Summer2017

ALSOIN THISISSUE

For up-to-the-minute buzz-worthy topics, follow us a Twitter.com/BuckarooFamily

*fiftywords or less

Debt Management Plan (DMP)A repayment plan created for a debtor by a credit counseling agency to pay off the debtor’s creditors. Occasionally, creditors will agree to accept payments at a reduced rate as part of the program.

Summer music festival round-up

The first savings account:3 mistakes to avoid

Four Ways to SAVE on Your Awesome National Park Vacation

#BuckarooBuzz A look at pop culture, movies, music and more!

Have you ever watched the sun rise in a national park? If you’re like us, it made you stop worrying, and start making plans to move your family off the grid to become one with nature…

Okay, we can’t promise spiritual enlightenment, but we’re pretty sure your family will appreciate the can’t-believe-it’s-real scenery and unique experiences of a park.

Oh, and did we mention national parks can be really affordable?

Published for the parents atABG Retirement Plan Services

Yes, eBay is still around(and still a money-maker)

$

BumbershootSeattle, WA • Sept 1 - 3

Sure, Lorde and Weezer get top billing, but the real attraction for kids is Youngershoot, a separate area for fun activities and interactive programs.

The Ride FestivalTelluride, CO • July 8 - 9

Experience laid-back mountain vibes in Telluride. Venues are located throughout the town, so families can check out local attractions in between sets by Beck and Ben Harper.

Outside LandsSan Francisco, CA • Aug 11 - 13

Music-savvy families will come for Gorillaz and A Tribe Called Quest, and stay for the cool, eco-friendly activities. Kids can learn how to build a solar house and yes, make compost piles.

MusikFestBethlehem, PA • Aug 4 - 13

MusikFest is an epic 10-day festival. Headliners like The Band Perry, Santana and Toby Keith require a fee, but scores of other acts are free(!), making it family and wallet-friendly.

The costs of kids and tech

Road trip to the rescueIf time allows, turn the journey into an adventure by driving to your park. Stop along the way to visit monuments or fun sites. The kids will get exposure to different parts of the country, and you’ll reap the rewards of avoiding expensive plane tickets.

The park less traveledTo cut costs even more, consider a less popular park. Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Zion charge $25 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. However, destinations like Everglades and Capitol Reef are just $10 or less, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is totally free to enter.

Sleeping under the starsFor families who are comfortable with bare-bones lodging, camping can be a rewarding and fun experience. Not excited about sleeping on the ground? You’ll likely find more traditional hotels and inns in or around your park. Follow their social media feeds for discounts.

Save with special passes You may be eligible for a discounted entry fee and not even know it. Before you go, research the special America The Beautiful passes:

• Annual pass (frequent travelers) • Annual Military Pass (active military and dependents) • Every Kid in a Park (fourth graders) • Senior pass (Age 62+)

We want to hear about your national park vacation! Shareyour trip and money-saving tips on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook: facebook.com/buckaroofamilyTwitter: twitter.com/buckaroofamily

CHECK IT OUT:

As a parent, it’s your responsibility to teach your children life’s important lessons: be nice, lose gracefully, and of course, rock well.

If you want to introduce your kiddos to a life-long love of good music, these summer music festivals have you covered.

ROCK ON (responsibly)! SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL ROUNDUP: FAMILY EDITION

Follow buckaroo family:facebook.com/BuckarooFamilytwitter.com/BuckarooFamily

The articles in this newsletter are designed for informational purposes only and arenot intended as financial advice. Neither the retirement plan administrator/recordkeeper, nor any of its independent providers is liable for any informational errors, incompleteness, or delays, or for any actions taken in reliance on information contained herein. Readers are always encouraged to check and confirm the information with other sources and through direct professional contact.

Copyright © 2017 by BALANCE

ABG Retirement Plan Services456 Fulton Street, Suite 345

Peoria, IL 61602

www.abgil.comParticipant Contact Center

(888) 412-2445

Mistake 1: Equating Higher Price with Higher QualityOverspending can be related to the idea that you have to spend more to get more. Compare the cost of name brands versus the store brands to make sure you get the best price.

