A 401(k) Plan: Paving the Road to Retirement

There’s a lot to like about a 401(k) plan. Whether you already participate in your employer’s plan or you’re just now thinking about joining, reviewing the benefits as tax time approaches is a smart idea.

Cultivate Your Financial Smarts

When there's a lot going on in your life, you might be tempted to put thinking about your finances on the back burner. But that's never a good plan. Improving your financial outlook can be as easy as laying down - and following - a few simple ground rules.

Contribute Now to Reduce Your 2020 Tax Bill

Say No to Lifestyle Inflation

What's on your wish list? A bigger house? A new boat? An exotic vacation? As your career advances and your earning potential grows, it's tempting to want to "upsize" your lifestyle. But before you go all in with increasing your spending, prioritize your goals and focus on what's essential for a successful financial future.

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

You may think of estate planning as something only wealthy people need. But the truth is, a basic estate plan is important for anyone who wants to ensure that his or her final wishes are carried out.

Survivorship Policies: Filling a Need

A survivorship policy — also called a second-to-die policy — can be a useful estate-planning tool. A survivorship policy insures two lives, typically, a married couple (or business partners), with the death benefit paid out after the death of the second person.

New Limits for HSAs

Covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP)? That makes you eligible to contribute to a health savings account (HSA). An HSA allows you to set aside money in a tax-advantaged account to pay current and future qualified medical expenses. For 2021, the annual HSA contribution limit is $3,600 for individuals with self-only HDHP coverage and $7,200 for individuals with family HDHP coverage. If you're age 55 or older, you can make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution.

Millennials: Saving Is Up to You

The oldest Millennials are nearing 40; the youngest are in their early 20s. They've surpassed their Baby Boomer parents in sheer numbers. Collectively, they have significant more student loan debt than their previous generation. The demise of pension plans and the uncertainty of Social Security mean Millennials may need to save more money than their parents saved to fund their retirement years. Getting an early start can make a big difference.

Don't Kick Retirement Planning to the Curb

Depending on the future sale of your business to finance your retirement can leave you without resources you'll need to live comfortably. Finding the right retirement plan for your business can make a big difference to you and your employees' financial futures.

The Tipping Dilemma

It isn't always easy to know how much you should tip and when. Here are some guidelines.*

SDBA - Would One Work for You?

Unlimited investment options and complete control over how your money is invested are the major advantages of a self-directed brokerage account, or SDBA. If you're looking for greater flexibility in saving for retirement, an SDBA may be something to consider.

Adoption: Understand the Costs

Adopting a child can be a joyful event – and an expensive one. If you’re considering adoption, it’s important to know the costs so you can plan and budget for them.

Tipping in the States

How do you feel about tipping? Compare your opinions and habits with these survey responses, based on a representative sample of 1,031 adults in the U.S.