Learning Center

Employees are usually unaware but many 401k plans allow borrowing from your 401k account balance.  Of course, the primary purpose of a 401k is to fund your retirement but on occasion it may make sense to borrow money from the plan. Basics of Borrowing from  …read more »

Although you may personally handle many of your financial affairs, sometimes you may need the services of a financial professional. Financial professionals include financial planners, attorneys, securities brokers, and other specialists. Selecting the right financial professional means evaluating the services they can offer and their  …read more »

A 403(b) plan is an employer-sponsored retirement plan for certain employees of public schools, tax-exempt (501(c)(3)) organizations, and churches. The employer can purchase annuity contracts for eligible employees, or establish custodial accounts to be invested in mutual funds or other investments. In the case of  …read more »

In many cases, a specific life event or a perceived need may prompt you to seek professional financial planning guidance. Such events or needs might include: Getting married or divorced Having a baby or adopting a child Paying for your child’s college education Buying or selling a  …read more »

Maybe you have reservations about consulting a financial advisor because you’re uncertain about what to expect. Here are some common misconceptions about financial advisors, and the truth behind them: Most people don’t need financial advisors – While it’s true that you may have the knowledge and ability to manage your  …read more »

Even if you feel competent enough to develop a plan of your own, a financial advisor can act as a sounding board for your ideas and help you focus on your goals, using his or her broad knowledge of areas such as estate planning and investments. Specifically,  …read more »

There’s no denying the benefits of a college education: the ability to compete in today’s competitive job market, increased earning power, and expanded horizons. But these advantages come at a price–college is expensive. And yet, year after year, thousands of students graduate from college. So,  …read more »

You may be familiar with the rules for putting money into a 401(k) plan. But are you familiar with the rules for taking your money out? Federal law limits the withdrawal options that a 401(k) plan can offer. But a 401(k) plan may offer fewer  …read more »

The maximum amount you can contribute to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA in 2012 remains at $5,000 (or 100% of your earned income, if less), unchanged from 2011. The maximum catch-up contribution for those age 50 or older remains at $1,000. (You can contribute  …read more »

Establish a goal. If you specify a savings goal, you’ll be able to measure your progress.  We can advise you to the dollar, how much money you need to save monthly, quarterly or annually to meet your goals.  Save regularly. Set up automatic withdrawals from your paycheck  …read more »