In the current market environment, the value of your holdings may be fluctuating widely — and it’s natural to feel tentative about investing more. But regularly adding to an account that’s designed for a long-term goal may cushion the emotional impact of market swings. If losses are offset even in part by new savings, the […]
One of the longest-standing investing debates is over the relative merits of active portfolio management versus passive management. With an actively managed portfolio, a manager tries to beat the performance of a given benchmark index by using his or her judgment in selecting individual securities and deciding when to buy and sell them. A passively […]
When investing, particularly for long-term goals, there are two basic concepts you will likely hear about over and over again — diversification and asset allocation. Diversification helps limit exposure to loss in any one investment or one type of investment, while asset allocation provides a blueprint to help guide your investment decisions. Understanding how the […]
Conventional wisdom says that what goes up, must come down. However even if you view market volatility as a regular occurrence, it can be tough to handle when it’s your money at stake. Though there’s no foolproof way to handle the ups and downs of the stock market, the following common sense tips can help. […]
529 savings plans are tax-advantaged education savings vehicles and one of the most popular ways to save for college today. They can also be used to save for K-12 tuition. Much like the way 401(k) plans changed the world of retirement savings a few decades ago, 529 savings plans have changed the world of education […]
If you are a young adult just starting your first job, chances are you face a number of different challenges. College loans, rent, and car payments all may be competing for your hard-earned yet still entry-level paycheck. How can you even consider setting aside money in your employer-sponsored retirement plan now? After all, retirement is decades […]
Your investments don’t only have to serve you – they can serve causes and organizations you believe in. This concept is especially resonant for our team of CFS* Financial Advisors at Elevations Credit Union, where we give back to the community and act in the best interest of our membership. In this article prepared by Broadridge, learn about some of the ways to approach investing through a socially conscious lens. […]
According to the Bureau of Labor’s Consumer Price Index, from December 2005 to December 2015, the average cost of a college education has gone up 55%. With the ever rising costs of tuition, it’s important to start saving early for your child’s college education. Read on for an overview of various ways to save for […]
Throughout your career, you may face important decisions involving your retirement savings plan. For example, if your plan provides for Roth contributions, you’ll want to review the differences between these and traditional pretax contributions to determine the best strategy for your situation. While pretax contributions offer an upfront tax benefit, you’ll have to pay taxes […]
With just a few short years until you celebrate the major step into retirement, it’s time to begin thinking about when and how you will begin drawing down your retirement plan assets. You might also want to adjust your investment allocations with an eye toward asset protection (although it’s still important to pursue a bit […]
