New research has revealed some telling patterns in employee retirement plan contribution rates. According to PLANSPONSOR’s 2025 Participant Survey, nearly 4 in 10 participants said that – when choosing their rate – they simply stayed with the plan’s default setting. What this means is that the default doesn’t always just start the retirement savings journey. For a significant portion of the workforce, it can end up defining it. The finding reinforces long-held notions around

Questions to Ask If Navigating a Solo Retirement Ensure your retirement is not only secure, but also vibrant and fulfilling. Embarking on retirement alone, either by choice or due to unforeseen circumstances such as the loss of a partner or divorce, presents a unique set of challenges and considerations. With the rise in divorce rates among those aged 50 and older, and the reality that over a quarter of individuals over 60 live solo – a figure that climbs significantly for wo

Having a Long-Term Perspective in Retirement Retirement is a time of life that should be filled with enjoyment, relaxation, and the freedom to pursue passions and interests. However, it’s also a time when your financial decisions become more critical than ever. Life is full of ups and downs – good days and bad, gains and losses – and the same holds true for your financial situation. The key to navigating these fluctuations successfully is maintaining a long-term perspective.

The $100 Billion Swing Era – Managing Headline Overload If you think capitalization swings are getting wider and more frequent, you may be right. By the end of October 2025, there were 119 instances of individual U.S. stocks (mainly large technology firms) moving by more than $100 billion in market cap in a single day this year, according to the International Business Times. In 2025, there were only 42 such instances, and in 2020 there were fewer than 10. These dramatic singl

Tax-Loss Harvesting and Year-End Tax Planning Turning Market Volatility into Opportunity Retirees often see volatility as a threat to hard-earned nest eggs, but with careful tax planning, it can also be an opportunity. As 2025 draws to a close, savvy tax moves—especially tax-loss harvesting—can make a measurable difference in your after-tax income, portfolio sustainability, and peace of mind. What Is Tax-Loss Harvesting? Tax-loss harvesting is the strategic selling of investm

You Can Now Save More in Your 401(k). See Why That Matters. Most people don’t look forward to annual IRS announcements the same way they do the next season of their favorite Netflix show, but this one’s worth a look. Higher retirement plan contribution limits have been announced for 2026, and even a modest bump in your savings rate can make a big difference down the road. Here’s what’s new for 2026: • 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b): the elective deferral limit is increasing to $2

The Sandwich Generation Balancing College, Eldercare, and RetirementThe Sandwich Generation Balancing College, Eldercare, and Retirement Many investors in their late 30s, 40s, and early 50s find themselves squeezed between competing responsibilities: saving for retirement, supporting children, and helping aging parents. This “sandwich generation” faces a unique set of financial and emotional challenges. Without a plan, the pressure can lead to reactive decisions that undermin

Inflation at the Drive-Thru What Taco Bell’s $3 Value Menu Reveals About Your Wallet and Your Wealth Most Americans are still feeling the pinch of higher prices, and that reality is now shaping how big brands compete for every dollar in your wallet. Restaurant prices are rising faster than grocery costs, and Taco Bell’s new $3-and-under “Luxe Value Menu” is a visible example of how companies are fighting to win value-conscious consumers rather than simply pushing through more

Financial Anxiety Is Real But You Don’t Have to Face It Alone It’s no secret that money worries weigh heavily on many Americans. Way back in 2021, 71% of employees said they were anxious about their financial futures. Fast forward to today, and that number has skyrocketed to a stunning 91%. Inflation—surprise, surprise—tops the list of anxieties across all generations. But it’s far from the only concern. Stock market volatility, rising credit card balances, and uncertainty ar