1. A 401(k) offers three compelling benefits. A 401(k) represents a way to reduce your taxable income since contributions come out of your pay before taxes are withheld; many plans include a matching contribution from your employer; and the money you save benefits from tax-deferred growth, which lets your money compound more quickly than it

  Many workers will be able to accumulate $1 million over the course of their career if they save consistently beginning at a young age, invest prudently, and avoid withdrawing money early. It helps, of course, to sidestep fees, taxes, and penalties along the way whenever possible. Here’s what it takes to become a millionaire

BY IVORY JOHNSON, CNBC You can borrow money for a college education but not for your retirement. It’s what we, as financial experts, truly believe. But a constant tug-of-war between 401(k) plans and Section 529 college savings plans has ensued in investors’ hearts and minds—and neither side appears to be winning. Identifying priorities is no easy task. Just

Where should I save my retirement money? Tax-favored retirement accounts such as individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s are the best places to save for your retirement. The different types of plans have different features, but most of them allow you to defer taxes on the money you save and the returns you earn within the account. “Tax deferral”

How much should I save? “As much as you can” is the standard advice. Many financial planners recommend that you save 10% to 15% of your income for retirement, starting in your 20s. But that’s just a general guideline. This is your retirement we’re talking about, so it pays to get a little more specific

The list of excuses for why it’s impossible to save for retirement is endless. Some people may be just getting started in their careers, making small starting salaries. Others may be stay-at-home parents with no earned income. Everyone is juggling a plethora of different financial goals, of which retirement is just one. And those who

Have dreams about retiring early? We have some tips on how to make that dream a reality. According to the Michigan Association of CPAs, retiring early takes meticulous planning and more than a tidy sum of money, but for the truly committed, early retirement is possible. Here is what you need to do if you

Have you ever sat down and figured out how much you’d need for a comfortable retirement? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone! According to the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), fewer than half of all Americans have calculated how much they will need to save for retirement.  While it’s important to plan, it’s also

1. Start saving, keep saving, and stick to your goals If you are already saving, whether for retirement or another goal, keep going! You know that saving is a rewarding habit. If you’re not saving, it’s time to get started. Start small if you have to and try to increase the amount you save each

Make one or two mistakes in handling your retirement money and you could be paying a stiff penalty later in your life. With the stock market on such unsteady legs, it pays to stay clear of these common mistakes: You pay attention to the market losses instead of your long-term needs. Catastrophic events and long-term