Viewpoints about Financial basics
-
Who—or what—is a beneficiary?
Your life insurance policy and retirement plan have asked you to name a beneficiary—but what does that really mean? What happens if you don’t? Do you need beneficiaries for anything else? Although it’s critical to name beneficiaries, it’s pretty easy to do. We’ll explain the what, why, and how of beneficiaries to help you protect your loved ones and your assets.
Read more -
How do interest rates affect retirement savings?
You’ve heard that the Fed is raising interest rates. But what does it mean to you? Rising interest rates can affect your wallet today and in retirement. Learn why interest rates matter and what you can do to help minimize their impact on your finances.
Read more -
Does income replacement really measure retirement readiness?
Income replacement ratios can make appropriate benchmarks for 401(k) plan decision-makers, but participants might want to use a more personalized measure in planning for retirement.
Read more
-
What taxes do you pay on investments in your retirement accounts?
How you choose to save for retirement determines whether your money will be taxed now or later. Learn what taxes you may pay on investments in your 401(k), IRA, and personal savings.
Read more -
Blueprint for paying down your debt
If managing your debt feels overwhelming at times, you’re not alone—87% of people with major debt say managing their finances is a cause of stress. But there are steps you can take to improve your situation before turning to a formal debt relief program for help.
Read more -
Four ratios to help keep your personal finances on track
When you’re managing your personal finances, you may come across ratios you don’t understand. But some of them can make it easier to get your finances in order, and, knowing how to use these ratios can help you achieve your financial goals.
Read more -
.jpg)
What are asset classes?
Learn about the different investments and how they can help you reach your savings goal.
Read more -
What's a fund fact sheet?
Fund fact sheets play a critical role in helping you make informed investment decisions and determine if a fund aligns with your financial goals. But don’t let all the data points overwhelm you—let’s break down the key components, so you can walk away feeling confident that you understand the funds.
Read more -
How does investing work? The basics
You’d like to start investing, but you’re not quite sure how to get started. The basic concepts are simple once you break them down despite the fancy terms. Let’s go through some of the essentials so you can feel better about getting started.
Read more -
Renting versus buying a home
Is it better to rent or buy a home? The short answer is “it depends.” Here are some key financial, economic, and lifestyle considerations that can help you decide which option is best for you.
Read more