Understanding Enhanced Catch-Up Contributions for 2025

12/23/2024

Last week, we explored ways to maximize your retirement savings before year-end, including taking full advantage of IRA, 401(k), and TSP contributions. This week, let’s look ahead to an exciting development for retirement savers: the enhanced catch-up contributions introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act, set to go into effect in 2025. These changes could make…

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Maximizing Your Retirement Savings Before Year-End

12/16/2024

As the end of the year approaches, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at your retirement contributions. If you’ve been contributing to your IRA, 401(k), or TSP (for federal employees), now’s the time to ensure you’re making the most of these accounts. Not only can you reduce your taxable income by maxing…

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How Politics Shapes Your Financial Future: A Balanced Perspective

12/09/2024

In today’s 24-hour news cycle, headlines about potential policy changes and their financial implications seem endless. While it’s natural to wonder how political shifts might affect your financial future, successful planning requires distinguishing between speculation and strategy. Let’s explore how to maintain sound financial practices amid political transitions. How Politics Shapes Financial PlanningRegardless of which…

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Tax-Loss Harvesting – A Year-End Strategy to Reduce Your Tax Bill

12/02/2024

As the year draws to a close, now is an ideal time to review your portfolio for opportunities to reduce your tax liability through tax-loss harvesting. This strategy allows you to offset gains with losses by selling investments that have declined in value, potentially reducing your taxable income. Here’s a closer look at how tax-loss…

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Black Friday, Cyber Monday…blah blah blah: Are You Spending Wisely?

11/25/2024

Let’s be honest: there’s something magical about a Christmas tree surrounded by beautifully wrapped presents. The anticipation, the shared excitement of gift-opening, the festive chaos of wrapping paper strewn across the floor – these moments help create the holiday atmosphere we cherish. But as inflation pinches wallets and environmental concerns grow, many of us are…

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Breaking the Cycle: How Kids Learn Bad Financial Habits Early and How to Help

11/18/2024

Kids absorb financial habits quickly, often without even realizing it. Some of these behaviors—like impulsive spending or avoiding money conversations—can persist into adulthood, impacting long-term financial well-being. By identifying these tendencies early on, parents can guide their children toward healthier financial habits that support a more secure future. Identifying Impulsive Spending BehaviorsMany kids see immediate…

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Teaching Money Skills to the Next Generation

11/18/2024

Teaching kids about money is one of the most valuable life skills parents can pass on. Financial literacy can start at home in a way that’s approachable and even fun. This guide shares practical tips and modern tools to introduce money skills at different stages, helping children and teens develop habits that can lead to…

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Financial Literacy Essentials: Building Blocks for Every Stage of Life

11/18/2024

Financial literacy forms the foundation for a secure and confident future. Regardless of age or financial goals, understanding key money management skills can have a lasting impact. While some of these concepts have been covered in prior issues, this week revisits and ties them all together—because sometimes, a bit of repetition is beneficial for reinforcing…

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No 401(k)? No Problem: How Gig Workers Can Still Save for Retirement

11/11/2024

Traditional employees often benefit from retirement education and easy access to savings options through their HR departments. Gig workers, however, face the challenge of navigating this information on their own, which can be overwhelming. Many gig workers—freelancers, rideshare drivers, and independent contractors—tend to overlook long-term financial planning. Instead, they focus on short-term financial stability, managing…

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life insurance

Life Insurance – Yes or No?

10/28/2024

Life insurance is one of those financial products we’re all told to get. From advertisements to financial gurus, it seems like the ultimate safety net for everyone. But here’s a radical thought: life insurance is not for everyone. That’s right. Despite its merits, there are scenarios where life insurance might not be the right fit,…

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