One of the most common financial planning goals is retirement. “When can I retire?”, “How much can I spend in retirement?”, etc. It is easy to forget that the entire concept of “retirement” is a modern invention, created by industrialization. Before the 20th century, the average person simply did what they did until the end
In March, many employers, banks, and organizations promoted “America Saves Week.” The message was simple: Making an effort to save is vital to your financial health. Whether it is putting change in a piggy bank or contributing to a 401k plan at work it can mean big money down the road. WHY IS IT
Get your family involved with your saving plan by brainstorming ways to cut expenses in order to free up money to put toward your saving goals. Explore low- and no-cost activities you can do together as a family. Consider selling rarely used books, toys, clothes and other items in a garage sale or other marketplace.
By Tammy Bruzon, America Saves Communications Coordinator What does “saving the extra” mean to you? Whether it is putting change in a piggy bank or moving everything not in the budget into savings, those three little words can mean big money down the road. This America Saves Week, try one (or all) of these
By Heather Marshall, CFPC, MPP; Educator, AAA Fair Credit Foundation/Utah Saves As the old adage goes “Actions speak louder than words.” On the topic in question, it is fair to say spending is an action that implies values. Which explains why the nature of finances can be so personal, and challenge us to ask
By Jacquelyn Pica We all want to save more money. The question is, how? With so much new technology out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Plus, maybe you don’t feel comfortable sharing personal bank details with tons of different websites and apps. Forget the latest tech — these seven methods will
By Invite Education The recent tax bill expands 529 savings plans to include expenses for elementary and secondary education. And, the annual gift tax exclusion has increased. This is big news for education savers – no matter how much you are saving! Congress wanted to make it easier to save for education. Traditionally,
My family has Appalachian kinfolk who will predict your future by reading coffee grounds. Of course, you could just visit a fortune teller in Pigeon Forge. While I don’t know the track records of mountain folk divinations or palm readers, I do enjoy keeping an annual “Forecasting” folder to review the predictive powers of the
The recent spike in market volatility has left many investors concerned about their portfolios and uncertain as to how a rise in interest rates impacts their bond investments. LET’S START WITH BONDS 101, HOW DO BONDS WORK AND WHY DO WE BUY THEM? Bonds are generally conservative investments and they produce income –
It probably comes as no surprise but different generations have different perspectives about retirement planning. What about you? How does your age impact your plan decisions? HOW ARE THE AGE GENERATIONS DEFINED? Millennials (Gen Y): Born 1980 to 1994 Gen X (Baby Bust): Born 1965 to 1979 Baby Boomers: Born 1946 to 1964 Matures