Best Practices When Storing Files in “the Cloud”
What is cloud storage? Do you use Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive? If so, you’re not alone. Cloud storage has become a very popular and convenient storage option for millions of people worldwide. Cloud storage is a cost-effective service that allows data and files to be saved securely to a remote location that can […]
Reality Check on Your Retirement Savings
Whether you’re 23 or 35, it’s important to know whether you are saving enough for your retirement. There is no time like the present to ensure you are allocating enough funds to your retirement account. With folks routinely living into their 80s and 90s, it’s more important than ever to ensure your money lasts your […]
The Two Faces of Debt
Understanding Good Versus Bad Debt Can Help You Make Smart Financial Moves Credit card debt is a huge challenge for many people. According to Debt.org, Americans owe $986 billion on credit cards, surpassing the prepandemic high of $927 billion. While credit card debt is considered “bad debt,” it’s important to understand other types of debt […]
Doing Some Tax Planning Now Can Pay Off Later in Retirement
For many people, retirement is not a time to slow down and stop. It’s a time to explore the next great chapters of your life and build upon everything you’ve learned and experienced so far. Another thing that doesn’t slow down or stop is taxes. Understanding how taxes could affect your future cash flow will […]
Volunteering Comes with Benefits
The pandemic increased the number of people seeking help from nonprofits, but decreased the number of volunteers available (or willing) to help out. Now that most mask mandates have been lifted and we’ve adapted to the “new normal,” it’s time to consider volunteering to support your community, the causes and organizations you believe in—and yourself. […]
Healthier Lifestyle, Longer Life
Life expectancy declines in the U.S., but is rebounding in other countries. It may still be too early to talk about life expectancy in a post-pandemic world, but it’s been obvious to researchers for years that Americans have a shorter life expectancy than their counterparts in Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, […]
When to Begin Collecting Social Security
Deciding when to retire and begin collecting Social Security is an important life decision. Some people may feel they don’t have enough savings to retire and delay their retirement plans to continue working, which means postponing when they begin collecting Social Security. Current law allows workers to begin collecting Social Security between 62 and 70 […]
Optimizing Required Minimum Distributions
Seventy-three is an important age milestone for those in or near retirement, as it marks the time when required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin to be withdrawn annually from Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and employer-sponsored retirement plans (previously, the threshold was 72). The milestone carries with it tax consequences that are not fixed. Rather, there are […]
Top of Mind
Practicing Mindfulness With Money Can Help Boost Your Financial Wellness Many people practice mindfulness through yoga, tai chi or other forms of movement, often incorporating breathing exercises. Others rely on their smart watch or phone to ping them at the same time each day, urging them to practice it for a few minutes. While there […]
Pay It Forward
Looking To Teach a Child Some Important Money Lessons? Consider a Roth Custodial IRA. You started early and have saved hard in your 401(k). You’ve also paid close attention to your investing strategy over the years. And you definitely understand the benefits of tax-deferred compounding over the long term and the potential for growth. Heck, […]
