach. Amie recommends working out for 30-45 minutes at least three or four times per week, so plan to leave yourself at least that much time (plus the time for traveling to the gym and showering and primping) before you have to be at your desk.
• Hit the shower (but only for a second). Not a morning person? Jump in the shower for a few seconds to wake yourself up, but skip the normal shower routine like scrubbing your body or your hair. Don't want to shower? Just splash some cold water on your face.
• Make a date. If you've got a friend, co-worker or roommate who belongs to your gym, plan to meet them at a certain time. Trust us, you'll be much more motivated to actually hit the gym if you're being held accountable by someone you know. 

2. Skip the Snack Bar

For optimal results, you need to nourish your body correctly. If you're working out first thing in the morning, make sure you hydrate the night before and as soon as you wake up.  Working out later in the day? Aim to drink about 20 ounces of water an hour before you exercise. Bring your water bottle to the gym and refill at the water fountain--don't waste your money on bottled water once you're there! As for food, one of the most common errors is eating too much after a workout. If you need a snack after you exercise so you don't start lagging as soon as you sit down at your desk, try to eat a "fist-sized" amount of food amounting to 150-200 calories.  A bar that's low in sugar but high in protein or fiber is a good bet, as are fruits like bananas or apples, alone or with a nut butter. One caveat: Don't buy these foods at the gym snack bar! "You'll be spending as much as three times the money that you would if you brought your own snacks," says Amie.

3. Make a Workout Plan

"A lot of people waste their time wandering around the gym," says Amie. They try out various machines and hop back and forth between bicycles and elliptical machines without a plan. Don't be one of them! Before you hit the gym, decide exactly what you're going to do. For a complete workout, she advises doing a mixture of cardio and strength-training. It's possible to combine both cardio and strength-training at once (see the video above for examples), or you can, say, run and then hit the weights. Choose activities that you enjoy and will stick to (don't plan on using the elliptical if you know you'll get bored after 12 minutes). If you plan to use free weights to strength train after your cardio, start with 5-pound weights and then build up to heavier weights over time. An easy way to plan your workouts so you don't waste time once you're actually at the gym is to write down your intended plan in a journal or daily calendar. If you've ditched the paper planner in favor of your smartphone, keep track of it using a calendar or note-taking app.

4. Split the Cost of a Personal Trainer

Gym memberships can be expensive enough without the added cost of a personal trainer. But if you feel like you're stuck in a rut physically, you need more motivation to push yourself or you don't quite know exactly how to make the most of the equipment available in your gym, a personal trainer could be a good bet. Plus, if you make an appointment that you're paying for, you'll be way more likely not to skip the gym. To defray the cost, consider a joint session with a friend. If you do a joint personal training session, you'll want to train with someone who has roughly the same level of physical fitness as you. In other words, if you're working up to a 5K, it's best not to ask your friend coming off of her fourth marathon. LearnVest Tip: If you have an iPhone, Nike Training Club is a fantastic, free app with 85 customized workouts that can serve as a stand-in for a personal trainer.

Get 20% off Amie Hoff's FitKit using the code LearnVest!

5. Take Advantage of Free Classes

Many gym memberships come with the option of free group exercise classes. These can range from cardio sculpting to spinning to Pilates and yoga classes. Classes will expose you to new exercises, and instructors will likely push you further than you'd push yourself. Additionally, you sign up to exercise for a full 45 minutes or an hour, and you won't be tempted to tap out early. We know we're not the only ones who get off the treadmill at the three-mile mark when we were aiming for five.

