Whether you're a barber, an independent contractor, a business owner, an employee, a parent, a spouse or whatever role you play in society — following these suggestions can help you build and protect your financial future.

1. Report Your Income

We know — reporting your income is a touchy subject. Especially now, as we are in a period of economic uncertainty — especially for entrepreneurs and independent contractors like barbers where business has predominantly thrived off cash transactions. But you owe it to yourself and your business as an independent contractor to report your income. 
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Learn why you should report your income:

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2. File Your Taxes

We love those tax refunds, but let's be honest, filing taxes can be a challenge, to put it lightly. Tax time can be a time of great stress, so great that many simply don't do it. Please don't do this! It’s better to be prepared and best to steer clear of the IRS' watchful eyes.

Learn how to tax prep:

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3. Save and Invest

If you're tired of hustling backward, feeling like you're standing still, or only having just enough to get by, and you've wondered how you can set money aside to get ahead, then you're in the right place.

If done properly saving and investing can set you and your family up financially for generations to come.

But aren't they the same thing?

They both involve putting money aside for later use, but there are subtle yet fundamental differences between the two.

Learn how savings and investing works and what combination is best for you:

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4. Protect Your Health

Just like you invest in the tools of your trade, it’s not a bad idea to invest in your health and well-being. Your business, your family, and your livelihood depend on it. You have auto insurance to protect your vehicle in the event of an accident or damage.

You have homeowners or renters insurance to protect your home from natural disasters or theft. Why wouldn’t you want to have that same kind of protection for your body and your mind — after all mental health matters, too.

You have to be at your best, to give your best. Your business(es), your family, your friends and your community stand to benefit from you being the very best version of yourself. Staying on top of your health is a great place to start. Health insurance is not just for when you get sick or hurt.

Learn the ins and outs of health insurance and how to get the plan that works best for you:

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5. Protect Your Wealth

No one lives forever, but we spend our lives working as if we do. 

Let that sink in.

In the event the unthinkable happens, you want your loved ones taken care of, and your business affairs settled so the ones you love don’t have to come out of their own pockets to handle your affairs. Doing this also contributes to the financial wellbeing of the people who come after you, your partner, your children, and/or a cause you believe in and support.

Your value and what you bring to the table are your impact. It’s your legacy.

Learn how to protect your legacy and the things you've worked for with life insurance:

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Everything is better with a fresh cut and when we say "everything" we mean more than just looking good. Everything means living good ("well", to be grammatically correct) and securing your financial future is just one way to make everything better, for you, your immediate family and for all those who come after you.