As a financial advisor, I experience highs and lows…and I’m not talking about the stock market. One of the areas I cherish most about what I get to do with my life is seeing people succeed financially and make progress towards their goals. That never gets old, it still fires me up! But I also [...]
Looking for ways to Save and Invest? Automate your retirement planning and wealth-building approach. Build your emergency fund with automatic transfers. Practically any bank or credit union can arrange daily, weekly, or per-paycheck transfers of money from a checking account into a savings account, or split your incoming paycheck into percentages going to both accounts. [...]
Whether you’re making seven figures or just starting out, one thing tends to be universal: how quickly your paycheck disappears. Here are some practical, doable and even fun ways to stretch your next paycheck further. 1. Break Out the Coupons Thanks to sites like Coupon Sherpa, Coupons.com and others, using coupons has never been easier. [...]
Don't wait to build your Emergency Fund Did you know that most financial experts recommend setting aside enough money in an emergency fund to cover three to six months' worth of expenses in the event of a major financial surprise? That's because a well-funded emergency account has the potential to get you through tough times [...]
Putting off retirement savings is a missed opportunity Most people start saving for retirement at 35—fully 10 years beyond the ideal age, according to a recent Financial Engines survey.1 Reasons to procrastinate are familiar to many. But delaying your savings can be costly, as the chart below shows. Let’s say Tom starts saving 6% of [...]
When changing jobs or leaving employment, decisions you make about taking money from your plan can have serious tax consequences. Here’s what you need to know. Your Options Pros Cons 1. Roll over to an IRA Continue tax-deferred growth Avoid early withdrawal penalties Have flexible investment options Can choose a Roth after-tax IRA Consolidate your [...]
In your 20s, the horizon seems limitless. You’re in your first grown-up job, making a regular paycheck. You may be tempted to spend it on fun stuff. But here are four areas that should take priority. Pay off credit card debt. If you carry a hefty monthly balance, or are just paying the minimum interest, [...]
Getting into a regular savings groove starts with a single first step Working at a job in high school may help form lifelong financial habits with a big payoff. Gretchen, a 40-year-old registered nurse, started babysitting and working at a grocery store when she was 15. She regularly put half of her paycheck in a [...]
If you're ready to start investing or ramp up your current investment initiatives but there just doesn't seem to be enough money left over at the end of the month, don't give up. The following strategies could help you manage your money better and free up resources for your investment goals. Start budgeting. While most [...]
Did you know that most financial experts recommend setting aside enough money to cover three to six months' worth of expenses in the event of a major financial surprise? That's because a well-funded emergency account has the potential to get you through tough times without the need to spend other savings, such as assets earmarked [...]