6. Do 'Double Whammy' Exercises

As we said, Amie advises us to combine cardio and strength training in each workout. While this can mean going for a run and then lifting weights, there are also exercises that accomplish both goals at the very same time, making them especially effective if you only have a short window of time. Watch our video above to see Amie teach LV Video Editor Gabrielle her top four favorite exercises that can be done in a gym or in the comfort of your own home." ["post_title"]=> string(65) "6 Secrets to Getting Fit: A Top Trainer Tells All (Plus, a Video)" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(152) "Watch and learn four total-body exercises that will whip you into shape in less time than a regular workout (and can also be done at home) in our video!" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(61) "6-secrets-to-getting-fit-a-top-trainer-tells-all-plus-a-video" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:48:35" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:48:35" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(34) "http://www.learnvest.com/?p=130741" ["menu_order"]=> int(58) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "4" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#490 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(129122) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "256" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-05-24 06:00:59" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-05-24 10:00:59" ["post_content"]=> string(2641) "[lvvideo provider="youtube" id="OqbYEvk5CUo" width="640" height="360"] Into every busy mom's schedule falls a couple of tasks she'd really rather not do. Refill the car with gas. (So expensive!) Stay up late to work on that presentation due tomorrow. (So tired!) Take the kids to the salon to get their hair cut. (We'd rather be playing at the park!) Well, guess what? We have your answer to, "Wouldn't it just be cheaper and easier to cut my kid's hair myself?" [lv_more_content]Love this story? Sign up for LearnVest’s LV Moms daily newsletter! How Jessica Alba Is Shaking Up the Eco-Baby Industry Sitting With Your Kids on Flights Just Got Harder[/lv_more_content] While the price of a kid's haircut will vary drastically depending on where you live, you could find yourself paying up to $30 in many cities, not even including tip—and boy, do bangs grow fast. Why head to the salon each time she needs a touch-up? To help us learn the best way to DIY a kids' haircut from the comfort of our own home, we hit up Cozy Friedman, mom, owner of Cozy's Cuts for Kids and the So Cozy Haircare line, and author of "Cozy's Complete Guide to Girls' Hair." Friedman outlined an easy eight-step process for cutting kids' hair ... without any embarrassing screw-ups. All you'll need are twenty minutes and a few tools, like a comb, spray bottle, barber scissors and two towels—one to cover your kid's clothes and one to cover the floor.

Even if you're not planning to cut your own kid's hair anytime soon, you'll want to watch our video above to see how cute our little model is ...

" ["post_title"]=> string(54) "Video: How to Cut Kids' Hair at Home—A Pro Shows You" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(163) "To help us learn the best way to DIY a kids' haircut from our own home, we hit up Cozy Friedman, mom and owner of Cozy's Cuts for Kids. Check out our how-to video." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(50) "video-how-to-cut-kids-hair-at-home-a-pro-shows-you" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:48:37" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:48:37" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(34) "http://www.learnvest.com/?p=129122" ["menu_order"]=> int(58) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#492 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(127430) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "241" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-05-09 18:04:10" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-05-09 22:04:10" ["post_content"]=> string(398) "[lvvideo provider="youtube" id="-Dg-qvBmyhQ" width="640" height="360"] LearnVest presents a new weekly video series: One Minute With Alexa. Every week, we'll sit down with LearnVest CEO Alexa von Tobel to pick her brain on the most exciting or interesting new development in the world of personal finance. Find out what's on her mind this week and learn a surprising fact about Alexa herself!" ["post_title"]=> string(49) "A New Video Series Featuring LV CEO Alexa Debuts!" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(139) "Each week, we'll pick Alexa's brain on the most exciting and interesting development she's thinking about in the world of personal finance." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(48) "a-new-video-series-featuring-lv-ceo-alexa-debuts" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:49:43" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:49:43" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(34) "http://www.learnvest.com/?p=127430" ["menu_order"]=> int(206) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#493 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(125344) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "256" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-05-04 06:00:47" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-05-04 10:00:47" ["post_content"]=> string(2129) "Whether you're in the market for a new bike for your kid now or not, chances are, sometime in the very near future, you will be. In fact, bicycling is the second most popular outdoor activity in the U.S. (which is probably why the U.S. bicycle industry sold $5.6 billion in bicycles and equipment in 2009), and adolescents who bike are 48% less likely to be overweight as adults. [lv_more_content] Love this story? Sign up for LearnVest’s LV Moms daily newsletter! Save big on kids' entertainment. Kate Gosselin, expert coupon clipper? [/lv_more_content] We get it—bikes are great. They are also, unfortunately, expensive. Or they can be, if you're getting a quality one. To help you figure out how to make your money go further when it comes to purchasing a bike, we turned to the experts:

• Sophia, 10-years-old, is in the market for a new bike for her "in-between" stage.
• Ron Pereira, manager of the Bike Smith bike store in Brooklyn, New York, is going to help her figure out which one is best for her.

Check out the video to find out:

• How to know when your child needs a new bike.
• How to tell if a new bike is the right size.
• How much kids' bikes cost.
• Where the best place is to purchase a bike.
• Much more!

