Latest Blog Posts

We feel retirement planning has never been more important, yet confidence in a secure financial future is shrinking.A March 2025 Fidelity Investments® State of Retirement Planning study reveals that while 7 in 10 of those currently in retirement feel s …

If you’re looking to improve your 401(k) performance in 2025, there is an often-overlooked strategy that may help. It’s called rebalancing.And failing to rebalance your portfolio could mean losing more than necessary in down markets or not maximizing g …

When markets drop, it can be easy to panic. But history shows that staying invested through downturns can often be the smartest move.In this special market update, we break down what’s happening right now – and why sometimes doing nothing may be the be …

Many Americans mistakenly believe Social Security will be enough to fund their retirement – but reality paints a different picture. Consider the most recent cost of living adjustment.The 2025 Social Security COLA increase is just 2.5%.¹This minimal inc …

When it comes to saving for retirement, it may be not just about how much you save – it may be about how much you get to keep.Understanding 401(k) tax implications may help you maximize your savings and avoid unexpected tax bills down the road.Are you …

Your 40s and 50s are often the prime years for building wealth, but too many people may make avoidable mistakes with their 401(k)s – mistakes that could cost them in retirement.  Whether it’s not saving enough, ignoring market shifts, or borrowing from …

401 (k) plans are designed to help in retirement, but if you don’t follow the rules, you may find yourself facing 401(k) withdrawal penalties.This is because the purpose of a 401(k) plan is to provide money following retirement from employment – not fu …

It is becoming more popular to take a 401(k) loan. A December 2023 report found “more retirement savers have taken loans from their 401(k) accounts over the past year, suggesting that U.S. households are borrowing more readily as they feel the pinch of …

The S&P 500 went up more than 20% for 2 years in a row, an impressive run that doesn’t happen often. After 2 years of strong market performance, what should investors expect next?Keep reading (or watch the video) below as Mark Sorensen, our Chief I …

Tax season kicks off this week, and with it comes a handful of changes you’ll want to know about before filing your 2024 taxes. From adjustments to standard deductions and tax brackets to updated rules on credits, contributions, and thresholds, staying …

Retirement savers, take note – 2025 is bringing big changes to 401(k) plans. That’s because the SECURE Act 2.0 introduces changes that could offer investors new opportunities to enhance their retirement savings.These updates aim to make saving for reti …

401(k) plans are a critical tool for many Americans striving to secure their retirement. These tax-advantaged accounts often represent a significant portion of an investor’s financial future. However, common misconceptions about 401(k) plans may hinder …

If you know you need to make some changes in order to increase retirement savings in 2025, then keep reading.We’ve compiled 9 potential changes you can make to your saving, spending, and investing habits that may increase retirement savings in 2025.Rea …

As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to focus on personal finance tips for 2025.Make getting your financial house in order your main 2025 resolution.Not only is it possible, but it is also something many of us need to do.A 2024 Bankrate study found, “Whereas …

America, it may be time to hit pause on spending. Even if just for a little while. The statistics from Clever speak volumes:Nearly three-quarters of Americans (71%) have regrets about their spending, and a majority of Americans (55%) say they spend rec …

The 2025 retirement savings rules may provide new opportunities for individuals to save more in their 401(k) plans.This is due to the passing of SECURE Act 2.0 which passed in 2022, which many provisions set to take effect in 2025.Some of the new provi …

If you’re between the ages of 60 and 63, 2025 marks a golden opportunity to supercharge your retirement savings. Thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act, the IRS is rolling out a special “super catch-up” 401(k) contribution limit, allowing eligible individuals to …

Allianz Life’s 2024 Annual Retirement Study is out, and it shows a whole lot of Americans lack plans for retirement income.In fact, more than half of Americans do not have a plan in place for retirement.¹If that isn’t troubling enough, in a report enti …

There are many Thanksgiving traditions we enjoy, yet often participate in them without knowing their origins.For instance, why do we eat turkey?Why do we watch a parade with giant inflatable character balloons? And when did Friendsgiving become a thing …

The IRS announced changes to retirement contribution limits to help workers boost their retirement savings with cost-of-living adjustments. Whether you’re saving through a 401(k), IRA, or another retirement plan, these updates can help you plan to maxi …

Many Americans are potentially missing out on retirement savings by falling victims to the 401(k) to IRA rollover cash trap.According to Andy Reed, head of investor behavior research at Vanguard, “IRA cash is a billion-dollar blind spot.”¹A recent repo …

If you are nearing retirement and have less savings than expected, you are not alone.Many Americans feel the same way.The 2023 Protected Retirement Income and Planning (PRIP) study from the Alliance for Lifetime Income found: 51% of consumers between 4 …

On October 10, the new Social Security COLA increase was announced, and many retirees were disappointed.Each year, there is a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which is determined by a measurement of the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for U …

In today’s dynamic job market, it’s not uncommon for people to change jobs several times throughout their careers.With each job transition comes a new set of considerations, especially when it comes to your 401(k).So, what do you do with your 401(k) wh …

According to Vanguard’s 2024 How America Saves Report, the average 401(k) balance for participants in 2023 was $134,128, with a median balance of $35,286. Vanguard participants’ average account balances increased by 19% since year-end 2022.¹How does yo …

401(k) account management is an option for anyone with a 401(k) – no matter how close or far you are from retirement.Even if you have some basic investment knowledge, you might want to consider seeking expert advice.Think of it this way – financial adv …

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s important to make the most of the last 90 days if you want to reach your financial goals. Take a look at these 12 Q4 finance tips that may help you boost savings and finish strong. #1 Assess Your Goal Keeping Take s …

With the holidays right around the corner and the end of the year fast approaching, the last thing you want to do is blow your budget on fall activities.Between fall sports, Halloween, and fall travel, the costs add up…and it’s too easy to overspend.If …

As we approach the final quarter, it’s time to talk about financial risks that could significantly cost you.Let’s say you’ve made a financial goal for 2024. If you aren’t paying attention, you may miss that goal because you have to pay more in taxes th …

Americans are not saving enough for retirement.In a report entitled Americans Face Alarming Retirement Savings Shortfall, the National Institute for Retirement Security shares, “Most Americans will not have enough money for a financially secure retirem …