Investing

Ask the Expert: Get to Know your Financial Advisor

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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 →

Robo vs. Human Advisors: Why Personalized Help Matters

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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?

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Sander+Tom

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 →

Investing Moves in a Stormy Market

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It’s easy to understand why some people get panicky when the market drops. If financial headlines unsettle you, keep in mind what your goals are and if anything has changed in your life that warrant a review with a financial advisor. Otherwise, here are some strategies to build and maintain an investment portfolio you can live with through all market conditions.

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Tips to Save for Emergencies and Your Future

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If you feel like you could do more to improve your saving and investing habits, or don’t know how to get started, here are some tips that can help. Financial experts agree that there are two important things to focus on: start and contribute regularly to an emergency fund, and contribute at least 10% of your paycheck to a retirement account.

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