Then, use Pereira's advice as a guide the next time you're in the market for a new bike for your own kid. [lvvideo provider="youtube" id="c0bfS-rE-eA" width="560" height="315"]" ["post_title"]=> string(40) "How to Buy the Right Bike for Your Child" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(162) "Whether you're in the market for a bike for your kid now or not, chances are in the very near future you may be. Use this video to help you pick out the best one." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(40) "how-to-buy-the-right-bike-for-your-child" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:49:45" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:49:45" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(34) "http://www.learnvest.com/?p=125344" ["menu_order"]=> int(206) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#495 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(121070) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "177" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-04-16 06:00:20" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-04-16 10:00:20" ["post_content"]=> string(8070) "[lvvideo provider="youtube" id="8jkri0AeZWQ" width="640" height="360"] Last week, LearnVest CEO and Founder Alexa von Tobel visited the New York Stock Exchange to deliver a TEDx speech about personal finance. She told the story of one (hypothetical) girl--and the five financial principles that will shape her life. Like most of us, "Jessica" never took a single personal finance class in college, or ever, for that matter. In fact, that's part of what led Alexa to start LearnVest ...  Below Alexa shares five simple financial rules that can help us all get on track with our money, no matter where you're starting out right now, or how much you learned (or didn't) about money growing up. Picture this: It’s spring 2012 and Jessica, a smart 22-year-old, is graduating from college with an English degree. She has $25,000 in student loan debt and $4,000 in credit card debt that she amassed over the past few years. While these numbers may seem high, they're actually pretty average for an American college graduate today. Jessica is ecstatic to have landed a great entry-level position at a publishing house. She’s lucky to have a job, with a starting salary of $35,000. Once taxes hit, that comes out to approximately $2,300 per month. It’s a little less than she expected, but it’s her first real source of income! Right off the bat, there are five basic financial principles that will ensure Jessica is making responsible choices with her money. And what Jessica does with her take-home pay today, and whether she follows these rules, will create a ripple effect through the rest of her financial life. The same is true for the rest of us. Watch Alexa's speech above, and then read about the five principles to live by.

5 Key Financial Principles

1. Live With a Budget

"Living within your means" just means spending no more than you earn—which is harder than it might sound. And plenty of you ask us all the time: How do I create a budget? To really get ahead, LearnVest recommends dividing your income according to the 50/20/30 rule:

• 50% of take-home pay goes toward your essentials (housing, utilities, transportation and groceries)
• 20% to debt repayment and future savings
• 30% to everything else

If you follow this rule of thumb, you'll be setting yourself up for responsible spending for a long time. If you don't, your spending has the potential to turn into a downward spiral that's hard to climb back up from. (Want to get started? The easiest way is to link your accounts in the My Money Center, create a budget for absolutely free—and see where every dollar goes.)

2. Prioritize Debt Repayment

And that means building it into your budget: It should be part of your 20% above. If you use a credit card, pay it off in full every month, so you can keep your credit score in the 760 range. If you only make the minimum payments, you’ll actually only be paying off the interest, not even touching the bulk of the money you owe. The same goes for your student loans. [lv_more_content] My Money Center: Budgeting Tool Get Out of Debt Bootcamp 8 Small and Easy Steps to Improve Your Work-Life Balance [/lv_more_content] Debt is designed to grow quickly, and without automatic payments or bill reminders, you can incur late fees and even miss payments altogether, which will tank your credit score and your credibility with lenders. Unfortunately, one bad move--like refusing to deal with your debt--can reverberate through the rest of your financial future by hurting your ability to take on new loans, buy a house or pay back the increasing amount of debt that's piling up. So, nip it in the bud early and make this a priority! (See how one LearnVest editor paid off over $20,000 in student loans in three and half years.)

3. Build and Maintain an Emergency Savings Fund

An emergency fund should hold at least six months’ take-home pay. This is your safety net–if anything goes wrong, you’ll have money at your fingertips and won’t have to take on any debt. In Jessica's example, she's at a crossroads: If she doesn't build up her emergency fund, she's at risk if she loses her job, has a medical emergency, needs to finance a move or even finds out she owes extra money in taxes. Not having a security blanket could cause her to take on yet more debt and hurt her financial future by gouging her credit score. But, if she makes it a priority to save a little bit each month toward that six-month cushion, Jessica will not only be building financial security but buying peace of mind.

