Financial Planning
How Long Can I Keep My Money in My Retirement Account?
In most cases, you can’t actually keep your money in your retirement accounts forever. Even if you don’t need the money from your retirement accounts, many of them will require you to begin withdrawing from them when you are 73 years old.[1] This is called a required minimum distribution (often shortened to RMD). More specifically,…
Read MoreHow Safe is Your Money in the Bank Today?
With the recent turmoil in the banking sector, it’s understandable to worry about your bank savings. But before worrying, it’s important to know how your money in the bank is protected. So, how safe is your money, really? Where is my money? First, let’s talk about how your bank actually stores your money. When you…
Read MoreExploring The Difference Between an Investment and an Expense
In theory, the definitions of an investment or an expense are quite clear-cut. An expense, or cost, is simply the dispensing of time, money, or resources. An investment, while an expenditure, comes with the expectation of a return.[1][2] While the two ultimately have the same goal –to acquire a good or service—their intentions and outcomes…
Read MoreDon’t Underestimate the Importance of Your Mindset Toward Your Finances
The concept of retirement planning is simple. Despite changes in the economy or in life itself, the concept of planning your retirement has remained unchanged. We work, save, retire, and repeat for generations over. But while the concept may be the same, the puzzle has begun to evolve. In other words, individuals and families currently…
Read MoreDon’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…
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