When it comes to estate planning, you may be more familiar with the concept of a will versus a trust, but there are several reasons that trusts could benefit you and your loved ones in estate planning. Establishing a trust gives you control over how your wealth will be protected and, ultimately, transferred to your beneficiaries. Many types of trusts are available. The benefits of each vary by type, and each may be treated differently from state to state.
Whether you’re a few years or a few decades away from retirement, you want to make sure you can live comfortably when you do retire. First enacted in the 1930s, America’s Social Security program protects people against the loss of earnings due to retirement, death, or disability. But Social Security was meant to be a foundational element of planning for retirement, not the only source of income after retirement. Here are five important facts about the program.
If you’ve gotten married in the past year, or you’re getting married soon, taxes may be the last thing on your mind. These tips can make your transition from single to married tax filing status go smoothly.
This Saint Patrick’s Day, you might be hoping to find your very own pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Maybe you’re wondering how gold got to be such a hot commodity in the first place.
In this post, we’ll share 10 fascinating facts about this most famous of precious metals, including some tips for those who are curious about gold as an investment.
Retirement is the long-awaited reward after a life of hard work—a time to devote to yourself, your loved ones, and your dreams. An individual retirement account can be an essential tool in your retirement savings strategy, helping ensure your finances can support you throughout your golden years.
It’s no secret that interest rates on everything from auto loans to home loans have risen significantly over the past year. But there’s a bright side to rising rates: Savings accounts have also increased their interest rates, making it easier to grow your savings.
Whether you’re stashing cash to boost your emergency fund, buy a new car, or save for a down payment on a house, consider opening a high-yield savings account. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to stay ahead of inflation and watch their money grow effortlessly.
Want your savings to earn more than they would in a traditional savings account, without taking on risk? Then you may want to look into opening a certificate. If you do your banking at a credit union, you may also know them as share certificates, or as certificates of deposit (CDs) at a bank.
You’ve probably heard about people making money and hitting it big in the stock market. Some are traders and some are investors. That might sound like the same thing, but the differences between the two are glaring. In this article, we’ll examine each and show you how to trade and invest wisely.
A growing family, by definition, means growing financial obligations—both present and in the future. Raising children can increase your insurance needs and heightens the urgency for being properly prepared.
As every parent knows, juggling is part of the job. When it comes to financial matters, though, knowing which ball to keep airborne is not always clear. Case in point: Should you prioritize saving for retirement or for your child's college education?
Financial planning is similar to parenting in that the decisions are complex and not always straightforward. While the best choice for you will depend upon your unique situation and needs, a few general considerations can help you create an informed strategy.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If someone asks you to invest and promises impossible returns on your money, such as guaranteeing that your money will be doubled or tripled with no risk, it’s probably a Ponzi scheme.
Knowing how to recognize different types of fraud is a key component to financial literacy. There are many types of investment scams, but one of the most famous is known as the Ponzi scheme.
When it comes to saving, the way you choose to save will greatly influence your return on investment. Aggressive options may have the highest yield while posing the greatest risk of loss, where conservative saving options offer a slower, but risk-free return.
When should you start thinking about your estate plan? According to many experts, the answer is as soon as you’re an adult. However, only 1 out of 3 adults has taken care of estate planning essentials like creating a will. If you’re not one of them, it’s time to start thinking about your estate plan.
If you’re a member of the armed forces, the military lifestyle and return to civilian life can come with unique financial needs, and some valuable opportunities. Here are a few tips that can support your financial wellbeing in the military and beyond.
Cash gifts are the perfect solution for the ones on your list who have it all. More flexible than a gift card, giving cash allows the recipient to make the important decision of how to spend it.
You want to enjoy your retirement. You’ve earned it! So, the last thing you want to do is worry about your finances. If you’re recently retired or soon will be, you want to make sure your money will last, especially during these uncertain times. Here are six keys to saving money and simplifying your finances in retirement.
We have all heard it before — start saving now, so you can enjoy retirement on your terms. Unfortunately, if you’re like most 20-somethings, contributing to a retirement account is a task that tends to fall down your ever-growing list of to-dos. From student loans to rent and bills, it’s easy to understand how retirement planning, like selecting a Roth vs. traditional IRA, can be neglected.
If you’re looking for a simple solution that offers both steady earnings and protection for your funds, an IRA certificate could be right for you. While you may not have heard of this type of account, you’re probably familiar with the two accounts it combines: an individual retirement account (IRA) and a certificate (the credit union equivalent of a bank CD). Here’s why an IRA certificate could be a smart approach to your retirement savings.
Every January, people across the world set New Year’s resolutions — from saving money to losing 15 pounds, the start of a new year is a chance to plan for the future and reach new milestones. One resolution that should be at the top of your list? Retirement planning.
Choosing a partner to support your financial planning is one of the best ways to accomplish more with your money, reach important goals, and stay prepared for the future.