If you have a work place retirement account, you are likely investing in mutual funds. While other investment vehicles like exchange traded funds (ETFs) have grown in popularity, mutual funds haven’t been replaced. At least not yet. Here’s what you need to know. What are mutual funds? Mutual funds are companies that pool money from investors. […]
How can we get the most out of our 401k plans? Ignoring articles that claim they’re a scam is the first step. Participating in your company 401k plan is a must if you’re serious about saving for the long term. Take these steps to make sure you’re not missing out. Participate If you’re eligible to participate in […]
A 401k loan, while well intended, can be the ruin of a great retirement savings plan. When a 401k plan allows this option, participants are often able to borrow up to 50% of their account value up to a maximum of $50,000. It is important to acknowledge that borrowing from a 401k could be a […]
Through my work as a Certified Financial Planner™ I receive and respond to many questions throughout the course of a week. They come from clients, readers, colleagues, friends, family, and more. Some questions are general in nature while others are specific. Either way, there are still little nuggets of information that can be helpful to others. […]
SIMPLE IRA plans can be a great way for a small company to provide a low cost retirement benefit as an alternative to a qualified retirement plan like a 401(k) and profit sharing plan. SIMPLE IRA stands for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees. However, calling it simple is probably a misnomer. To be fair, […]
Retirement investing for teachers can be confusing. In addition to pensions, teachers can have access to 403b and 457 plans. There are also considerations related to Social Security. It’s no wonder many teachers are scratching their heads. When it comes to the Natomas 403b plan, there are excellent resources available from human resources and the benefits team. […]
What a year it has been! As we say goodbye to 2017, here’s a look back at some of the most popular posts on The Astute Advisor blog. Hopefully you find some of these articles helpful. I love reading your comments and feedback. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can reach me via email […]
When I launched The Astute Advisor personal finance site, I was excited to reach a much broader audience. But I’ve always believed that the blog shouldn’t be my voice alone. I’m convinced my readers will benefit by hearing from other financial professionals too. Here are some articles that are worth a read. Enjoy. Some Market Myths […]
Credit card debt is the enemy of financial success. Not all debt is created equal and there are no set standards as to what is considered too much debt. What is manageable for one may not be for another. Don’t underestimate the power of compound interest. With credit cards, it’s not your friend. If you […]
401k plans are becoming the primary source for retirement savings for many Americans. But still, many retirement savers are in the dark. When it comes to the Apple 401k plan, there are excellent resources available from human resources and the benefits team. But don’t stop there. Whether you are a current participant or a recently […]
