One of the best ways to get ahead financially is by making a budget and sticking to it. However, many people shy away from budgets because they think of them as too restrictive. A budget shouldn’t limit you; it should give you more freedom.

Think of a budget as a spending plan, a way to tell your money where to go rather than the other way around. It is a critical financial tool that will help you build wealth and set yourself up for financial success.

For some people, managing money can be challenging. It can seem like a struggle to maintain your finances when life happens, whether it’s an unexpected repair or a debt that never seems to go away.

However, keeping your money under control is imperative, especially as you get older. Even if retirement is still a couple of decades away, it’s never too soon to take charge and make adjustments to ensure that you’re financially stable now and in the future.

If the thought of negotiating your salary makes you break out in a sweat, you’re not alone. According to a survey by compensation software company PayScale, only 43 percent of respondents asked for a raise in their current field.

Salary negotiations can be scary. Even the most seasoned professional can blanch at the idea of marching in and demanding more money from their boss. However, there will come a time when your current compensation does not reflect the value of your work.

With so many wealth management firms competing for a client’s favor and attention, you might be lead to believe that picking one is as easy as a walk in the park. Sadly, that's not the case. It's great that people have options nowadays, but the sudden increase in numbers also makes finding the right firm for your specific financial situation more challenging.

If you're at a point where your portfolio has become too large to manage on your own, then it's high time to call in the experts. The right wealth manager will help you identify solid investment choices and map out a strategy that will not only let you achieve your financial goals but surpass them, if possible.

Many people consider hiring a financial advisor to manage their investments. But is a financial advisor really the best person to handle your investments day-to-day?

While a financial advisor or Certified Financial Planner^® should be overseeing your investments, this shouldn’t be their main focus. They should be looking at the big picture and quarterbacking all areas of your financial life and not getting into the nitty-gritty of managing your portfolio.

One of the best ways to save for retirement is to use tax-advantaged accounts. Most employers offer the option of contributing to a 401(k) account, which can be a great idea for stashing cash for your golden years.

Maxing out your 401(k) account for a few years can give you a good foundation for retirement. The earlier you get started, the longer the money will have to grow and earn interest.

This post was last updated on January 15, 2021, to reflect all updated information and best serve your needs.

If you’re stashing away cash for your golden years, you’re ahead of the game. A study conducted in late 2020 found that 56% of Americans have $5,000 or less in savings, while a third has $1,000 or less. What’s worse is that another study showed that almost 25% of adults in the U.S have no retirement savings or pension at all. 

Planning for the future often takes a backseat to today’s problems. Most people want to know their families are protected financially in case something happens to them. This is where having life insurance can make a big difference.

However, there is conflicting information out there when it comes to getting a life insurance policy. If you’ve ever worked with someone who works for an insurance company (an insurance agent...regardless of what they call themselves), you may have been pushed to a whole life insurance policy.

Making a lot of money and being wealthy are not synonymous. Even if you make six figures, you can still feel stretched to pay your bills if you don’t take the appropriate steps to build wealth.

While having a high income is a good starting point, if you spend everything you make, you’ll find yourself feeling strapped. Getting the right financial planning information can help get you on the right track toward growing your net worth.

This post was last updated on January 15, 2021, to reflect all updated information and best serve your needs.

Are you looking forward to the day you retire? Many dream of retirement, counting down the days when they can leave the cubicle life behind. But, before you turn in your work badge, make sure your finances are in order first.