3 Smart Things to Do with Your Tax Refund to Make It Grow

If you’re one of nearly 126 million people expecting to receive an income tax refund next year (and that’s almost 75% of Americans), that’s probably the largest windfall you’ll receive all year. What will you do with that money? In 2020, the average refund was almost $3,000. More than 65% of refund recipients said they planned to use their refund money paying down debt or spending it on everyday expenses; 15% planned to spend it on a major purchase, like a vacation or big-screen TV.

In Your 30s? This is How You Should Be Investing Your Money

By the age of 30, most people are out of college and well into their careers. Many have already experienced a job change, maybe a few promotions, and are finally feeling like they have extra cash to put into investments. But with so many investment options, where do you even start?

What is a Mutual fund and How Does it Work?

Regardless of what kind of investor you are — small or large, aggressive or conservative, or somewhere in between — mutual funds offer you diversification at a lower cost, this is often with the added benefit of professional management. For those reasons, mutual funds are one of the most popular investment vehicles for the majority of investors. So let’s take a look at what mutual funds are, and why you should consider them as part of your overall investment strategy. And before you make any investment decisions, seek out a trusted professional for investment advice.

Investing for Beginners: How to Plan for Your Future Today

You probably already know that one of the best ways to grow your money for the future is to invest it.  The first place to start is with your employer’s 401(k) which allows you to contribute on a regular basis, and not worry about what the market is doing on a daily basis.  Many 401(k) plans offer a company matching percentage, which is supplemented money.  For example: your employer offers a 3% match, make sure that you’re contributing at least 3% of your income to receive the full match.

If the idea of where to invest your hard-earned money is intimidating, there are usually mutual fund choices in an employer plan that provide an easy start point.  One type of diversified mutual fund will normally have a targeted year of retirement in the name, and this allows the mutual fund to manage your money for you.  What other investment decisions are important to consider?  Let’s explore how to start investing in a way that’s diversified with reasonable risk for your goals.

Converting Your 401(k) to an IRA

So you’re leaving your job to pursue new opportunities — congratulations! If you’ve been contributing to a 401(k) in your previous job, you want to make sure you’re safeguarding and optimizing that investment.