Spring isn’t just about budding plants, changing the clocks, or paying your tax bill. It can be the perfect time to refresh financial tasks and dust off your long-term goals. As we begin a new season of financial “spring cleaning,” here are 4 (commonly made) mistakes you can prevent this year: Mistake #1: Budgeting for 2023––Not 2024 A great first step to revitalizing your budget is a moment of reflection on this year’s goals. Think...
What’s your ideal retirement? Traveling? Practicing your favorite hobbies? Caring for loved ones? Whatever you envision, creating a plan of action can feel exhausting. There are, however, a few simple, yet commonly overlooked steps you can take today to help you feel more comfortable throughout your planning process.
In a perfect world, every money decision we make would be totally rational. We’d consider all of the facts. Then, we’d balance them with the risks to make the most logical choice available. 1 That sounds simple. Yet it doesn’t happen as much as it should in the real world. 1, 2 That’s because many of us aren’t relying on logic and the facts to make financial decisions—and we probably don’t even realize it. 2...
Smart investing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Current events matter, and this year, the 2024 Presidential Elections are taking center stage. That’s rattling a lot of us, causing more election stress than ever before. 1 It’s also raising a lot of questions about investing in election years, how to respond to market uncertainty, and what money moves truly make sense. Here’s a handful of key factors to keep in mind when you’re investing in an...
Smart investing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Current events matter, and this year, the 2024 Presidential Elections are taking center stage. That’s rattling a lot of us, causing more election stress than ever before.1 It’s also raising a lot of questions about investing in election years, how to respond to market uncertainty, and what money moves truly make sense. Here’s a handful of key factors to keep in mind when you’re investing in an election year.
What was the last money mistake you made? If you’re like most folks, you’ve made at least one upsetting money mistake in the past year — and you’d like to do better. In fact, most folks admit their finances have not gotten better over the past year. And at least half of them say the real problem is that their money mistakes have turned into bad financial habits.
What happens when you start to feel afraid or greedy? Do you feel like taking your time and waiting to make your next move?
If you know what mistakes tend to drain retirement savings, you can take caution, make more informed decisions, and stay on track to fund your dream retirement.
Paying fees for professional investment management is something we’d all like to avoid. Why pay for some guy in a suit to manage your investments when you can do-it-yourself with a simple online brokerage account? There are many reasons to trust a professional - read on to find out whether it’s worth it to go with the pros. Active vs. Passive A key distinction for investors is whether you want a passive investment strategy or...
If you have a child graduating from high school or college and entering the workforce, they may have the opportunity to open up a 401(k) through their new employer. In some cases, that employer will also offer matching contribution funds up to a certain percentage. While it sounds like a no-brainer to take advantage of these benefits early, less than one-third of employees ages 25 and younger participate in their employer’s 401(k) plan. It’s essential...
If you and your spouse are making plans to retire, you’re probably wondering whether it’s a good idea to retire at the same time. Many couples go through the same thought process and, in fact, one in four couples quit their jobs within a year of each other. But retirement is a decision that should be carefully thought out. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to retire at the same time as...
Mortgage rates have risen above 7%, leaving many buyers feeling like a reasonable mortgage is out of reach. While current rates look high compared to the ultra-low rates of the past decade, they aren't outrageous from a historical perspective.