4. Negotiate Your Salary

Your starting salary is the basis for all future raises, so make sure you have some say in where you start. As grateful as you might be for a starting salary (and we know that Gen Y especially might be thanking the job search gods), it's the basis for every raise you will ever get. So the higher, the better, for many years out. And don't expect your boss to offer you more money out of the blue--you have to ask for it. If Jessica negotiates her raise right now out of the gate, that higher starting salary will lead into her next higher salary, and so on. Even starting a few thousand dollars higher could lead to exponential benefits for her.

5. Start Saving for Retirement Now

Yes, right now. It may seem like it's light-years away, but the earlier you start saving, the longer time horizon you’re giving your investments to grow. Take the graph at left for example—it illustrates the difference in savings between an individual who starts contributing to retirement savings in her 20s versus one who starts saving in her 40s. Clearly, starting early really makes a big difference. (Still have questions? Check this out.)

What This Means for Jessica

If Jessica maintains these healthy financial habits, she’ll have no debt, so she can open the restaurant she’s always dreamed of. She’ll have a great credit score, so she and her husband can afford the mortgage on their dream home. She’ll have ample retirement savings, so she can retire on that beach in Florida. Better yet, she’ll have a 529 account for her children, so she can send them off to school without any student loans. Spending less doesn’t represent a major lifestyle change–it’s all about the little things: choosing to have a roommate, taking public transportation, eating at home more frequently, keeping an eye out for sales. The benefits of following through with these minor things are major. Most importantly, they mean that Jessica is OK and well protected. She, her family and future generations will be all the better for it. At the end of the day, money isn’t about being rich; it’s about enriching your life. And that's what LearnVest is all about." ["post_title"]=> string(53) "A TED Talk by LearnVest: 5 Financial Rules to Live By" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(156) "LearnVest CEO Alexa visited the NYSE to deliver a TEDx speech about personal finance and shared her five key financial principles that everyone should know." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(52) "a-ted-talk-by-learnvest-5-financial-rules-to-live-by" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:51:05" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:51:05" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(34) "http://www.learnvest.com/?p=121070" ["menu_order"]=> int(295) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(2) "13" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#496 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(121321) ["post_author"]=> string(3) "241" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2012-04-09 09:11:53" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-04-09 13:11:53" ["post_content"]=> string(1912) "Who doesn't want to be financially successful? We know you do--that's why you're here on LearnVest. Well, you're in luck. LearnVest CEO Alexa von Tobel spoke to The Daily Ticker's Aaron Task about why Americans need more personal finance education, the importance of creating a 5-year financial plan and the five steps to take to ensure your own financial success. Check out the video below, and read the full Daily Ticker article here.

More From LearnVest

There are ten chances to win a LearnVest Budgeting Plan--enter now!  There's a new club you'll want to join. Find out more about it. Check out this great interviewing tip from a Google recruiter." ["post_title"]=> string(67) "LearnVest CEO Alexa to Yahoo: 5 Steps to Take for Financial Success" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(163) "LearnVest CEO Alexa von Tobel spoke to Yahoo about the importance of personal finance education and the five keys for success. Watch the whole video to learn more!" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(66) "learnvest-ceo-alexa-to-yahoo-5-steps-to-take-for-financial-success" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 18:51:24" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 22:51:24" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(34) "http://www.learnvest.com/?p=121321" ["menu_order"]=> int(295) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

object(WP_Post)#498 (25) { ["ID"]=> int(47706) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "8" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2011-04-01 19:00:20" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2011-04-01 23:00:20" ["post_content"]=> string(1500) "Here’s the lowdown on budgeting: It's not all about sticking to a very detailed plan that tracks every cent. It’s about managing your money and building your wealth. And LearnVest is all about building your wealth and taking the stress out of money. If you missed out on our recent LearnVest Goes Live call covering the LV-recommended way to craft your budget, you can check out the recording below and download the guide here. " ["post_title"]=> string(41) "LearnVest Goes Live: Budget For Your Life" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(148) "If you missed out on our recent LearnVest Goes Live call covering the LV-recommended way to craft your budget, you can check out the recording here." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(42) "learnvest-goes-live-budget-for-your-life-2" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 19:41:49" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2012-12-19 23:41:49" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(33) "http://www.learnvest.com/?p=47706" ["menu_order"]=> int(802) ["post_type"]=> string(17) "lv_evergreen_post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "4" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" ["robotsmeta"]=> NULL }

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