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Midyear Outlook 2024: Still Waiting for the Turn
Midyear Outlook 2024: Still Waiting for the Turn By LPL Financial Research As we reach the halfway point of 2024, a sense of persistence defines the economic and market landscape. Trends from late 2023 have continued, with surprisingly...
Read MoreThe Role of Insurance in Your Financial Plan
A critical part of financial planning that is often overlooked is insurance. Having various insurance policies will provide different benefits to your financial plan, ranging from protection to tax breaks. In fact, insurance is a...
Read More3 Ways for Women to Achieve Financial Independence
For many women, working toward financial independence is more difficult. Obstacles women face include having a longer life expectancy than men which will require more savings for retirement, spending fewer years in the workforce than...
Read MoreSocial Security Simplified: Common Questions and Answers
Most American workers who earn wage income and pay Social Security taxes via withholding receive Social Security benefits at some point in retirement. While the Social Security Administration has tried to make the process easier.
Read MoreIt’s Not Too Late to Become Financially Literate
Financial literacy is crucial to a solid financial future and an enjoyable retirement. No matter your age, when you understand how to manage your money and finances, you can make sound financial decisions.
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Old 401(k), New Tricks: 6 Tips for Rolling Over Your 401(k)
The average American worker will change jobs more than once in their lifetime. While there are multiple options such as leaving your 401(k) in your former plan if allowed, cashing out the account balance, or transferring the 401(k).
Read MoreMaking the Most of an Interest Rate Hike Pause: Financial Tips and Strategies
In times of market volatility, when inflation is increasing, the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates to help to cool the inflation spike. During this period, people are anxious and keep a tight grip on their wallets.
Read MoreInvesting Made Easy: How to Start Small
Investing is an essential tool for building wealth and independence. For some, investing may seem confusing or frustrating due to the perceived risk and complex products.
Read MoreYou’re About to Retire: Here are 7 Tips to Stay Independent
Independence is important in retirement. The more independent retirees are, the more fulfilling their retirement is likely to be.
Read More7 Tips for Near Retirees to Protect Their Financial Data
While protecting your financial data has always been important, it grows even more critical as you start planning for retirement.
Read MorePlanning to Bridge the Retirement Savings Gap
The prospect of retirement is a time that many look forward to, envisioning a period of relaxation and enjoyment after years of hard work. However, a recent report from the Congressional Research Service has shed light.
Read MoreYour Year-End Estate Planning Guide: An 8-Step Checklist
When it comes to your estate plan, you don’t just have it drafted and put away until it is time for your loved ones to manage your lifetime of affairs. As your world changes year by year, it is critical that you review your estate plan.
Read MoreSpreading Holiday Cheer with Year-End Giving
The holidays are nearly upon us – a time of giving, goodwill to others, and embracing traditions. For many people, giving to a charity or organization that aligns with your values provides a sense of fulfillment.
Read MoreYour Traditional 401(k) Year-End Review Checklist
A 401(k) plan is one of the most popular and effective techniques for saving for your retirement. A company will automatically withdraw and contribute money from each paycheck to your 401(k) plan.
Read MoreCaregiving: A Decision That May Impact Your Retirement Savings
Many women have been a caregiver while raising children. Still, now many are caring for a loved one out of necessity as the older family member can no longer care for themselves.
Read MoreNavigating the 4 Phases of Retirement
Retirement seems like a long way off, but it arrives faster than you think. The big question is, are you ready? What exactly does retirement entail? Analysts suggest there are four designated phases of retirement.
Read MoreBreaking Out of Recession Burnout
Nearly 1 in 3 Americans report that they aren't prepared for a recession — despite the near-constant drumbeat of recession talk from media and economic experts alike.1
Read MoreRegain Confidence and Restore Your Retirement
The path to retirement can often seem daunting, with the end goal appearing distant and difficult to reach. This sentiment has only grown in recent years, as indicated by a recent report on the Economic Well-Being of US Adults.
Read MoreWhich Student Loan Repayment Strategy Is Appropriate for You?
When it comes to repaying your student loans, one size does not necessarily fit all. The key to a manageable repayment plan is to find a strategy that works well for your goals, budget, and lifestyle.
Read MoreA Financial Checklist for Life-Changing Events
When it comes to financial planning, people often think of financial professionals as people who assist with strategies for retirement planning. That is one aspect of their job.
Read MoreDo You Know What Type of Investor You Are?
Do you know the answer if your financial professional asks you what type of investor you are? While it may be challenging to classify yourself off the top of your head, knowing what type of investor you are might help you.
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2023: The Path Toward Stability
Our 2023 investing outlook started with a theme of returning to normalcy. Considering 2022’s market volatility and the aftereffects of the pandemic, the idea of finding balance was certainly a welcomed change.
Read MoreFinances and Fireworks: 5 Strategies to Help Preserve and Celebrate Your Financial Freedom
Your finances are probably one of the last places you want to experience fireworks—unless they are celebratory. This Independence Day may be a good time to take stock of your path toward financial independence.
Read MoreAs Rates Rise, CDs Are Making a Big Comeback
Fixed-income investments such as bonds, Treasury bills, and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) provide a steady income stream and are generally considered to be less risky than other types of investments such as equities. Read on for more.
Read MoreSECURE 2.0 Adds New Early Withdrawal Exceptions
The SECURE 2.0 Act added new exceptions to the federal income tax penalty for early withdrawals from tax-advantaged retirement accounts and expanded an existing exception to employer plans. Here is more information.
Read MoreAs Volatility Increases, So Does Retirement Worry
Getting ready for retirement involves more than just calculating how much you will need and the rate you can draw down your savings.
