Many historians believe the origin of volunteering came from the early colonists. To get through the challenges that come with relocating, support groups evolved to make it easier. Remember, they didn’t have the services we take for granted today. Families had to pack up, start farms and get through daily tasks on their own. Survival depended on helping each other out.

Benjamin Franklin started the first volunteer firehouse in 1736. Then, during the Revolutionary War, volunteers boycotted British products and funded war efforts to show their philanthropic patriotism.

Starting in the late 1980s, the trend in teenager volunteerism has increased. Educational and youth services organizations urge and continue to encourage their participation.  Not to be outdone, adults, 65 and older, are jumping in as well. Longer life expectancies and healthier bodies give them the opportunity to do more. Conversely, current research suggests regular participation improves their physical and mental health. It’s a classic win-win.

Richard Nixon established National Volunteer Week in 1974. Since then it’s become a well deserved celebration and recognition of what volunteers contribute throughout our country.

“Health savings accounts (HSAs) continue to grow in popularity. Data collected by Devenir shows that total HSA assets had reached nearly $147 billion across more than 39 million accounts as of December 31, 2024.

An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that allows you to set aside money to pay for qualified medical expenses. Contributions are made with pretax dollars, and the funds can grow tax-free and be withdrawn tax-free when used for eligible healthcare costs.

Before you put money into an HSA, it’s important to understand the contribution limits. While the IRS has increased the limits for 2026, your personal contribution cap will depend on several factors, such as “

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“Choosing a health insurance plan can be complicated. Knowing just a few things before you compare plans can make it simpler.
The 4 “metal” categories: There are 4 categories of health insurance plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These categories show how you and your plan share costs. Plan categories have nothing to do with quality of care.
Your total costs for health care: You pay a monthly bill to your insurance company (a “premium”), even if you don’t use medical services that month. You pay out-of-pocket costs, including a deductible, when you get care. It’s important to think about both kinds of costs when shopping for a plan.
Plan and network types — HMO, PPO, POS, and EPO: Some plan types allow you to use almost any doctor or health care facility. Others limit your choices or charge you more if you use providers outside their network.”

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