Mistake 2: Buying Too Much StuffParents are tempted to buy everything in sight, especially toys and clothes. Word of advice: buy the minimum you think your baby needs, then add on from there.

Mistake 3: Not Budgeting for BabyTake time to reevaluate your household budget, look for ways to trim extra spending, as well as plan for upcoming expenses. The sooner your get your finances in order, the better.

Reeling inBaby ExpensesAdding a new little member to your family can dramatically affect your finances. The key to keeping baby finances under control is to understand the common mistakes new parents make that lead to the road of overspending:

A Crash Course

to EARNING

on eBayby Jasmine Stone

To this day, eBay remains a popular marketplace for online sellers. Whether you want to start your own full-time business, or just want to boost your current income with a little part-time work, eBay could be the solution for you. To get started, all you need is Internet access and something to sell.

eBay allows you to sell and auction almost anything, with a few notable exceptions (weapons, drugs, prescription medications, pornographic material or anything that endorses or encourages illegal activities).

Additionally, it is usually best to choose a niche for your shop, as this reduces your competition and increases customer loyalty. Is it time to sell your rare collection of Pokemon cards? eBay may be the ideal marketplace.

eBay charges a small listing price for each item that you offer for sale or auction. The listing price will depend on the opening or reserve price of your goods. eBay also takes a percentage of the final selling price. This percentage varies, and usually depends on which category your goods were placed in. For additional fees, visit eBay’s website.

To promote trust in your buyers, try to build your positive feedback rating and avoid negative comments wherever possible. Be honest about your goods, upfront about your charges, and always communicate with your customers.

What can I sell on eBay?

How much does it cost to sell on eBay?

How do I get positive feedback from buyers?

First off, if you opened a savings account for your child, nicely done. You’re helping them take a big step towards financial literacy. Next comes the harder part: using it.

Here are a few pitfalls to avoid as you help build their money skills:

When it comes to spending money, technology can be a kind of trap for all of us, but kids are especially vulnerable. That’s because the costs of using it aren’t always apparent. To avoid surprise bills (and tears), here are three ways to talk to your kids about the price of tech:

4 EXPLAIN IN-APP PURCHASESApps often advertise themselves as free, but come with all kinds of upgrades that require payment.

Maybe you heard about the girl who unknowingly made $10K of in-app purchases on her mom’s tablet? You can avoid this kind of nightmare scenario by explaining that all those cool upgrades in a game cost money. Just like anything else, you have to decide if the purchase is really worth it.

4 MONITOR DATA USAGEAs supervisors of the cell phone bill, we’re aware of the rules of data. When you go over, you pay for it.

Kids, however, don’t always understand. Explain the costly consequences of blowing your data limit, and if they

use your devices, keep an eye on your monthly usage.

4 USE EDUCATIONAL APPSIf your kids are tech-inclined, use it to your advantage.

There are many educational money apps available for children starting around age 5. The best ones teach

through games, and can be a nice supplement to the lessons you’re providing in person.

Kids and technology:how to keep your little ones from

deleting your cash

Keeping them away from their moneyDon’t make your children wait years before they can touch any of the money. This makes the concept of saving too abstract, since they can’t experience the benefits of an account on a regular basis.

Using it only for long-term goalsPutting money away for things like college is important, but they should use it for short-term goals as well. Whether it’s a new computer or prom (for older kids), encourage them to strategize for things they want in a few months, as well as a few years.

Not creating a savings planHave your children set aside a certain amount every week to placein the savings account. They can pick a goal, while you help themcreate a savings plan.

For example, if your 12-year-old wants to save for a new videogame, set aside $5 or $10 a week. After the appropriate numberof weeks, withdraw the money and enjoy a shopping trip together.

FIRST SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Mistakes to AVOID

with your child’s

Summer2017

ALSOIN THISISSUE

For up-to-the-minute buzz-worthy topics, follow us a Twitter.com/BuckarooFamily

*fiftywords or less

Debt Management Plan (DMP)A repayment plan created for a debtor by a credit counseling agency to pay off the debtor’s creditors. Occasionally, creditors will agree to accept payments at a reduced rate as part of the program.

Summer music festival round-up

The first savings account:3 mistakes to avoid

Four Ways to SAVE on Your Awesome National Park Vacation

#BuckarooBuzz A look at pop culture, movies, music and more!