Read MoreHow to Financially Prepare for Adoption
Private adoption in the U.S. is expensive. Fortunately, there are quite a few things that families may be able to do to reduce or even outright eliminate the cost of adoption.
Read More3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Claim Social Security
If you are unsure when to start your Social Security benefits claim, here are a few questions that may help you determine if it is time to make a claim or if you should delay a little longer.
Read MoreInvest in Your Financial Education During Financial Literacy Month
It may be worth the effort to brush up on some financial concepts that give you a broader knowledge base from which to make financial decisions.
Read MoreSpring Has Sprung: Time to Refresh Your Retirement Plan
With 2023 bringing increased limits for 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and other tax-advantaged accounts, it's worth taking a closer look at your retirement savings.
Read MoreUnderstanding Your Credit Mix to Avoid a Credit Mix-Up
Paying your bills on time and only using a portion of your available credit may help your credit score. Your credit mix makes up 10% of your FICO score.1 Read on for how to avoid a credit mix-up on your credit mix.
Read MoreWhy Caregivers Should Care About Estate Planning
If you are a caregiver and still unsure as to whether an estate plan is necessary, here are a few reasons to consider one.
Read More10 Tips to Develop Financial Wellness This Year
Financial wellness is essential to being financially secure and meeting your goals. Here are ten tips to help you develop financial wellness this year:
Read MoreTax Prep Checklist: Everything You Need to Be Ready for Tax Season
Whether you prepare your taxes yourself or use a professional's services, it's a good idea to gather the information and documentation you need well in advance of your actual tax filing date. Here are some tips to get ready.
Read MoreA Path to Setting and Reaching Your 2023 Goals
Setting goals for a new year can feel overwhelming. We all know that resolutions don’t always last, but we also feel the energy that comes with a new year of possibilities. Here’s a clearer path for setting and reaching your goals.
Read MoreEnd of Year (EOY) Deadlines Checklist
With a new year right around the corner, meeting end of year deadlines and getting tax efficiencies in place now may make for a smoother transition. Read on for several things you'll want to accomplish before 2022 draws to a close.
Read MoreA Year-End Wealth Planning Guide
As we approach the end of the year, you may want to review areas that may impact your wealth and estate planning next year. In this year-end planning guide, we examine four critical areas to consider that may affect your finances:...
Read MoreFinancial Planning for Foster Care Parents
If you are a current foster care parent or you hope to foster one or more children in the future, your financial planning needs are likely different than those of non-foster parents. Becoming a foster parent in any state requires...
Read More8 Things Financial Planning Can Help You Address
Financial planning is unique for each person; no two financial plans look the same because everyone's life and personal goals are different. Regardless of what your goals are, financial planning can help you work towards achieving them...
Read MoreFinancial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture
Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached.That's where financial planning...
Read MoreA Fall Financial Checklist
For many, autumn is the best time of year. The return of cool breezes, comforting foods, and pumpkins can be invigorating. It’s also a bookmark of sorts, especially for your finances—a perfect time to take stock of your...
Read MoreBalancing Work and Family
At one time, the typical American family looked like this: a breadwinner father who commuted a short distance to work and earned a very good living, and a stay-at-home mother who took care of the kids and family home with aplomb. Life...
Read MoreThe Principles of Financial Literacy
Financial literacy refers to the skills and knowledge that allow an individual to make informed and effective decisions through their understanding of finances. Financial literacy starts by building a basic understanding of 'money matters'
Read MoreA Survival Guide for a Bear Market
A bear market is a prolonged period of price declines in securities, an index such as the S&P 500, or the overall stock market of usually 20% or more from a recent high. Bear markets can also signal economic downturns such as a...
Read MoreAging Parents and Money
Getting old is hard. Your parents’ ability to manage their own finances may decline as they age. Helping them with money matters is a sensitive issue you need to approach carefully.When you hit a certain age of your life, you may...
Read MoreLPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2022: Navigating Turbulence
Markets rarely give us clear skies, and there are always threats to watch for on the horizon, but the right preparation, context, and support can help us navigate anything that may lie ahead. So far, this year hasn’t seen a...
Read MorePlanning For Unexpected Costs Before You Retire
Your retirement planning needs to incorporate more than just investments Your open heart and your relatives can combine to threaten your retirement savings – savings you soon may need. Learn the true cost to your future...
Read MoreTips to Shape Up Your Fiscal Fitness this Summer
A regular program of disciplined financial practices can help you in the long-runMany people realize that the best way to stay in shape is to develop an appropriate fitness regimen and then stick with it. If you start a fitness program...
Read More3 Key Money Moves Every Parent Should Make
Whether you are expecting your first child or have been a parent for years, finances and building a future for your family go hand-in-hand. Luckily, there are money moves you can make now to help manage financial stress, support...
Read MoreRevive Your Resolve: How to Recommit to Your Goals and Resolutions
The start of the year has come and gone. You may find that the goals and resolutions you set at the start are no longer getting the attention they deserve. Whether you are feeling your motivation waning or feel like the goal is too far...
Read MoreAmerica’s Changing Vision of Retirement
Retirement planning is a primary reason for long-term saving, and when people think about retirement, finances are often the focus. However, it is important to also look at the nonfinancial aspects of transitioning from the world of...
Read More5 Ways a Financial Professional Can Be Your Financial Planning Superhero
If you find yourself wavering back and forth on whether it's worth involving a financial professional for tax, retirement, or investment advice, consider this:A financial professional may be able to help defend you against crime and...
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