When considering short-term funding options, participants are often advised to avoid tapping into their 401(k) accounts through loans or hardship withdrawals, as early withdrawals can impede long-term retirement savings. However, the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 has introduced more penalty-free emergency withdrawal provisions, offering increased liquidity and flexibility within 401(k) plans. While some see this as a risk to retirement balances, a recent Vanguard study found that participant contribution rates tend to remain stable before and after taking loans or hardship withdrawals.

Americans believe they need nearly $1.5 million to retire comfortably, a number that has soared by more than 50% since 2020, according to Northwestern Mutual’s 2024 Planning & Progress Study. Yet the Employee Benefit Research Institute reports that only about half of workers have actually calculated their retirement needs. Employees can easily latch onto media-hyped, generalized one-size-fits-all numbers without a clear understanding of whether those figures align with their personal financial circumstances. The conversation around prudent retirement planning should begin with defining what it isn’t …

Reexamining your finances at the start of the year may not seem as exciting as making a commitment to healthier habits or fitness objectives, but financial wellness is closely related to both mental and physical health. You might be surprised at how simple it is to take charge of your finances. The following actions will assist you in reaching financial success in 2025 and beyond:

Compound interest has been dubbed the "eighth wonder of the world." Benjamin Franklin held a similar fascination with compound interest, using it to create endowments for the cities of Boston and Philadelphia that are still paying out. What is it about compound interest that drew the attention of these geniuses, and what separates it from other forms of interest?

Thirty percent of adults in the U.S. report having received a student loan to further their education. According to the Federal Reserve, the median student loan debt for those with outstanding balances in 2023 ranged between $20,000 and $25,000. To help ease this financial burden, employers are increasingly offering a match toward student loan repayments as an employee benefit to help alleviate the financial strain.

The average person is likely unfamiliar with the term “TDF” however it is the most utilized and fastest-growing investment option in an employer-sponsored retirement plan. As a plan participant, it is essential to know what you are investing in. Follow along below to educate yourself about your retirement investments.