For the past month, we’ve been writing and posting about different aspects of employee benefits packages and how your choices regarding your benefits play an important role in your overall financial circumstances. One of the reasons we’ve been writing about employee benefits this month is that the open enrollment period is quickly approaching for most…
If you’re like most Americans saving for retirement, you’re probably contributing to a 401(k) account that’s either employer-sponsored or that you’ve set up through a business you own. If your 401(k) is employer-sponsored, your open enrollment period may be approaching, which means you have the opportunity to change your benefits selections if you want to.…
Many Americans dream of early retirement, but only a select few actually achieve it. And what’s not to love? Early retirement offers: The freedom to spend your time how you wish The freedom to pursue the activities that most fulfill you More quality time to spend with your friends and family members Financial freedom and…
A popular Chinese proverb states that the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today. I believe the same is true when it comes to saving for retirement. Whether you’re 40 years from retirement or 10, there are plenty of things you can do to maximize your…
Every year, most companies that offer employee benefits such as retirement savings plans and health insurance have an open enrollment period. This period typically lasts between two to four weeks near the end of the year and allows individuals to make changes to their benefits elections, add or drop dependents, and learn more about the benefits…
You’ve spent decades carefully funneling money into your 401(k), 403(b), IRA, or some combination of retirement accounts. And you’ve likely enjoyed watching your investments grow at an increasingly exponential rate as compound interest works its magic. Now you’re getting ready to retire, so it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll access the money you’ve…
It’s no secret that Americans are behind on retirement savings – or at the very least, they feel like they are. According to one survey, 56% of Americans are concerned about their ability to save enough to fund a secure retirement. So if you’re feeling worried about the size of your nest egg, you can…
If you’re behind on your retirement savings, you are far from alone. As of 2019, nearly two-thirds of Americans in their 40s had less than $100,000 saved for retirement. Likewise, more than half of Americans in their 50s still had less than $100,000 in retirement accounts. Maybe you’re a lifelong procrastinator. Or maybe you’ve been planning to buckle…
Working with a trusted financial professional is one of the most important partnerships you can make. But did you know anyone can call themselves a financial planner, even if they don’t have any financial education or certifications? This is why it’s so important to carefully vet the financial professionals you’re thinking of working with. One…
The Fourth of July is one of my favorite days of the year. The kids are home for the summer, we get to barbecue, and we always look forward to a night full of fireworks and fun. But the Fourth of July also reminds me how grateful I am to live in the U.S.A. This…