Investment Knowledge Center

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

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

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)

How savings bonds work over time Understanding how savings bonds work over time can help you maximize your investment. Savings bonds are a form of government debt and are considered Treasury securities. Savings bonds are government-backed securities that help fund federal activities, are part of the U.S. savings program, and give citizens guaranteed returns. Types… Continue reading How much is a $100 savings bond worth after 30 years?

Step 1: Identify your bond type and status You need to know exactly what type of bonds you have and their current status before cashing in your savings bonds. The bond serial number is essential for identification and is required when using online calculators to determine your bond’s value. This step will give a clear… Continue reading How to cash in savings bonds: A step-by-step guide

There are a lot of reasons why it’s important to plan for financial security in retirement, but one of the main goals is to build enough wealth that you have plenty of money to truly enjoy your golden years. Wealth planning for retirement not only helps improve your financial stability during your senior years, but… Continue reading Understanding Your 401(k): A Comprehensive Guide to Retirement Savings

A startup is a company that is still in the beginning stages of development. While the “beginning stages” of a company can be defined in very broad and loose terms, a defining feature of any startup is that it has not yet gone public. In many cases, a startup may still be in the idea… Continue reading How Can Average People Invest in Startup Companies?

A recent study from Northwestern Mutual found that the average American believes they’ll need $1.46 million to retire comfortably. That number is interesting, and I’m sure it accurately reflects the average. However, I sometimes cringe when I see these stats because I know some people will read them and get the wrong idea, concluding they… Continue reading I Am a Retirement Planner, & Here’s How Much You Really Need to Retire

Figuring out the best way to invest your money in stocks can be challenging, especially for novice investors. Many variables can affect your portfolio’s performance, and several factors are outside your control. One thing you can control is how your money will be managed. Using a robo-advisor has advantages, as does having an actively managed… Continue reading Why I Chose a Managed Investment Account Over a Robo-Advisor

Self-employment offers plenty of perks, but there’s one thing you don’t get when you work for yourself. There’s no employer-sponsored retirement plan waiting in the wings to help you save and invest for the future. You’re not without options, however. There are retirement accounts designed for freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners in mind.… Continue reading How I Max Out My Retirement Account as a Freelancer