WealthStep » Financial Tips

Higher 2024 retirement plan contribution limits allow for more long-term savings

1 month ago

1 month ago 201

Saving enough each year for retirement is the most important thing you can do towards becoming retirement ready, alongside investing consistent with your life stage. Not everyone needs to save the full amount allowed to be saved into retirement accounts, but some should, and most people need to increase their savings, to get on track. Pay yourself first by saving an appropriate amount into your retirement account, and avoid being…

Q4 2023 Quarterly Context Video

By WealthStep in Financial Tips, General Education, Investor Behavior, News, Quarterly Thoughts, Video

3 months ago

3 months ago 350

Stock and bond markets came out better than expected in 2023 despite rate hikes, wars and collapsed banks, the chance of recession is dropping but still exists, markets may be more tepid in 2024, bonds got a boost at the end of the year. That plus a general key retirement planning review and more in this quarter’s Quarterly Context webinar …Watch to stay relaxed by staying informed, and remain current…

Q3 2023 Quarterly Context Video

By WealthStep in Financial Tips, General Education, Investor Behavior, Quarterly Thoughts, Video

6 months ago

6 months ago 379

Fed rate hikes were expected but now paused, markets have been bumpy, a bond boost is on the horizon when rates drop. Some say the chance of a recession is going down, and too many people still use low-rate cash vehicles. That and more, plus our regular smart retirement planning advise in this quarter’s Quarterly Context webinar.

Q1 2023 Quarterly Context Video

By WealthStep in Financial Tips, General Education, Investor Behavior, Quarterly Thoughts, Video

1 year ago

1 year ago 350

Inflation is coming down, but stubbornly. Economists see the chance of some level of recession increasing, could that be a good thing? Low unemployment and low consumer confidence don’t usually happen at the same time, but inflation dynamics partly explain why. Cash and crypto showed unusual risks at different ends of the risk spectrum, who’s to blame? That and more in this quarter’s Quarterly Context webinar …Watch to stay relaxed…

Are you saving enough? Up to the new retirement plan limits?

By WealthStep in Financial Tips, News

1 year ago

1 year ago 489

Did you increase your savings rate a few months ago when the IRS increased retirement plan savings limits? If not, now is still a great time to do so. In most years, the IRS increases the limit for what individuals can contribute to their retirement plans. If that change slips past you, and/or you forget to increase your savings rate, you lose an opportunity to save more on a tax-advantaged basis….

Q4 2022 Quarterly Context Video

By WealthStep in Financial Tips, General Education, Investor Behavior, Quarterly Thoughts, Video

1 year ago

1 year ago 354

The 4th quarter of 2022 was a difficult year for stocks and bonds, but there are several silver linings. What might be next for rates and inflation? What do economists say about whether there will be a recession or not? What are updated expected 10-year returns for stocks and bonds? (hint: there’s good news). How is the crypto currency crash similar to the Dutch tulip craze of the 1600’s, and…

10 questions that could change your life and financial independence

By WealthStep in Financial Tips, General Education, Investor Behavior, Uncategorized

1 year ago

1 year ago 407

If you aren’t asking the right questions, you won’t get the best answers. When you change the questions you ask yourself, you can change your life. And the financial dimension of your life is no exception. Use the following 10 questions to help clarify your direction, establish meaningful milestones, and solidify a commitment to getting where you want to go. 1) How would having clear life goals impact your life? When your goals are…

Recessions and your financial plan

By WealthStep in Financial Tips, General Education, Investor Behavior, News, Quarterly Thoughts

1 year ago

1 year ago 342

The threat of a recession continues to be one of the most pressing concerns for investors. Inflation has proved hard to restrain, and the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates. Disagreement on recession likelihood Whether the U.S. will fall into a recession is still uncertain, and a subject of debate amongst experts. According to a recent UCLA Anderson Forecast, the U.S. is not currently in a recession, and the chance…

Blog