By Matthew Akers - Financial Advisor, Crane Investment and Trust Services
Employers can offer 401(k) plan participants the opportunity to make Roth 401(k) contributions. If you're lucky enough to work for an employer who offers this option, Roth contributions could play an important role in maximizing your retirement income.... Read More
Category: MoneySmart 4 College
02
May2017
20
Apr2017
By Matthew Akers - Financial Advisor, Crane Investment and Trust Services
Maybe you've decided that graduate school is the path to advancement in your current job or your ticket to a better career. Or maybe you just want to take a few classes to upgrade your skills. Either way, returning to ... Read More
04
Apr2017
By Matthew Akers - Financial Advisor, Crane Investment and Trust Services
You've decided to enroll in a 529 plan to fund your child's college education, but how do you go about doing it? Opening an account is actually quite simple as long as you understand the process. Here is an overview ... Read More
23
Mar2017
Your credit report contains information about your past and present credit transactions. It's used primarily by potential lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness. So if you're about to apply for credit, especially for something significant like a mortgage, you'll want to get and review a copy of your credit report.... Read More
21
Mar2017
If you're in the market for a new car, safety should certainly be one of your concerns. Although every car must meet minimum federal safety requirements, the degree of safety can still vary considerably among different automobiles. You should consider several factors when evaluating a car's safety. Look for the ... Read More
09
Mar2017
If you have a lot of debt, you're not alone. Today, more and more Americans are burdened with credit card and loan payments. So whether you are trying to improve your money management, having difficulty making ends meet, want to lower your monthly loan payments, or just can't seem to ... Read More
08
Mar2017
A single procedure or trip to the hospital can fill your mailbox with stacks of bills. These can come from hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, emergency rooms, labs, and many others. The stress involved with handling all of this paperwork can be almost as overwhelming as the illness or injury itself. If ... Read More
06
Mar2017
In the college savings game, all strategies aren't created equal. The best savings vehicles offer special tax advantages if the funds are used to pay for college. Tax-advantaged strategies are important because over time, you can potentially accumulate more money with a tax-advantaged investment compared to a taxable investment. Ideally, ... Read More
23
Feb2017
If you're considering changing jobs, you're not alone. Today, few people stay with one employer until retirement. It's likely that at some point during your career, you'll be looking for a new job. You may be looking to make more money or seeking greater career opportunities. Or, you may be ... Read More
22
Feb2017
Maybe you've always pictured yourself driving a shiny red convertible. Or perhaps you've had a recent addition to the family and you're looking for the practicality of a minivan. Whatever the reason, you're in the market for a new car. Here are some tips to help make the car-buying process ... Read More