A 401(k) account is one of the most valuable tools for saving and planning for retirement. Many plans offer features that can help you set aside more of the money you earn for retirement and grow wealth for your financial future. If you’re able to save the maximum amount available, you should. Here are a
Purchasing a life insurance policy is an important step toward protecting your loved ones from financial uncertainties. There’s no way to say accurately how much money your family will need to replace the financial support you provide in the event of your death. But it’s smart to think carefully about the future expenses they may
Some of the biggest lessons your child may learn happen when they’re entering adulthood and getting ready to live independent lives. In a 2019 Pew Research study, most Americans say 22 is the ideal age for young adults to achieve financial indepen-dence. But in reality, only around one-quarter of 22-year-olds can make that claim. Between
During National Medicare Week (September 21-27), take time to learn about this important program for covering your future health care costs. Medicare is essential for many older Americans, helping them cover the costs of many necessary health care services. You have to be 65 to enroll in Medicare, but that doesn’t mean you should wait
For National College Savings Month in September, we discuss several burning issues about these popular college savings vehicles. Assets in 529 college savings plans more than doubled in ten years, topping $370 billion at the end of 2019 according to the Federal Reserve. Interest in 529 plans has grown as students and parents fret over
An economic downturn can make the challenge of running a small business even harder. Here are some ideas to help you keep your doors open and your dream of small business ownership alive. Your cash flow is key to keeping your small business running during a recession. Increasing or speeding up inflows is one way
Don’t let a job loss derail your financial future. Consider these steps to help you stay on track to your long-term goals, even when short-term unemployment happens. Unemployment is often unplanned and stressful—and can lead you to make rash decisions that have a lasting impact on your financial future. Job losses can come with feelings
August 14 is Financial Awareness Day. It’s a good time to brush up on the principles of financial planning— budgeting, managing debt, saving and investing. Being financially literate means you have the wherewithal to make financial decisions with confidence. There are many resources—web sites, magazines, books and more—that dispense financial knowledge for your learning pleasure.
It is said that annuities aren’t bought, they’re sold. That means, not many people go shopping with the intention of buying an annuity. Rather, a financial representative brings different annuity options to the table, to help a client build a plan for their financial future. Annuities have a place in financial planning, especially when there’s
Early withdrawals from retirement accounts are not only costly, but they can also disrupt your financial future. Think about the long-term consequences before you tap your 401(k) for an emergency expense. Your 401(k) account is designed to help you build a nest egg for retirement, but you may tap it for other purposes. If you’re