Recent data from Vanguard and Fidelity shows 401(k) hardship withdrawals at record highs as everyday costs rise and savings run thin. Understanding the long-term impact of pulling from your retirement and taking steps to build an emergency fund, can help you avoid setbacks and stay on track. 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals Are Rising Fast Data… Continue reading 401(k) Hardship Withdrawals Hit Record Highs
One of the fastest ways to pay off holiday debt is to lower your interest rates, use a proven payoff method like the Avalanche or Snowball, and make extra payments whenever possible. These steps help reduce interest, speed up your payoff timeline, and eliminate holiday debt faster. How Many Americans Went into Holiday Debt… Continue reading Holiday Debt Payoff Strategies That Work Fast
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]
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
According to the Goldman Sachs Retirement Survey & Insights Report 2025, many Americans are struggling to save as basic expenses rise faster than wages. Here’s what the data means for your 401(k) and what you can do right now to improve your retirement outlook. Why Is Saving for Retirement Getting Harder? If saving for… Continue reading What’s Hurting Your 401(k) and How to Fix It
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?
As 2025 wraps up, now may be the perfect time to tighten up your finances and set yourself up for a stronger year ahead. These 12 year-end money moves may help you save more, lower your tax bill, and start 2026 with real financial momentum. #1 Max Out Your 401(k) or Increase December Contributions… Continue reading 12 Financial Moves to Start 2026 Strong
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
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
The final weeks of the year are more than just holiday prep and family gatherings. They’re also your last chance to make financial moves before year-end that could boost your retirement savings, lower your tax bill, and set you up for a stronger 2026. Whether you’re trying to catch up, get organized, or make the… Continue reading 7 Smart Money Moves to Make before Year-End
