Author: ahawks

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Categorized as Holidays

12 Thanksgiving Traditions Explained

There are many Thanksgiving traditions we enjoy, yet often participate in them without knowing their origins. For instance, why do we eat turkey? Why do we watch a parade with giant inflatable character balloons?  And when did Friendsgiving become a thing? Keep reading for 12 popular Thanksgiving traditions, and you might just be the smartest… Continue reading 12 Thanksgiving Traditions Explained

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Categorized as Retirement Lifestyle Tips, Retirement Mistakes

Aging Parents & Finances: A Financial Talk Every Family Should Have

As our parents age, it’s natural to start worrying about their financial well-being. But how do you approach a conversation about money with the very people who raised you? We get it. It’s awkward. According to a Bankrate survey, “Americans think money is more taboo to talk about than their political or religious views.”¹ Specifically,… Continue reading Aging Parents & Finances: A Financial Talk Every Family Should Have

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Categorized as Retirement Savings, Retirement Tips

Retirement 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits for 2025

The IRS announced changes to retirement contribution limits to help workers boost their retirement savings with cost-of-living adjustments.  Whether you’re saving through a 401(k), IRA, or another retirement plan, these updates can help you plan to maximize your contributions and ensure your retirement fund grows over time. 401(k) Retirement Plan Contribution Limits for 2025 401(k)s:… Continue reading Retirement 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits for 2025

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Categorized as 401(k) Mistakes, Retirement Mistakes

Avoid the 401(k) to IRA Rollover Cash Trap

Many Americans are potentially missing out on retirement savings by falling victims to the 401(k) to IRA rollover cash trap. According to Andy Reed, head of investor behavior research at Vanguard, “IRA cash is a billion-dollar blind spot.”¹ A recent report from Vanguard found that almost two-thirds of rollover investors unintentionally hold cash without investing… Continue reading Avoid the 401(k) to IRA Rollover Cash Trap

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Categorized as Uncategorized

What to Do If You’re Nearing Retirement with Less Savings Than Expected

If you are nearing retirement and have less savings than expected, you are not alone. Many Americans feel the same way. The 2023 Protected Retirement Income and Planning (PRIP) study from the Alliance for Lifetime Income found:  51% of consumers between 45 and 75 feel they do not have enough retirement savings to last their… Continue reading What to Do If You’re Nearing Retirement with Less Savings Than Expected

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Categorized as Retirement Savings, Retirement Tips

Social Security COLA Increase Is Not Designed to Cover Retirement

On October 10, the new Social Security COLA increase was announced, and many retirees were disappointed. Each year, there is a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which is determined by a measurement of the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. The 2025 Social Security COLA increase is merely 2.5%.¹ This… Continue reading Social Security COLA Increase Is Not Designed to Cover Retirement

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Categorized as 401(k) Mistakes, Financial Health

5 Things to Consider with Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs

In today’s dynamic job market, it’s not uncommon for people to change jobs several times throughout their careers.  With each job transition comes a new set of considerations, especially when it comes to your 401(k). So, what do you do with your 401(k) when you change jobs? If you have been taking advantage of your… Continue reading 5 Things to Consider with Your 401(k) When You Change Jobs

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Categorized as Uncategorized

401(k) Balance by Age: How Do You Measure Up?

According to Vanguard’s 2024 How America Saves Report, the average 401(k) balance for participants in 2023 was $134,128, with a median balance of $35,286. Vanguard participants’ average account balances increased by 19% since year-end 2022.¹ How does your 401(k) balance compare to others in your age group?   In this post, we break down the latest… Continue reading 401(k) Balance by Age: How Do You Measure Up?

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Categorized as Retirement Savings, Retirement Tips, Uncategorized

Is Professional 401(k) Account Management Really Worth It?

401(k) account management is an option for anyone with a 401(k) – no matter how close or far you are from retirement. Even if you have some basic investment knowledge, you might want to consider seeking expert advice. Think of it this way – financial advisors manage 401(k) accounts for a living. It’s their job. … Continue reading Is Professional 401(k) Account Management Really Worth It?