Financial Planning

When it comes to saving for your future, deciding where to direct your next dollar can be difficult. From emergency funds and workplace retirement plans to debt repayment and long-term goals, a general "hierarchy" is one framework individuals may use to guide their savings decisions.

This comprehensive video explores key insights and best practices to use when applying for your Social Security benefits. It's never too early to begin to educate yourself on the various topics that will impact your retirement readiness. Our hope is to continually provide plan participants valuable information like this that can help them on their journey.

When it comes to saving for your future, deciding where to direct your next dollar can be difficult. From emergency funds and workplace retirement plans to debt repayment and long-term goals, a general "hierarchy" is one framework individuals may use to guide their savings decisions.

Starting January 1, 2026, a significant change takes effect for workplace retirement plan participants age 50 or older who earned more than $145,000 in the prior year: any catch-up contributions to a 401(k) or 403(b) must be made as Roth (after-tax) contributions. This requirement comes via the SECURE Act 2.0. This article explains what the change means, who it applies to, and how it might influence your retirement savings strategy.

This article describes the distinction between "good" and "bad" debt, offers a framework for evaluating when borrowing may make sense, and highlights habits, such as maintaining an emergency fund and managing credit responsibly, that are intended to keep debt from becoming overwhelming. It is a general guide to evaluating borrowing decisions and to considerations that may support your long-term financial health.

When it comes to saving for future education expenses, the timing and structure of your approach are worth considering. Education costs have risen over time, and a structured approach is one way families may organize how and when they save.

When it comes to managing your credit, understanding what drives your credit score is relevant to your overall financial picture. Payment history, credit utilization, and the length and mix of your credit accounts are among the factors that scoring models weigh in producing a score, which lenders may use in evaluating creditworthiness.

When it comes to using credit cards, how you choose and manage them is relevant to your broader financial picture. Credit cards may offer convenience, flexibility, and a way to build credit history, but they also carry interest costs and fees, and balances carried over time can grow substantially.

When it comes to managing student loan debt, a clear plan is one way to approach the decisions involved. From understanding how much you owe and reviewing loan terms to prioritizing higher-interest balances and exploring repayment options, a structured approach is one way to organize those decisions.