20
2024
Your Money Check-Up: Why an Annual Financial Exam is Key
When was the last time you sat down and thoroughly reviewed your finances? If your answer is “I can’t remember” or “never,” you’re not alone. Life gets busy, and managing your financial health often takes a backseat to more immediate concerns. However, just as you schedule annual physicals to maintain your physical health, an annual financial check-up is essential for your financial well-being. Here’s why...
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14
2024
Shop Smarter: 4 Financial Tips for Navigating Black Friday & Holiday Shopping
As Black Friday approaches, shoppers everywhere are gearing up for deals and discounts, eager to check items off their holiday wish lists. While these sales events can be a great opportunity to save, it’s easy to overspend if you’re not careful. Here are four financial tips to help you shop smarter during Black Friday and the holiday season. 1. Create a Budget and Stick To...
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16
2024
Planning for the Long Haul: How Longevity and Health Shape Your Retirement Strategy
When planning for retirement, most people focus on saving enough money to cover their expenses after leaving the workforce. However, one crucial factor that often gets overlooked is longevity. We are living longer, and while a longer life offers the potential for more experiences, it also increases the time your retirement savings need to last. As longevity continues to increase, the way you manage your...
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02
2024
5 Moves To Make Now If You Plan to Retire in 2025
Retirement is a significant milestone, especially if you’re just a year away from reaching your financial freedom. While the excitement of no longer working can feel liberating, it also comes with financial responsibilities that require careful planning. With 2025 on the horizon, there are key financial steps you can take now to help with the transition into this new chapter of life. Reassess Your Retirement...
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25
2024
4 Common 401(k) Rollover Mistakes
Deciding what to do with your 401(k) when changing jobs or retiring is an important step in managing your retirement savings. Rolling your 401(k) to an IRA is a popular option for many investors. In fact, according to data from the IRS, in 202o, about 5.7 million people rolled a total of $618 billion to IRAs. However, this process can come with potential pitfalls that...
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18
2024
Riding the Rate Cut Rollercoaster: How the Stock Market Reacts and What Investors Should Do Now
In the wake of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates, the stock market’s behavior has been an area of intense focus for investors. Historically, rate cuts have had varying impacts on the market depending on the macroeconomic environment, inflation pressures, and market sentiment at the time. Here’s what the data tells us about stock market performance after the Fed slashes interest rates — and what...
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15
2024
What You Need to Know About Applying for Medicare
Turning 65 is a major milestone, both personally and financially. One of the most important changes at this age is becoming eligible for Medicare, the federal health insurance program designed to cover most of your healthcare needs. Understanding how Medicare works is essential for making the right decisions and avoiding costly mistakes. Here are five things you should know as you approach 65 and prepare...
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11
2024
September is Self-Improvement Month: 4 Ways to Better Your Finances
As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, September ushers in not just a new season but also an opportunity for personal growth. Recognized by many as Self-Improvement Month, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and evaluate areas in your life that could use a boost—your finances included. Improving your financial health doesn’t have to be daunting. Here...
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28
2024
5 Steps Investors Should Take After a Data Breach to Protect Their Identity
In today’s digital age, data breaches are becoming an increasingly common threat. As investors, protecting your financial information and personal identity is paramount. According to a report by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), the number of data breach victims surpassed 1 billion in the first half of 2024 – a 409% increase from the same time period last year! These breaches can lead to...
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23
2024
Retirement Income: Why Personalization Is Key
When planning for retirement, many people turn to the so-called “rules of thumb” as a guide for how much income they’ll need. One of the most common rules is that you should aim to replace 70% to 80% of your pre-retirement income. While this rule can provide a quick estimate, relying on it too heavily can lead to a retirement plan that doesn’t align with...
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