A sinking fund is a tool to save money over time for a big purchase in the future. You create a line item in your budget for the expense, like a vacation, car, or down payment on a house. You “sink” a bit of cash into the fund when you get paid. Eventually, the money accumulates, and before you know it, you’ll have the means to afford the planned item without experiencing a massive impact on your monthly financial obligations.
Tag: Financial planning
How and Why To Calculate Your Personal Net Worth
Checking your net worth regularly is one way to monitor your overall financial health. The calculation goes far beyond the balance in your bank account, incorporating your assets and any debts you owe. Thankfully, the process is simple: capital minus liabilities.
3 Reasons Not To Name Your Estate as Your IRA Beneficiary
One of the last things you might think about when setting up finances is preparing assets for those you leave behind. Choosing beneficiaries is an excellent first step in planning. Failing to pick a person or persons to receive your IRA may result in the estate becoming the beneficiary by default. Some individuals could even make the designation specifically on the forms, but making that choice might be a mistake.
Your Employer Doesn’t Offer a 401(k) — Now What?
If your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k) retirement plan, finding the best ways to save for your golden years might be challenging. Most companies don’t provide workers the option to participate in a plan, so preparing for the golden years typically falls to individuals. And no matter when you start, saving is still possible. Here are three effective ways to save for the future.
The One Financial Plan Everyone Should Have
To most people, financial planning means creating a budget, saving for emergencies, and building a retirement nest egg. Yet, one aspect of an individual’s financial life often seems to fall through the cracks because people don’t like to think about it — estate planning.