401(k) plans are designed to help in retirement, but if you don’t follow the rules, you may find yourself facing 401(k) withdrawal penalties. This is because the purpose of a 401(k) plan is to provide money following retirement from employment...
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February 10, 2025
How a 401(k) Loan Could Derail Your Retirement Goals
It is becoming more popular to take a 401(k) loan. A December 2023 report found “more retirement savers have taken loans from their 401(k) accounts over the past year, suggesting that U.S. households are borrowing more readily as they feel...
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February 3, 2025
Market Outlook: What’s Next for 2025?
The S&P 500 went up more than 20% for 2 years in a row, an impressive run that doesn’t happen often. After 2 years of strong market performance, what should investors expect next? Keep reading (or watch the video) below...
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January 27, 2025
8 Things to Know Before Filing 2024 Taxes
Tax season kicks off this week, and with it comes a handful of changes you’ll want to know about before filing your 2024 taxes. From adjustments to standard deductions and tax brackets to updated rules on credits, contributions, and thresholds,...
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January 20, 2025
3 Major 401(k) Changes in 2025 You Need to Know
Retirement savers, take note – 2025 is bringing big changes to 401(k) plans. That’s because the SECURE Act 2.0 introduces changes that could offer investors new opportunities to enhance their retirement savings. These updates aim to make saving for retirement...
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January 13, 2025
Are These 401(k) Myths Impacting Your Retirement Savings?
401(k) plans are a critical tool for many Americans striving to secure their retirement. These tax-advantaged accounts often represent a significant portion of an investor’s financial future. However, common misconceptions about 401(k) plans may hinder participants from optimizing their retirement...
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January 6, 2025
How to Increase Retirement Savings in 2025
If you know you need to make some changes in order to increase retirement savings in 2025, then keep reading. We’ve compiled 9 potential changes you can make to your saving, spending, and investing habits that may increase retirement savings...
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December 30, 2024
12 Personal Finance Tips for 2025
As we wrap up 2024, it’s time to focus on personal finance tips for 2025. Make getting your financial house in order your main 2025 resolution. Not only is it possible, but it is also something many of us need...
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December 23, 2024
Why It Might Be Time for a Spending Break
America, it may be time to hit pause on spending. Even if just for a little while. The statistics from Clever speak volumes: Nearly three-quarters of Americans (71%) have regrets about their spending, and a majority of Americans (55%) say...
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December 16, 2024
2025 Retirement Savings Rules You Need to Know
The 2025 retirement savings rules may provide new opportunities for individuals to save more in their 401(k) plans. This is due to the passing of SECURE Act 2.0 which passed in 2022, which many provisions set to take effect in...
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December 9, 2024
2025’s Super Catch-Up 401(k) Contribution: What You Need to Know
If you’re between the ages of 60 and 63, 2025 marks a golden opportunity to supercharge your retirement savings. Thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act, the IRS is rolling out a special “super catch-up” 401(k) contribution limit, allowing eligible individuals...
![Americans Lack Plans for Retirement Income [New Study]](https://hawkscompanies.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Americans-Lack-Plans-for-Retirement-Income.jpg)
December 2, 2024
Americans Lack Plans for Retirement Income [New Study]
Allianz Life’s 2024 Annual Retirement Study is out, and it shows a whole lot of Americans lack plans for retirement income. In fact, more than half of Americans do not have a plan in place for retirement.¹ If that isn’t...
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November 25, 2024
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...
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November 19, 2024
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...
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November 11, 2024
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...