Rollover IRA: Rules, FAQs & How-To’s
When you have money in a 401(k) or other type of retirement account, you may need to move it if you leave your job (or for other reasons). In this situation, you may consider transferring the money to a type of account known as a rollover IRA.
What is a rollover IRA?
A rollover IRA is an individual retirement account that can receive funds from a 401(k) or other type of retirement account.... Continue reading
How to Start Investing
You want a home of your own, an education for your kids, a comfortable retirement someday, and a little fun along the way. These are the dreams we all seem to be born with. To achieve them, we must become investors.
A brilliantly executed program of saving—putting your money into certificates of deposit, money market funds or savings bonds—can wind up costing you money. If a money fund is paying... Continue reading
Investing: Control Your Risks
The risks you are prepared to take will influence the kinds of investments you make and the return you should expect. These rules will keep you in a comfortable risk zone (and let you sleep at night).
1. Don't invest until you're ready.
Your investment portfolio should be built on a solid foundation of sure things: sufficient insurance coverage and several months of income tucked securely away in... Continue reading
Conquer Your Fear of Investing
Many of the most worthwhile things in life are scary at first. Consider, for example, going to school for the first time, falling in love, learning to drive, starting a family, figuring out your new Tivo…
Investing is no exception. The thought of possibly losing money is a terrifying prospect. And the fact that today’s economy has seen better days probably isn’t helping those fears. Investing in... Continue reading
Grow Savings With CD Laddering
CD ladder is a certificate of deposit ladder. A certificate of deposit is a type of account you have at the bank where the bank will agree to pay you a certain interest rate for an agreed period of time. Let's say you saw a 2.50% APY 12-month CD, that means the bank will pay you 2.50% APY for twelve months. It also means you don't have access to the money for twelve months Continue reading
Save Money on Investing
Enroll in a 401 (k)
Looking for a partner in wealth? Your company 401(k) is a smart choice because you defer paying taxes on your contributions, giving you a bigger paycheck now and allowing you to save more. For example, if you contribute $200 per month, your paycheck will drop by just $150 if you’re in the 25 percent tax bracket. (This assumes you’re investing in a traditional 401(k); if your... Continue reading
The 5 Easiest Ways to Manage Your Investments
Personal financial software can provide integrated management of your investing, portfolio, banking, bill paying and borrowing. The advantages of this type of software include a number of features that make it easier to manage your investments. You can use it to check on your current holdings, review your investment history and estimate the effects of changes to your portfolio. The graphic tools... Continue reading
What to Know About Investment Management
Successful investment management helps you down the path of achieving your goals such as saving for your children's education, purchasing a larger home and having the lifestyle you want when you retire. You need a plan to guide you in the right direction with your investments. Continue reading
How Much Should I Contribute to My 401k?
Using your company's 401(k) plan to save for retirement lets you stash away money that grows tax-free as long as it stays in the account. However, with such large annual limits -- $17,500 if you're under 50 and $23,000 if you're 50 or older as of 2013 -- it's challenging to figure out the "right" amount to contribute each year. "As with any sound financial planning advice, it depends upon the... Continue reading
