April is National Financial Literacy Month a good reminder that all of us can benefit from boosting our financial knowledge.But what is financial literacy? Theres no one single definition, but the term certainly covers these areas: Saving Most of us would probably agree that saving money is important, but actually doing it can be challenging given all the expenses of modern living. Still, techniques are available that everyone can follow, such as having money automatically moved each month from a checking or savings account to a financial account thats not used for daily expenses. Budgeting Budgeting isnt necessarily a fun activity but its an important one. And its easier than ever these days, given the variety of budgeting tools available online. By tracking your spending every month and organizing it into categories, you may be able to find areas where you can cut back, such as on streaming services you rarely use. Borrowing Virtually all of us carry some type of debt at various times in our lives. But its important to manage your debt load so it doesnt become too burdensome. One way of achieving this goal is to use good debts wisely such as a low-rate mortgage on your home and avoid bad debts such as high-rate credit cards used for unnecessary purchases. Investing As you go through life, youll likely have a variety of financial goals, such as making a down payment on a house, sending your children to college and attaining a comfortable retirement lifestyle. And to achieve these goals, youll need to invest for them. Thats why its important to learn about different types of investments and how to develop an investment strategy thats appropriate for your objectives, risk tolerance and time horizon. We arent born with these skills we have to learn them. Unfortunately, as valuable as they are, they arent widely taught to young people. In fact, according to a 2023 Edward Jones study conducted with Morning Consult, only 20% of respondents reported receiving financial education in school. This situation may be changing, though, as many states are now requiring or recommending personal finance education before high school graduation.For now, though, if you have younger children, try to teach them money management skills. You will likely find that they enjoy learning about these matters. You can make it fun for them in different ways, too. For example, to teach them about investing, why not buy them a share or two of stock of a company with which theyre familiar? Charting a stocks progress and learning something of the factors affecting its price can help children build a foundation in investing, which will be valuable when they reach the age when they can invest for themselves.But financial education isnt just for kids. If you feel that you are lacking somewhat in any of the key financial management areas mentioned above, you can always educate yourself by reading or talking to people knowledgeable in these subjects. You also might find it valuable to work with a financial professional someone who will take a holistic approach to your finances and make appropriate suggestions.National Financial Literacy Month will end on April 30, but the benefits of financial literacy can last a lifetime. Chad Choate III, AAMS828 3rd Avenue WestBradenton, FL  34205941-462-2445chad.choate@edwardjones.com This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.  Edward Jones, Member SIPC

You might not have thought much about beneficiary designations but they can play a big role in your estate planning.            When you purchase insurance policies and open investment accounts, such as your IRA, youll be asked to name a beneficiary, and, in some cases, more than one. This might seem easy, especially if you have a spouse and children, but if you experience a major life event, such as a divorce or a death in the family, you may need to make some changes because beneficiary designations carry a lot of weight under the law.            In fact, these designations can supersede the instructions you may have written in your will or living trust, so everyone in your family should know who is expected to get which assets. One significant benefit of having proper beneficiary designations in place is that they may enable beneficiaries to avoid the time-consuming  and possibly expensive probate process.             The beneficiary issue can become complex because not everyone reacts the same way to events such as divorce some people want their ex-spouses to still receive assets while others dont. Furthermore, not all the states have the same rules about how beneficiary designations are treated after a divorce. And some financial assets are treated differently than others.            Heres the big picture: If youve named your spouse as a beneficiary of an IRA, bank or brokerage account, insurance policy, will or trust, this beneficiary designation will automatically be revoked upon divorce in about half the states. So, if you still want your ex-spouse to get these assets, you will need to name them as a non-spouse beneficiary after the divorce. But if youve named your spouse as beneficiary for a 401(k) plan or pension, the designation will remain intact until and unless you change it, regardless of where you live.            However, in community property states, couples are generally required to split equally all assets they acquired during their marriage. When couples divorce, the community property laws require they split their assets 50/50, but only those assets they obtained while they lived in that state. If you were to stay in the same community property state throughout your marriage and divorce, the ownership issue is generally straightforward, but if you were to move to or from one of these states, it might change the joint ownership picture.            