Now that we’re a month into 2025, we can begin to see how the year is taking shape and evaluate the major forecasts with fresh eyes. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored the fundamentals of financial literacy – from understanding different types of investment accounts to breaking down various asset classes and investment strategies.…

When it comes to investing, fees might not be the most exciting topic, but they’re one of the most important. We keep talking about keeping fees low and leaning toward ETFs – but in the end that is a personal decision as mutual funds do come with some added benefits. So in order to arm…

Starting your investment journey might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With a clear plan and the right approach, you can set yourself up for long-term success. Over the last two weeks, we’ve covered the importance of building the right financial team and understanding your investment account options. Now, it’s time to take…

For many people, the hardest part of investing is simply figuring out where to begin. After all, understanding ETFs and mutual funds is one thing, but knowing where to hold those investments is another challenge altogether. Let’s break down the basics of different types of investment accounts to help you understand how they work and…

Last week, we explored the basics of managing investments on your own versus working with a professional. For some, the decision to go it alone is more than a way to save time or money – it’s an exciting opportunity to dive deeper into a topic they genuinely enjoy. If that resonates with you, one…

When it comes to managing your financial life, it’s tempting to think you can go it alone. And sure, there are plenty of things you can handle yourself – we’ll get to that in the next article. But some challenges call for a dream team of professionals to guide you through the complexities. The question…

Estate planning is for anyone who wants to avoid leaving behind a mess. If you want your family to skip unnecessary headaches, legal drama, and extra expenses, you need a plan. This isn’t something to push off for “later” because, let’s face it, “later” has a way of sneaking up on you. Here’s the deal:…

As we approach the end of another year, it’s tempting to fall into the familiar cycle of setting ambitious New Year’s resolutions, only to abandon them by February. Research shows that the majority of resolutions fail not because they lack merit, but because they’re too grandiose or unsustainable. So, why not break the cycle this…

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…

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…