By LPL Financial, L.L.C. Whether you’re 23 or 35, it’s important to know whether you are saving enough for your retirement. There is no time like the present to ensure you are allocating enough funds to your retirement account. With folks routinely living into their 80s and 90s, it’s more important than ever to ensure your money lasts your lifetime. Millennials have the advantage of time. You can benefit from compounding and the long-term trends that can make a real difference over the course of several decades. A good savings target is 15% of your income. That’s a very general target, and in many cases, it’s too conservative. That can… read more »

The holidays are a magical time filled with twinkling lights and festive gatherings, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. According to the National Retail Federation, U.S. consumers spent an average of $902 per person during the 2024 winter holiday season on gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal items. Between buying presents, hosting parties, and making travel arrangements, it’s easy to overspend without noticing. The good news? With thoughtful planning and smart strategies, you can sleigh the season without slaying your savings. Keep your wallet happy and your spirits bright with these savings tips to help you spend smarter and celebrate bigger! Budget First, Buy Later Before… read more »

Saving money doesn’t have to feel like a struggle, even on a tight budget. By using smart strategies and building healthy financial habits, you can make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. Every small step counts, and over time, those little wins can lead to greater financial confidence and security. What Does a Personal Budget Look Like? A personal budget is a clear, specific, and easy-to-read breakdown of your income and expenses, typically over a month. It should be tailored to your individual goals and lifestyle. Budgets help you track spending, plan for future expenses, and make informed financial decisions, whether you’re saving for college, paying off debt, or investing for… read more »

This article was written by Jean Chatzky and our friends at Credit Score. Learn more aboutCredit Score here or in your Money Manager app. Check out these ideas for helping children learn to set money aside When it comes to teaching children about money—including the importance of saving forthe future—it’s smart to start early. And it’s really up to us, the parents, family members,and mentors of the next generation, to drive these points home. While it may seem a little daunting, building a strong financial foundation for youngsterscan start with just a few simple steps. Here are some real-life examples of how you canteach children good money habits. That way,… read more »

Opening a money market account (MMA) might seem a bit daunting, especially when headlines warn of market instability. But even in the face of economic unpredictability, these specialized accounts offer a secure option to park your cash while earning interest. Read on to learn how money market accounts work and why they make sense for Pennsylvania residents looking to grow their savings. What Is a Money Market Account?  An MMA is a type of deposit account that often requires a higher minimum balance to maintain compared to regular savings accounts. It offers the dual benefit of better interest rates while providing easy access to your funds. You’ll enjoy the ideal… read more »

Certificate accounts offer a safe and dependable way to save money while earning interest over a fixed period. These investment accounts are an excellent refuge for funds that need a temporary home with the promise of a guaranteed return. Read on to learn more about certificate account advantages and disadvantages and whether opening one is right for your portfolio. What Is a Certificate Account? A certificate account is an investment product whereby you deposit money in an account for a fixed period and earn interest. The rate is usually higher than what you’d make in a regular savings account. When the term ends, you get your initial deposit back along… read more »

Traditional savings accounts are the bedrock of personal finance, providing a safe haven for our hard-earned money. However, in the quest for higher interest earnings and greater flexibility, many people opt to open a money market account (MMA) instead. MMAs combine the best of both worlds and can be an attractive alternative for those seeking stability and potentially higher-yielding interest rates. Read on to learn more about how money market accounts work and if opening one might be right for you. What Is a Money Market Account? A money market account is a type of deposit account that often offers higher interest rates than a traditional savings account. However, MMAs… read more »

Money markets and certificate accounts both offer safe places to stash your excess cash while earning interest, but which is the right choice for you? We take a look at how money market vs. certificate accounts work and which is best for different kinds of savers. Smart Saving Choices: Money Market vs. Certificate If you’re looking to start putting money aside from your monthly budget, then both money market accounts and certificate accounts offer safe places to start building a nest egg for retirement, college, a wedding, or a down payment on a car. While both offer great launchpads for your savings, there are important differences in how they work…. read more »

Certificate accounts are popular investments that many use to grow their savings. Setting up an account is very easy to do. It can be done in just a few minutes in six simple steps. What Is a Certificate Account? A certificate account is a type of investment that is offered by credit unions. Certificate accounts can be used for both short-term and long-term savings goals. A short-term certificate could be used to help you save for new appliances or furniture, for example. You could also open a 60-month certificate to help you save for a down payment on a house. An important benefit of certificate accounts is that the money… read more »

Banks and credit unions offer a variety of options when you want to store your money. The key to making the best decision is taking your current financial needs and goals into consideration. Money Market Account vs. Savings Account Two popular options are the money market account and basic savings account. This post will outline the difference between the two, the pros, and cons of each option, and how to choose the best one that suits your financial needs. What Is A Money Market Account? A money market account is also known as a money market deposit account (MMDA). It is an interest bearing account which provides a higher interest… read more »