Financial Planning
Don’t Forget the Tried-and-True Value of Compounding Interest
If you forgot what compounding interest was, let’s refresh. Compounding interest is the process by which the interest earned on an investment is reinvested so that the initial investment grows over time. It may not seem like it, but compounding returns is a powerful tool that can significantly increase the value of an investment over…
Read MoreWhy You Should Consider Helping with Your Family’s College Expenses
Often people focus on the direct employment benefits of a college education. They want their children and grandchildren to go to college so they can get better jobs. They want their children and grandchildren to learn the exact skills they will need so they can get that job. But a college education provides so much…
Read MoreBe the Financial Compass for Future Generations
Building towards retirement, you have made many financial decisions. Perhaps you maxed out your credit card on clothes in your early 20s or chose the wrong payment plan for your car loan or home mortgage. Regardless, you’ve navigated many financial obstacles and gained wisdom that can now be passed on to your kids and grandchildren.…
Read More5 Post-Holiday Shopping Tips for Retirees
Holiday shopping can be stressful, and unless you took advantage of Black Friday or Cyber Monday, you might find it tough to find the deals you need to keep your gifts within your budget. Well, post-holiday shopping may be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of clearance sales on your favorite products and gifts. Use…
Read More3 Factors to Know for Rising Interest Rate Conditions
The 2022 economy has broken multiple records, first, with the highest inflation rate in 40 years, and now, the highest federal reserve interest rates since 2008.[1] In efforts to curb raging inflation, the US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates six times in 2022, reaching a target of 3.75% in November.[2] This rise in the…
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know about Index Funds and Mutual Funds
On their surfaces, index funds and mutual funds may seem interchangeable. Both offer diversification of assets and are commonly invested in a basket of stocks that aim to meet a certain investment goal. However, there are many key distinctions that separate an index fund from a mutual fund – distinctions that may be crucial to…
Read MoreThinking About Retirement? The Basics of Financial Literacy Are Your North Star
Working towards retirement, you may have a detailed plan on how to manage your finances so that you have enough saved by the time you leave the workforce. With no external income coming in, there will be a new rulebook on how to manage your retirement earnings, expenses, and investments – not just so that…
Read More3 Ways the Gender Pay Gap Affects Women in Retirement
There has historically been a pay gap between men and women for comparable jobs which favors men. This phenomenon generally affects retirement funds as well – this is called the gender retirement gap.[1] On average, women earn 17% less than men, taking home $89 compared to the man’s $100.[2] The gender pay gap has lasted…
Read MoreCovering COVID-19 Funeral Expenses
Have you lost a loved one from the COVID-19 virus and are preparing funeral services? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be able to help by covering up to $9,000 per funeral for qualified expenses. FEMA can help cover funeral expenses if you are a US citizen, the death occurred in the US or…
Read MoreMaking the Switch to Paying Yourself
You’ve probably had a daily routine for most of your life – from tying your tie and greeting your coworkers to loosening that tie when you get home. When thinking about retirement, not only does your daily routine change but your financial routine does too. In your working years, you made sure to have a…
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