Although investing is an important way to build wealth over time, a recent survey1 reveals that 55% of Americans don’t. One reason? While many younger adults said they have the money, they don’t have enough knowledge to invest with confidence.
Investing
Keeping Your Cool During Market Volatility
When the stock market has a downturn, many investors go into panic mode, selling off parts of their portfolio to avoid temporary drops, and then missing potential gains when it bounces back.
For example, last December the S&P 500 dropped by a whopping 9%, one of the worst Decembers for investing performance since the Great Depression. A dramatic downturn to be sure, but the upside to the story was the day after Christmas it enjoyed its best performance since 2009. Still, the downturn seemed to have more of a negative impact on many investors than the subsequent rebound did.
Don’t Derail Your Investing Plan
Are you a worrier when it comes to investing? Or perhaps you’re the “set it and forget it” type who doesn’t fret much about your investments? Whatever your investing style is, it’s important to invest regularly and keep a long-term perspective, including paying yourself first … automatically. Here are some tips to save for your future.
Bull or Bear Market: Stay Invested
Investing headlines have many Americans wondering what’s ahead for the stock market. Last year there were periods of extreme volatility and many investors experienced declines in their annual returns.
Ask the Expert: Get to Know your Financial Advisor
By Janet Mendez
Janet Mendez is Assistant Manager of Trust & Investment Services at SchoolsFirst FCU. She has more than a decade of experience in the financial services industry. She joined the SchoolsFirst team in 2009. Her previous positions were Senior Retirement Advisor and Financial Advisor. Janet believes it’s important to guide Members through every step of their financial planning goals.
There are many reasons people don’t get professional financial advice — they may worry about the cost, or feel like they don’t have enough money to warrant formal planning.
Whatever your reasons may be, 2019 may be a great time to schedule a one-on-one with a SchoolsFirst FCU financial advisor. This guidance is a benefit of your Membership to help you make good financial decisions and plan for a secure future. Here are some things you should know to help you get started. Continue reading
Your Money: Navigating Rising Interest Rates
Although the Federal Reserve increased rates last year, 2019 appears to be a waiting game because the economy is healthy and there is less concern over inflation.
Rebalancing Act: Managing Your Investments
Sometimes following the stock market is akin to watching the thrill rides at an amusement park. While many people can stomach the ride, others can’t bear to watch. Knowing what type of investor you are and understanding how to manage your investment mix will help you stay the course
Traditional vs. Roth IRAs: Both are Great Savings Tools
Uncle Sam gives you a pass on paying taxes while you are building your retirement nest egg, but you’ve got to follow the rules.
Robo vs. Human Advisors: Why Personalized Help Matters
Having an investing strategy as part of an overall financial plan is an important way to save for the future and build wealth over time. However, making the right decisions can be challenging. That’s why people lean on professional financial advice to help them develop an action plan based on their financial goals and tolerance for risk.
While some people prefer meeting with an advisor, others want a do-it-yourself solution. That’s where robo-advisors come in. Continue reading
Ask the Advisor: Should I Contribute to an IRA?
Sander Tom is a Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner™ with more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry; more than 15 of those with SchoolsFirst FCU. Over this time, he has developed a deep understanding of investing and its powerful impact on a person’s life.
Should I consider an IRA?
An Individual Retirement Account — or IRA — allows anyone with earned income to save for retirement. That’s why it’s a great option to start saving for your future, especially if you don’t have an employer-sponsored retirement plan through your job. Also, if you’re self-employed, you can use an IRA to create a retirement plan. In addition, there are special rules that may allow a stay-at-home spouse to contribute to an IRA. Continue reading