Have you ever watched the sun rise in a national park? If you’re like us, it made you stop worrying, and start making plans to move your family off the grid to become one with nature…

Okay, we can’t promise spiritual enlightenment, but we’re pretty sure your family will appreciate the can’t-believe-it’s-real scenery and unique experiences of a park.

Oh, and did we mention national parks can be really affordable?

Published for the parents atABG Retirement Plan Services

Yes, eBay is still around(and still a money-maker)

$

BumbershootSeattle, WA • Sept 1 - 3

Sure, Lorde and Weezer get top billing, but the real attraction for kids is Youngershoot, a separate area for fun activities and interactive programs.

The Ride FestivalTelluride, CO • July 8 - 9

Experience laid-back mountain vibes in Telluride. Venues are located throughout the town, so families can check out local attractions in between sets by Beck and Ben Harper.

Outside LandsSan Francisco, CA • Aug 11 - 13

Music-savvy families will come for Gorillaz and A Tribe Called Quest, and stay for the cool, eco-friendly activities. Kids can learn how to build a solar house and yes, make compost piles.

MusikFestBethlehem, PA • Aug 4 - 13

MusikFest is an epic 10-day festival. Headliners like The Band Perry, Santana and Toby Keith require a fee, but scores of other acts are free(!), making it family and wallet-friendly.

The costs of kids and tech

Road trip to the rescueIf time allows, turn the journey into an adventure by driving to your park. Stop along the way to visit monuments or fun sites. The kids will get exposure to different parts of the country, and you’ll reap the rewards of avoiding expensive plane tickets.

The park less traveledTo cut costs even more, consider a less popular park. Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Zion charge $25 per vehicle for a seven-day pass. However, destinations like Everglades and Capitol Reef are just $10 or less, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park is totally free to enter.

Sleeping under the starsFor families who are comfortable with bare-bones lodging, camping can be a rewarding and fun experience. Not excited about sleeping on the ground? You’ll likely find more traditional hotels and inns in or around your park. Follow their social media feeds for discounts.

Save with special passes You may be eligible for a discounted entry fee and not even know it. Before you go, research the special America The Beautiful passes:

• Annual pass (frequent travelers) • Annual Military Pass (active military and dependents) • Every Kid in a Park (fourth graders) • Senior pass (Age 62+)

We want to hear about your national park vacation! Shareyour trip and money-saving tips on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook: facebook.com/buckaroofamilyTwitter: twitter.com/buckaroofamily

CHECK IT OUT:

As a parent, it’s your responsibility to teach your children life’s important lessons: be nice, lose gracefully, and of course, rock well.

If you want to introduce your kiddos to a life-long love of good music, these summer music festivals have you covered.

ROCK ON (responsibly)! SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL ROUNDUP: FAMILY EDITION

Follow buckaroo family:facebook.com/BuckarooFamilytwitter.com/BuckarooFamily

The articles in this newsletter are designed for informational purposes only and arenot intended as financial advice. Neither the retirement plan administrator/recordkeeper, nor any of its independent providers is liable for any informational errors, incompleteness, or delays, or for any actions taken in reliance on information contained herein. Readers are always encouraged to check and confirm the information with other sources and through direct professional contact.

Copyright © 2017 by BALANCE

ABG Retirement Plan Services456 Fulton Street, Suite 345

Peoria, IL 61602

www.abgil.comParticipant Contact Center

(888) 412-2445

Mistake 1: Equating Higher Price with Higher QualityOverspending can be related to the idea that you have to spend more to get more. Compare the cost of name brands versus the store brands to make sure you get the best price.

Mistake 2: Buying Too Much StuffParents are tempted to buy everything in sight, especially toys and clothes. Word of advice: buy the minimum you think your baby needs, then add on from there.

Mistake 3: Not Budgeting for BabyTake time to reevaluate your household budget, look for ways to trim extra spending, as well as plan for upcoming expenses. The sooner your get your finances in order, the better.

Reeling inBaby ExpensesAdding a new little member to your family can dramatically affect your finances. The key to keeping baby finances under control is to understand the common mistakes new parents make that lead to the road of overspending: