Election Impact on Investing

Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are nearing or in retirement and need to consider the impact of political elections on their investments. Here’s how they can navigate election-related uncertainties.

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Navigating Political Elections

Gen X, born between 1965 and 1980, has experienced several political elections that have influenced their investing decisions. Here’s how they can navigate the impact of elections on their investments.

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How to File an Insurance Claim

Insurance is like a security alarm system. You may sleep better knowing you have it, but you hope it will never be activated. If you have insurance, however, it is helpful to know how to properly file a claim.

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Whole Life Insurance: What You Should Know

When faced with the wide range of life insurance coverage available, you may wonder what type really fits your needs now and what coverage you should have in place for the future. A good first step is to understand basic whole life insurance coverage.

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Identity Theft: Be Prepared. Be Proactive.

Sure, technology makes our lives easier, creating the opportunity to complete tasks quicker and access information that previous generations didn’t even know was available. But it also opens the door to an unimaginable number of threats to our lives and businesses.

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ID Theft: How Does It Happen?

In today’s technologically advanced society, identity theft is a common and serious offense. The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 defines identity theft as the following: when someone “knowingly transfers or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any…

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Identity Theft: Protection and Prevention

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information, such as your name, Social Security number, or credit card number) without your permission to commit fraud or other types of crime.

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College Funding: Planning Ahead for Financial Security

In recent years, the cost of higher education has risen well ahead of inflation. The average total cost for a year of college at a four-year school — including tuition and fees, on-campus room and board, books, supplies, and other expenses — was $36,436*. That’s roughly $146,000 over the course of four years.

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Laying the Cornerstone of a College Savings Fund

As you gaze lovingly into your infant’s eyes, it’s probably hard to imagine him or her heading off to college. Although that day may seem a long way off, it will arrive sooner than you think. In tomorrow’s world, a good college education may be even more critical for success than it is today. To…

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Life Changes and Your Taxes

As you know, lowering your tax bill involves careful planning. In fact, there’s hardly an aspect of your financial situation—savings, education, real estate, investments, retirement funding, or estate planning—that isn’t influenced by taxes. Tax planning is especially important if your circumstances have changed over the past year.

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Taxes and Your Estate: Reconcile Your Domicile

Increased mobility in today’s society has changed the ways in which we live, work, and play. Compared to previous generations, it is now quite common for work and recreational activities to cross state lines, resulting in ownership of property and formal relationships in more than one state. However, the expanded opportunities created by mobility may…

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Home Buying in Your Golden Years

As retirement approaches, many individuals find themselves contemplating a change in their living situation. Whether downsizing, relocating, or finding the perfect retirement haven, the process of homebuying takes on new dimensions for those nearing retirement. Here’s a guide tailored to help individuals in this demographic navigate the unique considerations of purchasing a home in their…

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Buying Real Estate Later in Life

For middle-aged individuals, the prospect of homebuying comes with unique considerations and opportunities. Whether you’re looking to downsize, invest, or find your forever home, here’s a comprehensive guide tailored to the needs of the middle-aged homebuyer.

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Navigating the Home Buying Journey

Buying a home is a significant milestone that often marks a major transition into adulthood. For young adults eager to step into the realm of homeownership, the journey can be both exciting and daunting. From understanding the financial aspects to navigating the real estate market, here’s a guide tailored to help young adults embark on…

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Moving Your 401(k) to a Roth IRA Tax-Free

After-tax funds can be segregated from other funds in the account and transferred directly to a Roth IRA. In fact, it would be a mistake not to. Don’t confuse after-tax contributions to a regular 401(k) with contributions to a Roth 401(k), which are also made with after-tax dollars but to which slightly different rules apply.

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Harnessing Financial Success in Your 20s: Multiple Accounts

Managing your finances effectively in your 20s sets the foundation for long-term financial success. One strategy that can help young adults take control of their money is utilizing multiple financial accounts. In this article, we will explore the benefits of having multiple accounts and discuss key types of accounts that individuals in their 20s should…

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Consider an Annuity for Your 401(k) Rollover

With companies downsizing to stay in business and corporate takeovers occurring almost every other day, the only thing certain in anyone’s career these days is change. Your financial advisor can help you understand your 401(k) rollover options.

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Your Business: Family History or Continuing Legacy?

If you’re a business owner, you’ve most likely worked hard to build and manage a company that provides for you and your family. As a result, the income and wealth derived from your business success has become a significant portion of your estate. However, the business that provides for your family during your lifetime may…

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How to Divide an Inheritance Equally

Nothing ignites family arguments like trying to divide an inheritance. If you plan to leave money to more than a few beneficiaries, for the sake of peace and your own emotional legacy, know how to divide the proceeds fairly.

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Leaving a Legacy

For millions of Americans, “charity begins at home.” Many have decided to make a difference by leaving a legacy to local religious, educational, social, or cultural organizations. In addition to the immense satisfaction that comes from giving to others, charitable giving can provide tax benefits for the donor and his or her heirs when done…

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Maximizing Health Insurance Tax Deductions

Individuals and business owners alike are concerned about the already high, and continually rising, cost of health insurance. But whether you are an employee, an employer, or a self-employed individual, there is a range of Federal tax deductions available, including breaks provided by health savings accounts (HSAs) and similar tax-advantaged accounts.

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The Triple Tax Benefits of Health Savings Accounts

When planning for retirement, most Americans think mainly about using tax-advantaged savings vehicles like 401(k) or individual retirement accounts, while failing to consider the triple tax benefits of  health savings accounts, or HSAs.

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Understanding the Advantages of an HSA

A health savings account (HSA) can be a good alternative to traditional health care, especially for those who are young and healthy. With an HSA, you put money away in a tax-advantaged account but to be eligible, you must already be in a health plan that has a high deductible. Anyone can open an HSA,…

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Mutual Fund Fees and Your Market Basket

Many fund companies display their performance figures prominently, but they may take a low-key approach when it comes to mutual fund fees. Generally, when funds are doing well and returns are strong, investors tend to overlook the fees charged by mutual funds. However, regardless of the performance of your investments, you should understand what fees…

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Decoding Investment Fund Fact Sheets

Investment fund fact sheets are essential documents that provide key information about a particular investment fund. Understanding how to interpret and analyze these fact sheets is crucial for making informed investment decisions. In this article, we will delve into the components of investment fund fact sheets and provide guidance on how to navigate them effectively.

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Older Americans Growing Targets of Financial Fraud

America’s older generations grew up in a different world where it was customary to be courteous and trusting. Unfortunately, these exemplary standards of conduct could get some individuals into trouble. Con artists bank on the willingness of older Americans to trust in a variety of too-good-to-be-true investment “deals,” making them growing targets of financial fraud.…

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What You Need to Know about Financial Fraud

Many of us grew up in a world where it was customary to be friendly, courteous, and trusting. Unfortunately, assumptions concerning these standards of conduct can sometimes get us into trouble. Con artists offering a variety of too-good-to-be-true investment “deals” are banking on the willingness of trusting individuals. Unfortunately, many people experience financial difficulties, thus…

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Preventing Financial Fraud in Your 20s

As you enter your 20s, you embark on a phase of life filled with exciting opportunities and financial independence. However, this newfound freedom comes with its fair share of risks, particularly when it comes to financial fraud. Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, targeting young adults who may be less experienced in managing…

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Keep Control of Your Credit

Are you one of the many American consumers currently asking yourself, “How can I better control my use of credit?” Consumer debt in the United States totals billions. Much of this debt belongs to consumers who use credit wisely, but a considerable amount is owed by people whose credit obligations have gotten out of hand.…

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Best Practices for Managing Your Credit

When you are applying for a mortgage, car loan, home-equity line, insurance, home rental, or job, be aware that your credit score may impact your application. Few other numbers help or hurt your life so deeply. Learn more about managing your credit to improve this key indicator in your financial life.

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Keep on Top of Your Credit Rating

The use of credit in today’s world is pervasive. People charge meals in restaurants and purchases in boutique shops, pay for appliances on the installment plan and obtain loans to buy homes and automobiles, take vacations, and pay for schooling. These are just a few examples of how we use credit on a day-to-day basis.…

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Preparing for Retirement with a Recession Looming

Preparing for retirement can be a daunting task at the best of times, but when a recession is looming, it can be even more challenging. The global pandemic has caused significant economic disruption, and many people nearing retirement age may be feeling particularly vulnerable. However, there are steps you can take to prepare for a…

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Lessons from the Great Recession of 2007 – 2009

After the Great Recession from 2007 to 2009 hit, far too many Americans found themselves without any savings to get through the hardships of unemployment, falling house prices, dwindling 401(k)s, and increased financial anxieties. Don’t let this happen to you.

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Negative Superlatives and Market Drops

Almost any global happening can spur you to sell investment positions or put off investing new dollars. But remember: the headlines are just to sell newspapers (or digital ads). You must keep a level head when the market goes up and when it goes down. Because it’s going to do both. The latest news is…

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The Fed, Interest Rates, and Investing

As an investor, you undoubtedly ask when, or if, the Federal Reserve Bank (the Fed) raises interest rates, how will that affect consumers and businesses? What about the consequences for certain segments of the economy?

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Is it Time to Refinance Your Mortgage?

Over time, mortgage rates fluctuate. Depending on where rates currently stand, now may or may not be a good time for homeowners to consider refinancing their mortgage. How can you determine whether it makes sense at any given point to refinance your mortgage?

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Understanding Interest Rates and Your Financial Situation

When discussing bank accounts, investments, loans, and mortgages, it is important to understand the concept of interest rates. Interest is the price you pay for the temporary use of someone else’s funds; an interest rate is the percentage of a borrowed amount that is attributable to interest. Whether you are a lender, a borrower, or…

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Retirement Strategies for Millennials

Retirement seems far away, and it feels like you have decades to prepare. But to enjoy a long, financially secure retirement, you’ll need to start thinking about saving today. And while a common misconception is that millennials are bad with money, 54% report they have a budget2. Seven in ten consider themselves to be savers,…

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Five Questions to Ask as You Consider Retiring

As you consider retiring, how do you know when you are really ready for it, mentally and financially? For decades, the normal retirement age was 65. This was when you became eligible for Social Security and Medicare. But things are different today. Answer these five questions to find out how, when, and if you should…

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Retirement strategies for millennials

Retirement seems far away, and it feels like you have decades to prepare. But to enjoy a long, financially secure retirement, you’ll need to start thinking about saving… today.

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Understanding what financial planning is – and isn’t

Finances are complicated. Gone are the days of one checking account, one savings account, and a pension for the future. People today are bombarded with advice, decisions, and complex financial products that can make planning for the future with confidence seem daunting.

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Five Things You Gain From Financial Guidance

Do-it-yourself is a great approach for some things, yet most people aren’t equipped to be their own doctor, lawyer or mechanic. And when it comes to planning out your financial life today and in the future, you can gain a lot from an experienced guide.

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Careful planning can help manage competing financial priorities

Does this sound familiar? You keep meaning to increase your retirement plan contribution, but there just seem to be too many other financial priorities that get in the way. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can develop a strategy to cover those expenses and help stay on track for retirement.

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So You Want to Retire Early? What You Can Do Now to Prepare

You’ve done your time. You’ve had a long (and hopefully rewarding) career and are ready to ease into retirement. There’s one problem. You’re not quite officially retirement age yet. You have a few years (maybe more) until you reach age 62 and can start receiving Social Security. And a few more years still until you…

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Saving vs. Investing: What to keep in mind

It was a problem we all had as kids when we found a dollar: Does it go into the piggy bank or get spent on something to enjoy into the future? The options change as we get older, but the same kinds of calculations and questions arise. As adults, we are told saving is good,…

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Are flexible spending accounts worth it?

A flexible spending account (FSA) is a voluntary, employer-sponsored program for employees to save a portion of their income, pre-tax, to be used to pay for qualified medical or dependent care expenses incurred during their benefit plan year. You may also have the option of a limited-purpose FSA, which can be used in conjunction with…

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Health Savings Accounts for a Healthier Financial Future

Health insurance is so complicated that many people and businesses would rather stick with what is familiar, even if they don’t like it or fully understand it, than try something new. However, it may be worth taking a second look at Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), a flexible tool that could revolutionize the health insurance system…

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Is your family prepared for the unexpected?

It’s not a topic that most of us like to think about, but the truth is we should. That topic is an unexpected loss of income because of death or disability, and a sizable portion of us are likely to experience this unfortunate reality at some point during our working lives. Consider this:  according to…

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Millennials and retirement: How do you stack up?

No matter the age, many people look forward to retirement—a time when they’ll stop working and have the freedom to travel, take up a hobby, and spend time with family and friends. With today’s life expectancies, you might have a retirement of 20+ years, you’ll need a financial plan to fund your dreams.

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Estate Planning for Lifetime Partners

There have been some distinct changes in the American cultural and sociological landscape in recent decades. Among them is the increasing number of unmarried couples living together as lifetime partners. This trend has created estate planning challenges for the individuals involved. Here are a few of the more common estate planning issues that may affect…

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New Economic Realities for Today’s Young Couples

For today’s young couples, the road to the future may look far different than it did for their parents. Their incomes may be less certain compared to those of previous generations, and the demands on their financial resources may be greater. In addition, rapidly evolving technology may require multiple career changes or transitions. Moreover, many…

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Getting married? 3 tips for avoiding financial arguments

Choosing to spend the rest of your life with someone is one of life’s most significant milestones. You and your partner have likely spent hours discussing wedding logistics, dreaming of honeymoon destinations and planning your new life together but you might be missing out on one of the most important discussions for a long-term relationship…

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When Stock Markets Peak, Check Your Emotions

Emotions often drive investors to make poor decisions and underperform. Successful investing and overall fitness both often come down to discipline (and planning). Why aren’t you reaping the investment returns you read about in the financial press? Why aren’t you reaping the benefits of going to the gym? One obvious answer that you might not…

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Understanding What the Markets Are Telling Us

No financial firm of integrity will tell you to try to predict the markets from day to day, or make a big shift in your investments based on headlines. But that doesn’t mean that you should ignore market news. Each piece of information is a part of a puzzle, and when you know what to…

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Managing Your Credit Rating

Credit ratings are an important measure of a person’s financial wellness. Think of them as a report card for your finances. Lenders review credit ratings to determine the risk associated with the requested loan. The higher your credit score is, the more likely it is you will repay your loan. As a result, individuals with…

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Student Debt Is Deeper Than You Think

Every generation bemoans the fact that things today are far more expensive than they were 20 years ago. In 1940, the median home value in the U.S. was just under $3,000. Sixty years later, the median home price was just under $120,000.1 But most of the increase has nothing to do with inflation. In fact,…

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Understanding What the Markets Are Telling Us

No financial firm of integrity will tell you to try to predict the markets from day to day, or make a big shift in your investments based on headlines. But that doesn’t mean that you should ignore market news. Each piece of information is a part of a puzzle, and when you know what to…

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Retirement Investing – Market Volatility

Market volatility is an inevitable part of investing. These bouts of volatility can be unnerving, but they are a normal feature of long-term investing. Retirement investors should expect to see market declines periodically throughout their investing careers.

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Private Foundations – Beyond Traditional Charitable Giving

For many affluent individuals, occasional gifts to a favorite charity may satisfy their charitable inclinations. The added incentive of an often substantial tax deduction, coupled with various estate planning benefits, can be the driving force behind such charitable gifts. However, for some individuals, philanthropy is a far more serious endeavor, often involving a succession of…

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Maximizing Health Insurance Tax Deductions

Individuals and business owners alike are concerned about the already high, and continually rising, cost of health insurance. But whether you are an employee, an employer, or a self-employed individual, there are a range of Federal tax deductions available to you, including breaks provided by Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and similar tax-advantaged accounts.

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Health Insurance: How’s your coverage?

Health care always seems to be a hot topic in political circles. Because resolution of important health care issues may take time, you may be left with the immediate task of evaluating your own health coverage situation.

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What is an HSA and what are the benefits?

Think of a health savings account as a kind of personal savings account or investment account* that employers can offer to employees who are covered by high-deductible health plans, or HDHPs, in order to help them save money on dozens of types of medical expenses, from doctor visits and physicals to surgery and psychiatric care.

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The Future of Social Security

Social security probably won’t do it. The future of the Social Security system is unclear. But one thing is fairly certain. Your future Social Security retirement benefit will probably be much less than the amount of income you’ll need. The question is, how much less?

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About Social Security – Knowledge is Your Retirement Power

Social Security is intended to provide only a minimum level of retirement income to go toward covering the basic necessities: food, shelter, and clothing. It was never intended to be your only source of retirement income. The rest will be up to you! The age which the Social Security Administration considers full retirement age has…

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What Rising Interest Rates Mean For You

You’ve probably seen news about the Federal Reserve raising the prime rate, which trickles down to the interest rates charged and paid by banks, credit card companies and others. But what does this really mean for you or for your business?

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Understanding Plan Loans

Challenging economic times spur many retirement plan participants to consider borrowing from their retirement plan. Before you do, research the pros and cons, some of which may surprise you.

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Consider the “Why” When Gifting Assets

When it comes to gifting assets and passing down an inheritance, too often we fixate on the “how,” but don’t consider the “why”. In other words, although the mechanics of making gifts and transferring assets are important, such setting up irrevocable trusts or net gifts and bargain sales, so too is identifying the greater purpose…

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Understanding Fund Fact Sheets

One of the more confusing parts of participating in an employer-sponsored retirement plan is choosing how to allocate your funds. Fund fact sheets provide information on a fund’s objectives, holdings, fees, and past performance and can be used to compare funds within the same category, learn more about a single fund, or contrast funds in…

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Understanding Mutual Funds

One way to cushion investment risk is to have a well-diversified portfolio; but without a sizable sum of money to invest, you may not be able to hold a large enough mix of stocks, bonds, and cash to give your portfolio the variety it needs. That’s where mutual funds enter the picture.

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Understanding Roth

Your plan provides the option of making either traditional or Roth contributions. Here are some common questions and answers regarding Roth contributions to give you an overview of the feature.

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Do You Need An Emergency Fund? Six Reasons You Do

An emergency fund is like building cardio in your exercise routine. It strengthens your daily financial wellness (like your heart and lungs), increases your long-term financial health (similar to your metabolism) and can lead to a longer, more financially fit life.

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The Power of Budgeting at Any Life Stage

Budgets get a bad rap. In reality, they give people power over their finances, and when managed well, can put a person in a position to decide if they want to seize an opportunity or not – while those who have not managed their money purposefully often have no such option.

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Understanding and Managing Good Debt vs. Bad Debt

You may have been taught that debt is a bad thing to have in personal or business finance. The truth is a little more nuanced. Sometimes one kind of debt is better than another, and sometimes the same loan with the same interest rate and terms can be either “good” and “bad” depending how you’re…

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Why contribute to a retirement plan?

Experts generally agree that most people will need between 70 percent and 85 percent of their current income in retirement. Social Security will only provide a portion of that amount. You’ll need to have other savings and investments to have a successful retirement.  

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Surviving Market Volatility During COVID-19 Virus Uncertainty

During this time, it may be comforting to remember that you are not alone. Everyone is wondering what the future holds for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Everyone has the same fears and anxiety that you may be feeling right now. When it comes to your investments, all you can really control is how you react. Sticking…

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What do you know about mutual funds?

One way to cushion investment risk is to have a well-diversified portfolio; but without a sizable sum of money to invest, you may not be able to hold a large enough mix of stocks, bonds, and cash to give your portfolio the variety it needs. That’s where mutual funds enter the picture.

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Six Timeless Tips

Whether we’re experiencing a so-called flash crash or a raging bull, the markets can be turbulent. No matter what’s happening in the financial world, these enduring tips can help you achieve investment success.

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Social Security Probably Won’t Do It

The future of the Social Security system is unclear. But one thing is fairly certain. Your future Social Security retirement benefit will probably be much less than the amount of income you’ll need. The question is, how much less? Face the Facts The average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers receiving benefits in 2011…

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Help Your Family Have a Healthy Relationship with Money

It’s surprising how little families talk about financial matters. While no one would claim that money is more important than family, financial issues are a top cause of stress and dissent that can strain family bonds. On the positive side, a shared perspective on money matters – along with transparency – allows families to use…

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