Employed - 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy

Understanding 401(k) Plan Fees and Expenses

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:37:01 EDT

If you direct your own 401(k) plan investments you'll need to consider the investment objectives, the risk and return characteristics and the performance over time of each investment option offered by your plan in order to make sound investment decisions. Fees and expenses are factors that may affect your investment returns, and therefore impact your retirement income.

Happy Healthday! HSAs Turn 10

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:33:22 EDT

Created 10 years ago as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003, health savings accounts (HSAs) have gained in popularity over the past decade. If you are eligible to contribute to an HSA, you may want to take another look at these savings plans, which could benefit your financial situation both now and in the future.

Four Retirement Saving Myths

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:43:34 EDT

No matter how many years you are from retirement, it's essential to have some kind of game plan in place for financing it. With today's longer life expectancies, retirement can last 25 years or more, and counting on Social Security or a company pension to cover all your retirement income needs isn't a strategy you really want to rely on. As you put a plan together, watch out for these common myths.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:32:04 EST

The new year started with some political drama, as Congress passed legislation on January 1, 2013, to prevent the country from going over the "fiscal cliff." The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA) permanently extends a number of major tax provisions and temporarily extends many others. The legislation also temporarily postpones major automatic spending cuts that were scheduled to take place at the beginning of the year. Here's what you need to know.

Compounding Can Add Fuel to Your Portfolio

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:58:08 EST

If you enter the terms "Albert Einstein" and "compounding" into an Internet search engine, you'll discover a wide variety of quotes attributed to the great inventor. Some results say Einstein called compounding the "greatest mathematical discovery of all time," while others say he called it the "most powerful force in the universe." Despite the many variations, Einstein's point is valid: compounding can add fuel to your portfolio's growth. The key is to allow enough time to let it go to work.

The Economics of Borrowing from Your 401(k)

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:04:33 EST

When times are tough, that pool of dollars sitting in your 401(k) plan account may start to look attractive. But before you decide to take a plan loan, be sure you understand the financial impact. It's not as simple as you think.

Real-life Financial Tips for Different Generations

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:51:14 EST

Do you remember The Game of Life®? In Milton Bradley's popular board game, players progress through life stages making decisions that affect their prosperity. Like those players, today's generations face financial decisions with lasting effects. Here are some tips for staying focused despite life's ups and downs.

How to Give Wisely and Well

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:36:54 EST

Giving to charity has never been easier. You can donate the old-fashioned way--by mail--but you can also donate online, by text, or through social networking sites. According to the National Center for Charitable Statistics, over 1.4 million nonprofit organizations are registered with the IRS. With so many charities to choose from, it's more important than ever to ensure that your donation is well spent. Here are some tips that can help you become both a generous and wise donor.

Healthy Personal Finance Resolutions for the New Year

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:14:40 EST

The new year is the time when many individuals start making resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle. And while resolving to eat better and exercise more is a good thing, you should be sure to make resolutions that pertain to the overall health of your personal finances as well.

On the Precipice: The "Fiscal Cliff"

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:45:13 EST