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Grandparents and granddaughter enjoy sunset on a lake dock
8 min read

Are CDs Good For Retirement? What You Need to Know About Retirement CDs

When planning for retirement, it’s crucial to diversify your savings to balance risk and ensure steady growth. One popular savings option that has gained attention over the past year is the Certificate of Deposit (CD). So, are CDs good for retirement? Let’s learn more. This guide will explore whether retirement CDs are a good option for your retirement savings and how to incorporate them into your retirement planning.

Senior couple sitting and reviewing paperwork
12 min read

Retirement Planning Guide: Why Retirement Planning is Important and How to Get Started

As we age, ensuring that we have enough resources to sustain our desired lifestyle becomes increasingly critical. Thus, understanding why retirement planning is essential is the first step toward securing your future. Without a solid plan, you might face financial challenges during retirement, such as inadequate savings, high medical expenses, and an inability to cover basic living costs. On the other hand, by planning ahead, you can enjoy your retirement years without worrying about financial uncertainties.

With a solid retirement plan, you can achieve your dreams and maintain your desired lifestyle. Start with this retirement planning guide to learn how to navigate the complexities of saving and investing for the future.

An older woman typing on her laptop
12 min read

Refinancing Your Mortgage Loan as a Retirement Strategy: Is It Right for You?

As retirement approaches, financial stability becomes a paramount concern. Like many other Americans, your home is not only a place of comfort but might also be the largest asset or liability in your portfolio. Refinancing your mortgage is a common strategic move to enhance your financial situation as you transition into retirement. This guide will explore how to use refinancing effectively as part of a comprehensive mortgage and retirement planning strategy.

A woman sitting at a desk using her laptop
15 min read

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retirement? Pros and Cons

As retirement approaches, many homeowners begin to consider their financial landscape, particularly their mortgage—their most significant monthly expense. Often, the dilemma is: should I pay off my mortgage before I retire? Effective management of your mortgage loan situation as you near retirement is crucial. Making the correct choice will ensure financial stability and reduce stress in your later years. Deciding whether to pay off your mortgage before retirement or continue with regular payments should be on your retirement planning checklist.

what is an IRA
8 min read

What is an IRA and Should I Invest in One?

If you’re getting ready to save for retirement, you may be thinking of opening what’s known as an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). This is a common retirement savings tool to help you make the most of your hard-earned money. There are many different types of IRAs to choose from. Making the right choice all depends on your finances and future plans for your savings.

A couple on a couch looking at a laptop while consulting with a man with a folder of paperwork

Retirement plan checklist

Retirement planning can be a complex task that requires careful consideration to ensure you have enough funds to maintain a comfortable lifestyle during your golden years.

Senior couple looking at the menu in an outdoor coffee shop on retirement trip.
8 min read

Calculating Retirement: How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?

Saving for retirement is an almost universal problem. At some point, and at some age, most people aren’t physically able to keep working. And it’s why setting aside a nest egg is crucial. The idea of running out of money when you’re no longer able to work can be frightening to many people. Social Security is designed to fill in the gaps, not be the sole source of retirement income. Most people can’t afford to live just on their monthly Social Security benefits. That’s why you need to do your research before deciding how much to save for your retirement each month. You might also be able to use a retirement savings account to reduce your income tax at the end of the year. Use this in-depth guide to make sure you can cover your everyday expenses when going to work is no longer an option.

mutual funds vs effts
6 min read

ETFs vs. Mutual Funds: What makes them different

If you’re looking to invest in the stock market, you might be thinking about investing in a mutual fund. But exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become a popular alternative in recent years. They have many of the same benefits as mutual funds but are usually less expensive than mutual funds. Both options come with their fair share of pros and cons. If you’re not sure which is right for you, use this guide to get started.

Smiling man kneeling in forest collecting trash with woman in the background.
4 min read

What ESG Investors Should Know About Greenwashing

Investors want to know that the companies they support share their commitment to certain ideals. But judging a company based on these values can prove difficult. ESG investors can easily fall prey to what’s known as greenwashing, which is when a company deceives the investor into believing they are committed to certain causes and ideals. Learn more about the relationship between ESG investing and greenwashing, so you protect yourself from misleading claims.  

