How many of your financial choices are based purely on logic? It could be fewer than you think. That’s because most of us make money decisions with our emotions in play. 1 With that, certain biases can follow. When they do, those biases can lead even the smartest, best-intentioned investors astray. Here’s how to recognize three common biases - hindsight bias, fear of missing out (FOMO), and survivorship bias - and avoid their traps. The...
First, let’s start by uncovering the most common mistake in estate planning… Surprisingly, this frequently made mistake might already be on your doorstep. A staggering number of people haven’t yet started an estate plan. It’s a critical oversight that can have far-reaching implications, but this isn’t the only pitfall that can disrupt your planning efforts. Here’s a breakdown of 4 estate planning missteps and how to fix them: Mistake #1: Neglecting to Update Your Estate...
When are you going to retire? How did you make that decision? Many of us look at finances and health when we’re deciding when to retire. Whether or not we realize it, we’re also considering our emotions and what we imagine for the future — we compare how we feel in our current circumstances to how we expect to feel in our anticipated retirement. 1 With that, we tend to overestimate our future emotions, thinking...
How much do you really know about retirement benefits? If you’re like most Americans, it’s not that much. In fact, most of us have fairly poor “retirement literacy,” especially when it comes to the finer points of retirement benefits. 1 That may not seem like a big deal, but it can give rise to all sorts of landmines in the future, possibly derailing your retirement plans and goals. It could also impact your quality of...
Watching your portfolio take a hit can be unsettling, but staying focused on the long game is crucial. Even in uncertain times, a long-term strategy helps you navigate market ups and downs more effectively. Here, we’ll explore why market corrections are normal, how understanding historical trends can offer reassurance, and why sticking with your strategy benefits your financial future. Understanding Market Corrections: How Common Are They? Market corrections—typically defined as a drop of 10% or...
What money topics are the most taboo to talk about? Earnings, debt, inheritance, or net worth? For most of us, many financial topics are simply off-limits. 1 That means that many of us are not discussing money as much as we probably should be. 1 Without those talks, myths about money and financial conversations can get a much stronger grip on our perspective and our financial decisions. That silence may end up stunting our financial...
If you’re like many investors, the thought of paying capital gains taxes on your successful investments might feel overwhelming. But what if there was a strategy to potentially reduce some of those taxes? It’s called tax loss harvesting, and while the term might sound complicated, it's actually a fairly simple concept that could save you money. Let’s break it down. What Is Tax Loss Harvesting? Think of your investments like a fruit-bearing tree. Some branches...
As a long-term investor, you’re always thinking about what factors drive your investment returns. Unfortunately, many investors focus on things that cause short-term changes and actually have no impact on long-term market returns. It’s not their fault – these myths are so commonly believed that many so-called “savvy investors” would preach to you of their importance. To help you make informed investment decisions, let’s look at three investment factors that, contrary to popular belief, don’t...
What’s the first thing you think of when it comes to money? Are your thoughts more positive or negative? Whatever’s natural to you can speak to your money mindset. 1 And that money mindset can shape your financial views and habits. It can also reveal more about your values and beliefs, not just about finance but about life in general. 1 With that, understanding your money mindset can start to highlight where it may be...
Birthday celebrations at 50 and each year after can be meaningful opportunities to reflect and feel grateful for life’s journey. Some also mark important milestones in retirement planning and your financial life. Here’s a look at why, with a focus on each milestone birthday after 50 and the role it can play in your overall financial wellness. Age 50: Catch-Up Contributions When you turn 50, you can start to make "catch-up" contributions to your 401(k)s...
4 Pervasive Myths About Inflation Inflation can feel inescapable these days. For most of us, it also feels like inflation is higher and more persistent than it actually is. 1 That could be because we’re seeing higher prices practically everywhere. 1 Despite our experience, though, that misperception can actually harm us. It can also be bad for inflation in general. 1 That’s because thinking inflation is worse than it is can stoke our fears of...
Can you relate to any of the following? “I should have bought that stock before the company went public!” “What a shame — I wish I had invested in that new tech before it went mainstream!” What’s the next “unicorn” that will make a fortune?” It’s common to feel this way. Many of us experience “fear of missing out” — or FOMO — in our financial lives. 1 When we do, it can cloud our...
