Posts by Lauren Perez, CEPF®
Checking Account
Are Certificates of Deposit (CDs) FDIC-Insured?
Certificates of deposit (CDs) offer a great, more structured way to save. CDs have specific time terms that typically vary from a few months to a decade. After you make your initial deposit, you can’t access your funds until the… Read more…
Retirement
How Does 401(k) Matching Work?
One of the easiest ways to save for retirement is to contribute to your 401(k). Set up through your employer, a 401(k) allows you to set aside a certain amount of each paycheck before income taxes apply. Sometimes, your employer… Read more…
Taxes
Tax Refund Schedule 2023
If you’re like most people, you dread tax season. But if you’re expecting a tax refund, you may have something to look forward to. Most people will get their tax refund within three weeks of filing, but it varies based… Read more…
Retirement
How to Buy Stocks: A Step-by-Step Guide
Investing provides a great opportunity to grow your money for future goals, like retirement. But getting into the stock market isn’t a one-and-done deal. It requires research and upkeep to make sure your investments continue to perform well. Investing in… Read more…
Taxes
What Is Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI)?
The IRS uses your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to determine whether you qualify for important tax benefits like deducting contributions from your individual retirement account (IRA) and making contributions to your Roth IRA. Many taxpayers consult a financial advisor to… Read more…
Mortgage
What Is the VA Funding Fee for 2023?
A VA loan could be a great financing option for a veteran looking to become a homeowner. These loans often give active and former service members the opportunity to buy homes without making a down payment or paying for mortgage… Read more…
Retirement
What Is a Gold IRA?
A gold IRA is one way to save for retirement. As its name suggests, instead of stocks or bonds, it holds gold in the form of bars, coins and bullion. It can also hold other precious metals like platinum and silver.… Read more…
Checking Account
What Is the Average CD Rate?
Certificates of deposit, or CDs, offer a reliable and structured approach to savings. A CD has a set term length. Once you make your initial deposit, you can’t touch that money until the term ends. This allows your money to… Read more…
Retirement
Best Places to Retire in Alaska
Perhaps the generic portrait of a retiree lounging on a beach isn’t quite your thing. Instead, you might be considering going in the opposite direction and living in Alaska for retirement. In addition to the state’s abundant natural beauty, you’ll also enjoy a relatively low tax burden. We crunched the numbers to figure out the best… Read more…
Retirement
The Best Places to Retire in Ohio
Thinking of retiring in Ohio? Many cities in the Buckeye State are ideal for retirees, with low tax burdens, a high percentage of senior residents and plenty of access to recreation and a healthcare. We crunched the numbers to figure out the best places to retire in Ohio. How We Determined the Best Places to… Read more…