Do you have retirement plans from more than one employer? Or multiple IRAs? If so, it might be a good idea to consolidate your retirement accounts. Here are five reasons consolidating your retirement accounts makes sense. You could spend less on account fees. One of the best ways to increase your investment returns is to… Continue reading
Financial Considerations Before Remarriage If you’re about to remarry, you’ve probably already made some major decisions together — such as how you introduced your families to each other or deciding where you will live. And that’s just the beginning. You and your new spouse will also have to work out a number of financial and… Continue reading
Experts say it’s never too soon to begin saving for retirement. But what can you do if you know you started too late? While starting early is still the best way to save for retirement, thanks to the power of compounding interest, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has given those savers who got off to… Continue reading
Make the Most of Your Planning by Remembering These Key Ages While your path to retirement is unique, there are certain ages that stand out for everyone. Keeping these key ages in mind will help ensure that you are able to make the most of your planning years and avoid penalties for not taking action… Continue reading
Social Security is a complex system with many guidelines that may or may not apply to your individual situation. To help you make sense of Social Security rules and processes, MERS held a Facebook Live session with Vonda VanTil from the Social Security Administration. She provided answers to questions that our staff frequently hear when… Continue reading
The Star Wars franchise has inspired no shortage of memes, quotes, dreams and followers over these past years. In honor of May the 4th (be with you), let’s take a look at the top five financial lessons we can draw from this world of iconic heroes, dreaded villains and explosive action. 1. Unlearn Bad (Financial)… Continue reading
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney — what do all these things mean? No question, estate-planning jargon can be confusing. Yet, having a plan is an important part of your overall financial wellness. Let’s walk through some basic terms, concepts and tools to help you better understand the components of estate planning. A Will Comes First… Continue reading
Hey Millennials! Think it’s too early to be thinking about your retirement? Think again… When you’re in your twenties and just starting out in your career, saving for retirement might not seem that important. It can be hard to save for retirement when you have so many other demands on your money. But getting a… Continue reading
According to research, a majority of Americans are not financially prepared for retirement. By taking a few small steps today such as budgeting and saving early, you will be better prepared when the time comes to retire. Budgeting and Planning One of the first steps you can take to achieving a financially secure retirement is… Continue reading