State of the American Family Finances - Live Mutual

STATE OF THE AMERICAN FAMILY STUDY

All types of American families – multi-cultural, LGBTQ, military, and millennials, to name a few – are feeling more optimistic about their finances. However, worry and uncertainty remain. Learn more about how you can take control of your finances, secure your financial future, and protect the ones you love.

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Infographic - 1 in 3 believe the American Dream is disappearing. 1 in 3 have a retirement plan. 1 in 4 are prepared for a financial emergency.

Good debt vs. bad: Keeping it in check

Not all debt is bad. But it takes knowledge and vigilance to maintain the balance.

Don’t have an emergency fund? Get one

Don’t have enough saved to cover a sudden need? Here’s how to get your financial safety net in place.

Four simple ways to become a super saver

Super savers invest smart, set goals, and use new money to strengthen their financial safety net.

Infographic - 79% percent of African American families say paying down debt is a high priority. 47% of African Americans are more likely to include extended friends and family in their definition of family. Of all ethnic groups surveyed, African American parents are most actively involved in educating their children on finances.

Black families and wealth: Motivation and challenges

Debt and lower incomes present headwinds to wealth accumulation in the African American community.

The dollars and sense of financial literacy

Americans, especially kids, need help learning the basics of money management.

Setting financial goals: Savings

Set a plan for your savings goals as part of a long-term financial strategy.

Taking cash off the table: Life insurance, annuity alternatives

When stock and bond markets get volatile, many investors look to move their money into less uncertain areas.

6 ways to cut college costs in half

Cut college costs by as much as half by studying abroad, leveling down, or paying in-state tuition.

Mutual vs. stock insurance companies: Pros and cons

Knowing the differences between a mutual and stock insurer is key before purchasing your life insurance policy.

Gifting life insurance for kids: 3 reasons

Buying a life insurance policy for your child or grandchild can help them protect their future financially.

Four simple ways to become a super saver

Super savers invest smart, set goals, and use new money to strengthen their financial safety net.

Tips for maximizing your retirement income

There are benefits to having a financial plan and being thoughtful in your retirement approach.

Infographic - In order to try to balance work and home life, working parents of a child with special needs are more likely to get help with childcare from family other than their parent(s)/ in-law(s); 17 vx 10% non-special needs. Caregivers spend about 5 hours a day providing care to their dependent with special needs. Only 50% of families with dependents with special needs have at least 3 months or more emergency funds saved.

Visually impaired veteran: My guides are my heroes

A veteran who lost his sight had to learn to trust his guides to tackle a marathon. Now he’s hooked.

Backwards Bill: A lesson in mutual support

How a disabled marathon runner inspires others and gets his own inspiration.

Live Mutual lesson from wheelchair marathoner

Financial advice for special-needs families

Parents with a disabled child must advocate for government benefits and create a financial plan.

Infographic - 60% of Korean American families include paying down debt as a financial priority. 57% of Korean American families include college as a financial priority. Only 20% of Korean American families have an actual retirement plan in place.

Managing debt in a balanced way

Paying off debt is important, but not at the expense of savings and retirement plans.

A primer on college financial aid

College tuition continues to rise so understanding financial aid options is critical.

Setting financial goals: Retirement

Contributing to qualified retirement plans is just part of the equation.

Infographic - 61% of Latino families consider paying for their children's college education a financial priority. Retirement is a concern for Latino families. 2/3 are not confident they are prepared for retirement. One third have a plan for retirement. More than 83% of Latino families define the American Dream as financial security for their family. However, less than half (48%) feel confident that they can achieve this.

Retirement: How to preserve it while helping your parents

Can you help your aging, financially struggling parents without compromising your future financial security?

How Latinos are handling college planning

Hispanic families are sending their kids to college in record numbers, but many still struggle to cover costs.

Setting financial goals: Savings

Set a plan for your savings goals as part of a long-term financial strategy.

60% of LGBTQ families will only buy financial products from companies that are socially responsible. 37% of LGBTQ families have less than 1 month of expenses saved for an emergency. Only 37% of LGBTQ families are confident in their ability to pay for their children's education.

Parents and LGBTQ kids

How parents of LGBTQ children can show love and support at home.

MassMutual offers advice from the experts on raising an LGBT child

3 LGBTQ parenting financial challenges

Certain unique financial challenges affect LGBTQ parents, but resources exist to ease the burden.

Estate planning for LGBTQ couples

There are many financial opportunities – and potential pitfalls – for gay and lesbian couples.

Infographic - 45% of military families are confident they are financial prepared for retirement vs 32% non-military families. 63% of families have credit card debt vs 55% non-military families. 1 in 4 military families have less than one month of expenses set aside for emergencies.

Visually impaired veteran: My guides are my heroes

A veteran who lost his sight had to learn to trust his guides to tackle a marathon. Now he’s hooked.

Living Mutual: Celebrating our soldiers

If you ask a soldier what makes a good soldier, odds are he or she will tell you other soldiers.

Is military life insurance enough?

Service members may need a supplemental policy to protect their family after they retire or leave the military.

Do you need life insurance in your 20s?

Getting a policy early in life costs less than when you’re older and leaves options open.

Buying a house: What millennial homebuyers want

Younger buyers seek affordable homes in the suburbs.

Millennials and retirement: The 'to-do' list

Retirement saving is not on most millennials’ list of top priorities.

Keeping caregiver costs contained

Most family caregivers act out of love, but can incur costs that may impact their own financial well-being.

Retirement: How to preserve it while helping your parents

Can you help your aging, financially struggling parents without compromising your future financial security?

9 financial questions to ask your mom

If your mom does not have certain plans in place, she may be vulnerable to financial risk.

5 reasons why women should be selfish…financially

Women often help their friends and family at the expense of their own financial security.

7 financial secrets for new moms

Budgeting and planning tips for a new baby.

Retirement planning: What women do right

Women plan well for retirement, but they still lag behind men in account balances.

State of the American Family

All Families

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African American Families

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Asian Indian Families

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Chinese American Families

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Families with Special Needs

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Korean American Families

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Latino Families

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LGBTQ Families

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Military Families

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Millennial Families

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Sandwich Generation Families

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Women

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