Tools to Help You Reach Your Money Goals - Page 3

Changing jobs is common, especially as employees make vertical moves for better pay or more favorable working conditions. Forgetting about retirement plans from past employers is a regular occurrence as well. There are more than 31.9 million lost 401(k) retirement accounts holding an estimated $2.1 trillion in assets, according to data from Capitalize, a technology… Continue reading How to find old 401(k) from previous employer: 4-step recovery guide

Earlier this year, both branches of Congress and President Trump approved a resolution blocking a rule that would have limited banking overdraft fees to $5. The rule would have become effective on Oct. 1, 2025. It cannot now go into effect without further Congressional action. Banking industry groups applauded the move to get rid of… Continue reading Senate vote on bank overdraft fees: What consumers need to know

When it comes to investing, I tend to prefer a balanced approach — one that blends growth potential with a solid dose of security. This has been especially true the last few years as my husband and I have moved closer and closer to early retirement. While I’m comfortable with stocks and index funds for long-term… Continue reading Why I invested in a Gainbridge annuity

The average American carries more than $6,000 in credit card debt, which is troubling on its own. Add in the fact that the average credit card interest rates currently exceed 20%, and you can see how the current debt landscape is a recipe for disaster. High-interest debt like this can be especially challenging to repay,… Continue reading How to use a personal loan for debt consolidation

If you’re not flush with cash, a monthly maintenance fee at your bank can feel like an unwelcome extra charge. This fee, also known as a service fee, is a regular charge some banks and credit unions apply for account upkeep. It might seem unfair to pay to keep your money in a bank account,… Continue reading How can you avoid a monthly maintenance fee? Guide to banking fee-free

Millions of Americans receive access to retirement planning through their employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. Although a powerful tool to save for retirement, it’s easy to forget when you switch jobs or retire. Scores of 401(k) plans are forgotten by Americans, with Capitalize reporting over 29 million 401(k) accounts, worth $1.65 trillion in retirement assets, being left… Continue reading How to rollover 401(k)

Life is rarely predictable. Your car needs a major repair, or you have unplanned medical bills, and you need quick access to cash to avoid burdensome debt. An emergency fund is designed to cover unexpected expenses, ensuring you have the resources to handle surprise costs without financial strain. Setting aside additional money is crucial so… Continue reading Best banks for emergency funds: Expert guide on accounts

Financial planning involves preparing for a lot of “what if” questions. Because of recent banking trends, one of the questions you should think about is “what happens if my bank branch closes?” This is part of a broader trend in the banking industry, where the shift toward digital banking and the decline of physical branches… Continue reading What happens when a bank branch closes: Complete guide for customers

Whether you’re facing an unexpected expense or saving for a major milestone – like medical costs, home repairs, or a wedding – a personal loan can be a practical way to cover costs. In the U.S. banking system, personal loans are unsecured loans offered by banks, credit unions, or online lenders. Unlike secured loans that… Continue reading Is a personal loan right for you? Exploring the key benefits and disadvantages of a personal loan

In recent years, certificates of deposit (CDs) have offered a rare advantage. That advantage may be coming to an end, requiring a change in approach. A CD ladder strategy may be the answer. Since early 2023, 1-year CD rates have been higher than 5-year CD rates. Usually, long-term CD rates are higher than short-term CD… Continue reading What falling interest rates could mean for your CD ladder strategy