Thus far, weve only talked about beneficiary designation issues surrounding divorce. But if an ex-spouse or any beneficiary passes away, the assets will generally pass to a contingent beneficiary which is why its important that you name one at the same time you designate the primary beneficiary. Also, it may be appropriate to name a special needs trust as beneficiary for a family member who has special needs or becomes disabled. If this individual were to be the direct beneficiary, any assets passing directly into their hands could affect their eligibility for certain programs.              You may need to work with a legal professional to sort out beneficiary designation issues and the rules that apply in your state. But you may also want to do a beneficiary review with your financial advisor whenever you experience a major life event, such as a marriage, divorce or the addition of a new child. Your investments, retirement accounts and life insurance proceeds are valuable assets and you want them to go where you intended.  Chad Choate III, AAMS828 3rd Avenue WestBradenton, FL  34205941-462-2445chad.choate@edwardjones.com  This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.  Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Jerry F. Nichols is a stellar example of continuing to work and support his community long after many have retired.At age 79, he continues to serve as full-time executive vice president of Brown & Brown Insurance and financial representative for Northwestern Mutual. Also, for many decades, Nichols has quietly set an inspiring example through philanthropy, dedicated to improving the lives of children and working adults in Southwest Florida.Combining his career success and philanthropy is something Nichols was recognized for five times by the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. Nichols was also named a Junior Achievement Hall of Fame Laureate, which honors influential, visionary leaders who have significantly impacted the educational landscape for youth in Southwest Florida in entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy.Late last year, Nichols solidified this commitment to the community by making the first major donation to Healthcare Networks capital campaign. This donation will support the construction of the nonprofit organizations planned 20,000-square-foot health center in the Orangetree area of Golden Gate Estates, ensuring essential access to affordable healthcare for the community.The Orangetree area has grown over 75% in the last several years, which makes the lack of healthcare services alarming, said Jamie Ulmer, Healthcare Network president and CEO. Jerrys continued support of our mission is a testament to his generosity and commitment to making Collier County a healthier place for everyone.Located in northeastern Collier County between Ave Maria and Golden Gate, the planned health center is projected to provide care to nearly 30,000 patients in its first year. The array of comprehensive services will include pediatrics, adult and senior care, obstetrics and gynecology, dental care, x-ray and lab, behavioral health counseling and a drive-thru pharmacy.I believe health care is vital to keeping any community thriving, Nichols said. Everyone should have access to essential primary care services. Supporting the construction of the new health center means that Orangetree residents, including vulnerable children and seniors, have access to affordable and comprehensive care without needing to leave their own community.In 2018, Nichols received Healthcare Networker of the Year Award for his pivotal role in supporting the improvement of pediatric care in Collier County for thousands of area children. Then, he was recognized as the lead donor for the Nichols Community Health Center, a 50,000-square-foot primary health care facility in the heart of the Golden Gate community that opened in 2020. This center significantly enhanced essential healthcare services for the largest underserved population in Collier County. Along with the Nichols Pediatric Center at the YMCA of Collier County, it reinforces Nichols vision of making quality healthcare accessible to all children and their families in Southwest Florida.Nichols has not only made financial contributions but has also dedicated his time to numerous causes, primarily focusing on local children and education. Some of the many not-for-profit organizations supported by him include the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, the Community Foundation of Collier County, the Ronald McDonald House of SWFL, and Healthcare Networks Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. In addition, Nichols provides support to various Lee Health programs, including Golisano Childrens Hospital, Golisano Childrens Health Center in Naples, and Golisanos Pediatric Behavioral Health Center in Bonita Springs.  I have focused my efforts and financial support on organizations that have an impact on childrens lives through education, access to health care, and safe environments that help them grow and develop into their full potential, Nichols said. When children arent healthy, theyre not reaching their full potential.   Healthcare Network is actively seeking contributions for its capital campaign with the goal of raising $15 million. Community support is pivotal to achieving this goal and ensuring that every resident in Collier County has access to essential primary care services. Visit HealthcareSWFL.org to learn more about Healthcare Network's mission and contribute to the capital campaign. By Gabrielle OBoyle, director of public relations and marketing, Healthcare Network