Every path to financial security starts somewhere. Some of us had a leg up, in the form of debt-free college educations or trust funds. But lots of us didn’t. As you’ve probably read, fewer than half of Americans have enough money saved to cover a $1,000 emergency. If you don’t have an emergency fund or if you’re afraid to look at your credit card balance, you’re far from alone. The good … [Read more...] about The Building Blocks of Financial Security
Saving and Investing
What Does Market Volatility Mean for Your Investments?
Many millennials were either just starting our careers or still in school in 2008, and now we’re older, with more complicated lives and the additional bank accounts to match. Many of us have kids and mortgages now, or small businesses with employees we’ve had to lay off — or both. Once again, we’re faced with a truly scary time. We’re afraid for our health and the wellbeing of the people we love. … [Read more...] about What Does Market Volatility Mean for Your Investments?
How to Set Yourself Up for a Future Career Break
There may come a time in your career when working 40-plus hours a week just isn’t possible. It’s common to exit the workforce for a few years to deal with a health issue, or care for young children or elderly relatives. But your reasons for wanting a break may be different! Lots of workers are taking a detour from their career path to travel, take on a creative project, learn new skills, or avoid … [Read more...] about How to Set Yourself Up for a Future Career Break
5 Ways to Build Wealth in 30 Minutes or Less
You’re ready to get your finances organized and begin making your money work harder for you, but knowing where to start is difficult. It doesn’t help that financial planners have traditionally given clients a novel-length report of findings and recommendations complete with complicated charts and graphs. Taking a stack of papers home and trying to remember what you were supposed to do is … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Build Wealth in 30 Minutes or Less
What Happens to My Roth IRA When My Income Increases?
I frequently recommend Roth IRAs to my clients as part of their retirement savings strategy. Because you contribute after-tax income, millennials who are still establishing their careers (and therefore are in a lower tax bracket) can lock in a lower tax rate on contributions now, and then pay no taxes when withdrawing money in retirement — even if you’re in a higher tax bracket. You … [Read more...] about What Happens to My Roth IRA When My Income Increases?
The Gen Y Planning Guide to Company Stock: What Are Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)?
This is the fourth post in a series on employer stock programs. Check out the previous posts on Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, and Employee Stock Purchase Plans. Like other forms of company stock, Restricted Stock Units, or RSUs, are granted to employees to attract, reward, and retain them. This can be when you’re first hired, or later on as a bonus (or both!). What Are … [Read more...] about The Gen Y Planning Guide to Company Stock: What Are Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)?