Portfolio rebalancing, how to budget your money, what’s an HSA and who needs one? Preparing for retirement is hard. From personal finance basics to retirement planning and everything in between, we’ve got a few ideas to make life a little simpler. Contact MCF with any questions.
After a multi-year pause during the pandemic, federal student loan payments resumed in October 2023. For many borrowers, this meant reintroducing a significant monthly expense. Even a few years later, those payments may still be putting pressure on your budget. Here are some practical steps you can take to regain control.
Most people don’t look forward to annual IRS announcements the same way they do the next season of their favorite Netflix show, but this one’s worth a look. Higher retirement plan contribution limits have been announced for 2026, and even a modest bump in your savings rate can make a big difference down the road.
Saving for retirement doesn’t have to mean big sacrifices today. In fact, the real magic comes from small, steady increases over time. Think of it like climbing a mountain, you don’t leap to the summit; you take one step at a time. By gradually raising your contribution rate, you give compound growth more fuel to work with, and your retirement savings can grow significantly faster than if you stayed at the same level.
When you think of the benefits of your retirement plan, tax-deferred savings and matching contributions are probably top of mind. But there’s more to your workplace retirement plan than meets the eye. Beyond the basics, retirement plans can come with a number of lesser-known advantages that can help you protect, grow, and pass on your savings more efficiently. Here are six perks you might not even realize you have.
Setting and maintaining a personal budget has never been more important. With inflation driving up the cost of housing, groceries, and everyday essentials, many households are finding it harder to maintain the lifestyle they once had. A realistic budget helps you stay in control and plan for both today and the future. When creating a realistic budget, try to stick to the 50/30/20 Rule. 50% of total monthly income to be spent on essential expenses, 30% allocated to discretionary expenses, and 20% dedicated to savings.
As the year winds down, it’s easy for spending to ramp up. From travel and celebrations to those endless online deals that pop up in your feed. But even small splurges can add up fast. According to a recent survey by Achieve and Talker Research, 65% of Americans say they are stressed about their holiday spending, and 73% say that financial stress detracts from their enjoyment of the season. If you’re hoping to enjoy the season and keep your finances on track, here are three simple ways to find balance: