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Category: General Blog

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How to Improve Your Finances in 2026 [12-Step Financial Checklist]

To improve your finances in 2026, assess your full financial picture, set achievable goals, automate savings, rebuild your emergency fund, increase your 401(k) contributions, and rebalance your 401(k). These 12 steps create a clear roadmap for stronger financial stability in 2026 and beyond.   #1 Get a Clear Picture of Your Finances Before you can… Continue reading How to Improve Your Finances in 2026 [12-Step Financial Checklist]

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One of the Best Gifts You Can Give Your Family This Holiday

The best gift you can give your family this holiday is unplugging. Turn off the devices. Connect with each other. The holidays are stressful.  Now, add in being constantly plugged in via electronic devices (or smartphones). It can be too much.  According to the American Psychological Association, “U.S. adults are feeling joyous but overwhelmed this… Continue reading One of the Best Gifts You Can Give Your Family This Holiday

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401(k) Balances by Age: Where Do You Stand?

Understanding the average and median 401(k) balance by age helps you see where you really stand. Vanguard’s data shows a wide gap between the average balance of $148,153 and the median of $38,176, revealing how uneven retirement readiness is. Use these benchmarks to evaluate your savings progress.   401(k) Benchmarks by Age When it comes… Continue reading 401(k) Balances by Age: Where Do You Stand?

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How to Avoid Holiday Debt: 8 Steps to Stay on Budget

Holiday spending is rising sharply in 2025, with shoppers planning to spend more on gifts and online purchases than last year. This guide shares 8 steps to help you avoid holiday debt, set clear expectations, create a realistic budget, shop smarter, and stay in control of your finances this season.   Holiday Spending Is Surging… Continue reading How to Avoid Holiday Debt: 8 Steps to Stay on Budget

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Retirement 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits for 2026

Updated: November 2025 According to the IRS (Notice 2025-67, released November 13, 2025), the 401(k) contribution limit will rise to $24,500 for 2026, up $1,000 from 2025, while the IRA contribution limit increases to $7,500 plus a $1,100 catch-up for savers age 50 and older.[1]  These cost-of-living adjustments, part of the SECURE 2.0 Act updates,… Continue reading Retirement 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits for 2026

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Why the 2026 Social Security COLA Increase Won’t Be Enough

If you’re hoping the 2026 Social Security COLA will help ease the pressure of rising costs, don’t get your hopes up. The 2026 increase is only 2.8%.¹  With inflation, Medicare premiums, and everyday expenses climbing faster, it won’t go far.  In this post, we’ll help break down what the new COLA really means, why it… Continue reading Why the 2026 Social Security COLA Increase Won’t Be Enough

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401(k) Loan Repayment Rules: What Happens If You Default?

When times get tough, borrowing from your 401(k) may seem like a smart solution.  After all, it’s your money, right?  But here’s the catch: If you don’t follow the 401(k) loan repayment rules, you could end up facing serious tax bills and penalties, and possibly hurt your retirement future. Let’s break down what really happens… Continue reading 401(k) Loan Repayment Rules: What Happens If You Default?