Our brackets might not be perfect, but choosing a financial representative is easy with the winning team at the Wales Office! 🏀🏆 What team are you rooting for to win?? 🤔 #MarchMaddness

How can you truly show your gratitude to the ones who have been with you through it all? The short answer is we can't. It's hard to out into words! I’ve always had a tough time expressing my emotions. However, that doesn’t mean that I’m not forever appreciative of those around me. If you don’t know my girlfriend Holi, she is one of the strongest ladies in my life. She has been with me through thick and thin. Always pushing me to do more with my life. She’s the first person who cheers me on and the first person to get on me when I need it. Holi is the definition of an AMAZING partner. To all my LinkedIn friends, take some time today to thank your significant other for everything they do. We wouldn’t be here without their support! ------------ First time seeing me? Hi! My name is Mark Phillips and I've been proudly serving families, individuals, and businesses for 15 years! Want to learn more? Message me! #Support #Finance #LinkedIn #Leader

In honor of Women's History Month, we’re celebrating the amazing women financial representatives and assistants at Modern Woodmen who make a difference every day! Thank you for all you do for MWA, your clients, and the community! 💙💚

“All debt is bad debt!” Not necessarily! Not all debt is harmful! While high-interest debt, such as credit card balances, can be harmful, low-interest debt, such as mortgages or student loans, can be beneficial if managed properly. 📌 Home or real estate mortgages can be classified as “good” debt.  Property value tends to appreciate, mortgages tend to have lower interest rates, and buyers can build equity (the difference between what’s owed and what the property is worth).  You can receive tax benefits for buying your home (versus renting), sell your home for a profit, or rent it out for income! When it comes to paying off your mortgage early, it has many pros and cons. Eliminating your mortgage payment can save you thousands of dollars in interest over time and improve your credit score. However, that extra money you apply to your mortgage could leave you with less cash for daily expenses such as an emergency fund, paying off higher-interest debt, or everyday necessities. You could also lose a valuable tax advantage! It’s all about the trade-offs. 📌 Another type of “good” debt is student loans! Higher education can increase your earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average college graduate earns $579 more per week (about $30,000 more per year) than a high school graduate. Debating whether to go to college or not? It’s important to weigh the cost of the degree compared to what you can expect to earn in your chosen field. If earnings don’t match investments, student loans might be a “bad” debt decision. Federal student loans usually have a low interest rate! However, if you have higher-interest debt, you should focus on paying off that before turning to student debt! These are just a few examples of “good” debt! Of course, everyone’s experiences will not be the same. Be sure to consult a financial professional (like me! ) if you are unsure where to start! Have you ever considered “good” debt before? ------------- First time seeing me? Hi! My name is Mark Phillips and I've been proudly serving families, individuals, and businesses for 15 years! Want to learn more? Message me! #Finance #LinkedIn #Business #Debt