U.S. stocks rallied higher late last week as negotiations gained steam toward a deal to raise the debt ceiling, and technology stocks soared on growing optimism around the potential of artificial intelligence.

You just had a baby – congratulations! Have you considered saving for your new bundle of joy’s college education yet? Whether you’re new to parenting, already have children or teenagers, or are simply an invested aunt, uncle, or grandparent, it’s never too early – or too late!

U.S. equities were higher last week, with the S&P 500 positive for the first time in three weeks and breaking its six-week streak of changes of less than 1% as the index gained 1.7%. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq was higher for a fourth-straight week with a 3.1% surge last week.

Planning to cash that check? You may want to pause and take a closer look. According to the Association of Financial Professionals (AFP), checks are the payment option most vulnerable to fraud – impacting up to 63 percent of those responding to the AFP’s survey.

There are many financial preparations and considerations to make as we age – do you have enough saved up for retirement? Is your mortgage fully paid off? Have you budgeted appropriately for bills and living expenses on a fixed income?