Young asian female looking at laptop in art studio.
5 min read

NFTs: What is NFT (Non-Fungible Token)?

There’s a new type of digital commodity on the market. NFTs have been gaining a lot of notoriety among traders, investors, and collectors. So, what are NFTs, and why are they causing such a fuss? Learn more about these unique digital assets and why they’re being called the future of trading.

401k loans
6 min read

What You Should Know Before Taking a Loan from Your 401(k)

Your 401(k) is your retirement nest egg. You’ll need that money later in life once you have stopped working. If you need extra cash for an emergency or have trouble making ends meet, you may be tempted to tap into your 401(k) before retiring. After all, it’s your money. But withdrawing from your account before you retire may leave you with less money for your golden years. Keep these tips in mind when tapping into your 401(k).

how to buy stocks
7 min read

How to Buy Stocks for the First Time: Know the Basics

You’ve heard about people buying stocks. You’ve even heard about people making a fortune by picking stocks. That sounds great! How do you get in on that? Not so fast. Buying stocks, even for the first time, is straightforward. Making a fortune on them can be harder, but it’s possible to get a nice rate of return without taking on unnecessary risk.

charitable giving
10 min read

Introduction to Charitable Giving

Philanthropy and charitable giving, once thought to be reserved for the wealthy and the elite, has become a common theme across much of today’s society. Charitable organizations fill a vital niche in our communities. They serve the public and support initiatives that may not be covered by the public or private sector and help create thriving societies and economies. Charitable giving can be both personally and financially rewarding, which is why it’s important to know what your options are so your gift has the biggest impact.

crypto
6 min read

What is Cryptocurrency?

There’s a new form of currency taking the world by storm known as cryptocurrency, or simply “crypto.” It’s a digital form of currency used to purchase goods and services around the world, but it doesn’t behave the same way as traditional cash. Here’s what you need to know about crypto before you invest.

A retired couple with hiking backpacks climbing a hill.
7 min read

Plan for Retirement: Know What Steps to Take & When

Planning for retirement should be something you do consciously, not something you put off until later in life. How well you plan for your future will dictate what your life will be like after you reach retirement age.

Male young professional reviewing 401(k) documents in his office.
7 min read

Maximizing and Getting the Most Out of Your 401(k)

Do you want a 401(k) plan? Does your work offer one? What is a 401(k), anyway? A 401k account is the most popular employer sponsored retirement investment option for tax-deferred savings—it can help secure your retirement. If you are self-employed, freelance, or don’t have access to a 401k account, you can start an individual retirement account (IRA) instead. To maximize the benefits of your plan, you need to be conscious of what’s available to you and stay committed to getting the most out of your 401(k).

Young African American male smiling. Studying charts on his laptop while looking at investing app on his phone at home.
15 min read

Investing 101: Investing for Beginners

In this beginner's guide, you'll learn what platforms are available for you to invest on, the pros and cons of each one and the types of accounts you may want to get started with.

Family sitting in a living room while grandmother point to document

Estate Planning Documents: Four Important Estate Planning Documents You Need

Estate planning allows you, not the courts, to make important decisions about your assets in the event you are incapacitated or deceased. Take a look at this lesson to learn about four documents that are essential to any estate plan.

Stock image showing ascending stacks of coins with a plant sprout to represent sustainable investing.
12 min read

Investing for Good – Sustainable Investing

ESG investing, SRI, impact investing, thematic investing, stock screeners; there are many ways to invest your dollars so they’re working for the greater good. Although there are many different names for these methods, they all share the common objective of investing your money in companies that align with your values and are trying to make a positive change. This primer into the wide world of sustainable investing will give you a little back story on how the movement was started, the key differences between the different methodologies and what you need to know to get started.

A retired couple reviewing documents.
30 min read

Three Retirement Topics to Plan For

Retirement. You’ve spent all your life preparing, dreaming and working towards that day when you get to trade your morning commute for a cruise to the Bahamas or grab a set of golf clubs on your way out the door instead of your briefcase. Whatever your ideal retirement looks like, they should all have a few things in common: Relaxing, fulfilling, secure, etc. But what you shouldn’t have to do is worry about money or pick up extra work out of necessity or financial hardships. To help make sure that your retirement years are some of the best of your life, take these three steps towards financial wellness.