7 Financial Blog Ideas for May
April 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: The Oracle of Omaha speaks
Every May, Berkshire Hathaway hosts their annual shareholder meeting, aka Woodstock for Capitalists.
What started as a modest event in 1973 held in the employee cafeteria of the National Indemnity Company now hosts an estimated 40,000 shareholders. In short: It is a big deal.
The meeting is a forum for Buffett and his longtime business partner, Charlie Munger, to discuss the performance of Berkshire Hathaway and its portfolio of investments and their views on the economy and the markets. They also answer questions from shareholders and others in attendance. A few key themes usually reflect the current state of the economy and the markets.
The angle
- Leverage the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting to create content highlighting key takeaways from the event. (Pro tip: We love a good listicle for this one!)
- Analyze Buffett’s investment strategy from the previous year and the years past.
- Offer insights into the market trends that were discussed. (Throwing in a few solid Buffet quotes is always a good idea!)
Blog inspiration
- Lessons from the 2023 Berkshire Meeting (Novel Investor)
- The Best Wit and Wisdom From Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger at Berkshire Hathaway’s Annual Meeting (CNBC)
- 10 Questions for Berkshire Hathaway’s 2023 Annual Meeting (Morningstar)
Topic #2: Summer travel
“In the summertime when the weather is high. You can stretch right up and touch the sky. When the weather’s fine. You got travel, you got travel on your mind …”
The summer travel season is typically defined as the period between Memorial Day in late May and Labor Day in early September in the United States. The rise of budget airlines, vacation rentals, and other alternative travel options has made summer travel more accessible to a wider range of travelers — and they’re looking for your best money advice.
The angle
- Budget-friendly travel tips: Many people want to save money on their summer vacations. Offer advice on finding cheap flights, saving money on hotels, and getting the most out of travel rewards.
- Responsible travel: Many readers are worried about the impact of travel on the environment. Cover affordable, responsible travel practices to reduce their carbon footprint like eco-friendly hotels, sustainable tourism activities, and tips on reducing waste while traveling.
- Personal experience: Don’t forget to highlight your personal experience juggling finances and great getaways.
Blog inspiration
- Summer Travel on a Budget (Rocky Mountain Bank)
- How to Save Money on Summer Travel (The Cut)
- 8 Ways To Start Saving For Next Summer’s Vacation Now (Bankrate)
Topic #3: Small business month
First established in 1963, Small Business Month raises awareness about the contributions of small businesses to the economy.
During May, various events are typically held to support and promote small businesses — including educational seminars, networking events, and workshops on topics such as marketing, financing, and business planning. Small Business Month is also an opportunity for individuals and organizations to show support for small businesses and recognize the hard work and dedication of entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The angle
- Financing options for small businesses: Many small businesses struggle with access to capital, and there are a variety of financing options available, including loans, grants, and crowdfunding.
- Tax tips: Small business owners are often responsible for filing their own taxes, and there are a variety of tax deductions and credits that can help them save money.
- Managing cash flow: Cash flow management is a top concern for many small businesses. Consider covering strategies for managing cash flow effectively.
Blog inspiration
- 7 Tips to Manage Your Business Finances (LendingTree)
- 15 Expert Tips To Help Small-Business Owners Better Manage Financial Risk (Forbes)
- 4 Smart Money Management Tips for New Small Business Owners (First State Community Bank)
Topic #4: Tax prep
OK, here us out: We know Tax Day is over and you’re over it, but you should still be talking about taxes.
Why?
Readers still have their tax bill on their minds — especially if they got back less than they expected (or worse, owed money). Now is a great time to help them prep for next year. The early bird catches the worm, right?
The angle
- Strategies for minimizing tax liability: Many small business owners and individuals may be able to reduce their tax liability by using various strategies, such as taking advantage of tax deductions, credits, and exemptions.
- Record keeping and organization: Keeping accurate records and staying organized is critical when planning for taxes.
- The benefits of early tax planning: Planning for taxes early can have many benefits, including reducing stress, avoiding penalties, and potentially saving money.
Blog inspiration
- 6 Tips for Planning Next Year’s Taxes Now (TaxAct)
- How Can I Prepare for Next Years Taxes? (TaxSlayer)
- Preparing for Next Year (TaxAct)
Topic #5: 529 College Savings Day
May 29th is officially 529 College Savings Day (get it?). With graduations starting in May, this is also a great time to discuss college financial planning and investment strategies.
The angle
- Tax advantages: The investment earnings in a 529 savings plan grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified education expenses are also tax-free.
- Flexibility: 529 savings plans can be used at any accredited college or university in the United States and many international institutions.
- High contribution limits: Many 529 savings plans have high contribution limits, allowing individuals to save significant amounts for education expenses.
Blog inspiration
- 529 Plan Rules: Deductions, Distribution Guidelines (NerdWallet)
- What Is a 529 Plan? (Investopedia)
- How to Open and Invest in a 529 Plan (U.S. Bank)
Topic #6: Financial advice for recent grads
With many students graduating from high school or college in May, offer advice on financial planning for graduates, such as managing student loans, creating a budget, and starting to save for the future.
The angle
- Many graduates are burdened with student loan debt as they enter the workforce. Provide guidance on managing student loans effectively, including strategies for repayment such as loan consolidation, income-driven repayment plans, or refinancing options.
- Graduation marks the beginning of financial independence for many young adults. Emphasize the importance of creating a budget tailored to their income and expenses.
- Graduates often have the advantage of time when it comes to investing. Highlight the benefits of starting to save and invest early in life, even with modest amounts. Introduce concepts like compound interest and the power of long-term investing, encouraging graduates to take advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s or to open individual retirement accounts (IRAs).
Blog inspiration
- Top 7 Finance Tips for New Grads (Investopedia)
- Financial Tips for Recent College Graduates (Navy Federal Credit Union)
- Financial Tips for New College Grads (NerdWallet)
Topic #7: Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day always falls in May and can be a great opportunity to reach out to both grown children and young parents.
The angle
- Offer a simple gift guide. Building a list of thoughtful and practical gifts can be invaluable for your audience. Consider giving it a personal finance spin by dividing the list into price ranges for easy shopping.
- Focus on mom. We learn a lot about life and money from our mothers. Why not highlight some of those great lessons?
- For single parents, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day can be particularly meaningful occasions. Financial marketers can offer specialized advice and resources tailored to the unique financial challenges faced by single parents.
Blog inspiration
- 9 Smart Money Moves for Single Moms to Take Control of Their Financial Future (ElleVest)
- Honoring Mom: The Best Financial Advice Mom Gave Us (Experian)
- Mother’s Day: Financial Lessons You Can Learn From Your Mother! (Groww)
Want to look further ahead? Download our Financial Marketing Calendar to stay up-to-date on financial events and themes all year-round.
