5 Financial Blog Ideas for August
July 1, 2024
What should financial marketers talk about this month? Our monthly roundup has you covered with timely topics for blog posts, social media campaigns, and other marketing ideas.
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Topic #1: Back-to-school shopping
Summer seems to fly by and before you know it, the kids are back to school. For parents, that means lots of shopping and planning. From new clothes to classroom supplies to soccer uniforms, your audience could use some advice on how to not overspend.
The angle
- Creating a back-to-school budget: Provide a step-by-step guide on how parents can create a comprehensive back-to-school budget that includes all necessary expenses considering their short-term and long-term financial goals.
- Budgeting for school supplies: Provide practical tips and strategies for budgeting and saving money on essential school supplies. This could include suggestions for taking advantage of sales, shopping in bulk, and comparing prices online.
- Include real-life examples: Share anecdotes or case studies of parents who successfully managed their back-to-school finances, demonstrating the practical application of your advice.
Blog inspiration
- Back-to-School Budgeting: How to Save Money on School Shopping (Experian)
- Back-to-School Budgeting: How to Shop for a Successful School Year on a Budget (WFSF Bank)
- 10 Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping (U.S. News and World Report)
Topic #2: Fall financial planning
As we head into the last quarter of the year, now is a great time to talk about end-of-year planning with your audience.
The angle
- Retirement account contributions: Educate readers about the importance of maximizing contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs, and SEP-IRAs before the end of the year. It is coming up fast!
- Open enrollment and benefits: Guide readers through the process of open enrollment for employer-sponsored benefits like health insurance, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans.
- Charitable giving and tax deductions: Discuss the benefits of charitable giving, including tax deductions, and explore different methods of philanthropic contributions.
Blog inspiration
- 8 Year-End Charitable Giving Strategies (Schwab Charitable)
- Rebalance Your Portfolio To Stay on Track (Investopedia)
- 401(k) Contribution Limits For 2024 (Forbes Advisor)
Topic #3: College savings tips
College doesn’t come cheap and planning is key to ensuring your finances are all lined up when the time comes. Since the new semester is starting, many parents of soon-to-be college-age children have this topic on their minds right now, making it a good time to connect with your readers.
The angle
- Savings strategies for college: Provide actionable tips on effective college savings strategies, including setting up automatic contributions, allocating windfalls, and involving family members.
- Choosing the right 529 plan: Guide readers on how to select the most suitable 529 plan based on their state of residence, investment options, fees, and other factors.
- Understanding financial aid packages: Explain the components of a financial aid package, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Blog inspiration
- What Is Financial Aid for College? (NerdWallet)
- How Does Financial Aid Work? (Investopedia)
- 5 Best Ways to Save for College (Experian)
Topic #4: National Black Business Month
National Black Business Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and business owners to the economy and showcase the importance of supporting these enterprises.
The angle
- Celebrate Black entrepreneurs: Begin by acknowledging the significance of National Black Business Month and celebrating the innovation, resilience, and impact of Black entrepreneurs in various industries.
- Financial challenges and opportunities: Address the unique challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs, such as limited access to capital and resources, and discuss ways financial institutions can play a role in addressing these challenges.
- Access to capital and funding: Talk about various funding options available to Black-owned businesses, such as small business loans, grants, and community investment initiatives.
- Spotlight Black-owned financial institutions: Recognize and highlight Black-owned financial institutions that play a crucial role in providing banking services and supporting economic empowerment in their communities.
Blog inspiration
- Funding Black Owned Businesses Facts and Statistics (Bankrate)
- Black Entrepreneurs Face Their Challenges and Feel Optimistic (Score)
- Make It Black (CNBC Make It)
Topic #5: Highlight sustainable investing
After a hot summer, high utility bills, and extreme weather patterns, many investors look toward sustainable investment options. Help your audience out by addressing some of the common concerns people have with these investment vehicles.
The angle
- Performance considerations: Address the misconceptions that sustainable investing leads to inferior financial returns. Present evidence and studies that demonstrate how incorporating ESG factors can enhance risk management and potentially lead to competitive returns.
- Showcase positive impact: Illustrate real-life examples of companies and projects that have positively contributed to sustainability efforts, showcasing how sustainable investments can drive positive change.
- Addressing skepticism: Acknowledge and address any skepticism or concerns about greenwashing, ensuring that investments claiming to be sustainable genuinely adhere to ESG principles.
Blog inspiration
- ESG for Beginners: Environmental, Social and Governance Investing (NerdWallet)
- Sustainable Investing Introduction: Sustainable Investing (Carbon Collective)
- Socially Responsible Mutual Funds (Investopedia)
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