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20 Dec '23Found Money – Finding a “Lost” 401(k) Account
Continue readingFinding a lost (or forgotten or old or misplaced) 401(k) account can be an unexpected windfall. According to Schwab: “Those born between 1957 and 1964 held an average of 12.4 jobs before the age of 54, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The more accounts you acquire, the more challenging it is to keep […]
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06 Sep '23The HSA Tax-Advantage Triple Play (Health Savings Accounts)
Continue readingA Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account designed for individuals and families with high-deductible health insurance plans (HDHPs). HSAs are intended to help people save money for qualified medical expenses while also offering tax benefits. Here are some key features and benefits of HSAs: High-Deductible Health Plan Requirement: To be eligible for […]
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27 Apr '2310 Finance Numbers to Know
Continue readingTen finance numbers to know as you navigate the complex world of personal finance. Understanding key numbers can be crucial to making informed decisions and securing your financial future. From retirement savings to credit scores, here are ten important finance numbers to know. 10% Fraction of your income to save for retirement throughout your […]
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20 Apr '23Tech Layoffs – What About My 401(k)? Rollover?
Continue readingA 401(k) rollover might be the right decision after a layoff, but not always. Layoffs at big tech companies have become commonplace lately. If you are caught up in a downsizing, among many challenges, you have a decision your retirement account. Most 401(k) plans allow you to keep your account at your former employer. Or […]
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31 Mar '23RSU Income & Mortgage Qualification
Continue readingWorking for a tech company that uses Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) as compensation can limit your ability to qualify for the home mortgage you might desire. Luckily, more mortgage providers now accept income from RSUs in their qualification calculations, but it may take some advanced planning on your part. More about Equity Compensation at Tech […]
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11 Oct '22Retirement Spending
Continue readingAre you saving enough for retirement? Can your investments support your retirement spending desires? These are difficult questions to answer. It boils down to how much money you need in retirement to maintain an acceptable lifestyle. Unless you are close to retiring, you likely don’t have a good grasp of your retirement spending needs. How […]
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02 Feb '21Financial Rubbernecking – Part 3: Retirement Accounts
Continue readingHow do your retirement savings stack up? Are you accumulating retirement assets faster than your peers? This is the third posting in a series exploring these types of questions. (See Part 1 – Income; See Part 2- Net Worth) Every three years I look forward to the latest Federal Reserve Board’s Survey of Consumer Finances […]
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24 Oct '19How the USA will default on the national debt
Continue readingOnce upon a time, politicians paid lip-service to the idea that our country should operate with some semblance of fiscal responsibility. It’s almost comical to look back at Ross Perot’s presidential runs in 1992 and 1996 when he used flip charts to rally against government debt. Back then the United States had a national debt […]
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11 Mar '18How Do You Stack Up?
Continue readingEmployees at technology companies—as a group—are highly compensated. Nonetheless, it may not feel like it, given the high cost of living in tech hubs like Seattle or the San Francisco Bay Area. To keep grounded in reality, I look forward every three years to the Federal Reserve Board’s Survey of Consumer Finances for the latest […]
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06 Jul '17You’re Having a Baby!
Continue readingA new child impacts most parts of your life. Sleep deprivation may be the most immediate and directly-felt impact, but there is also a significant change to your finances. The decision to have a child is a major milestone and defining moment in life. And as with all major life changes, being aware of the financial […]
