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Christopher R. Hibbard, ChFC®, CRPC®, CFS®
Vice President, Wealth Management
Teachers Investment Services
Located at Teachers Federal Credit Union
5439 Sunrise Highway
Holbrook, NY 11741
Phone: 631-698-7000 Ext. 6020
Email: christopher.hibbard@lpl.com
CRPC conferred by College for Financial Planning.
July/August 2026
Celebrate Independence
As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th—marking America's 250th birthday—fireworks, parades, and barbecues symbolize freedom from tyranny and the fight for self-determination. This spirit of liberty also strongly relates to personal finances: becoming debt-free is your own declaration of independence from financial burdens.
In recent years, U.S. household debt has reached record highs, with total consumer debt exceeding $18 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. High-interest credit card balances alone surpass $1.2 trillion, often with rates over 20%. Carrying excessive debt limits options, causes stress, and hampers true independence.
Debt management starts with a plan:
- Create a budget to track income and expenses, identifying areas to cut back.
- Prioritize high-interest debt using strategies like the debt avalanche (target highest rates first) or snowball (pay smallest balances for quick wins).
- Pay more than the minimum to reduce interest and accelerate payoff.
- Build an emergency fund to avoid new borrowing.
- Seek help if needed—credit counseling or consolidation can provide structured relief.
Just as the Founding Fathers fought for national sovereignty, take control of your finances to pursue freedom from creditors. This Independence Day, pledge to reduce your debt—your path to financial freedom and peace of mind.
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Christopher Hibbard is a financial advisor with, and securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Teachers Federal Credit Union (TFCU) and Teachers Investment Services are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Teachers Investment Services, and may also be employees of TFCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of, TFCU or Teachers Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
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