NLFA Builders

10/21/2024

Social Security COLA Increase: It May Not Be Enough to Cover Your Retirement!
Plan ahead and don’t rely solely on COLA for your future.

On October 10, the new Social Security COLA increase was announced, and many retirees are disappointed. Read on to learn more about why 2025’s Social Security COLA increase is not designed to cover retirement.

10/17/2024

"Thinking about your future?

It’s time to make your retirement dreams less ‘horror movie’ and more ‘romantic comedy!’"

"Meet Sarah and Mike. They want to retire someday, not live in a cardboard box. That’s where the Roth IRA comes in!"

"With a Roth IRA, your money grows tax-free, and when you retire, you can withdraw it without paying a dime in taxes. That’s right—money in your pocket, not Uncle Sam’s!"

"Imagine living life to the fullest, exploring the world, or finally taking that llama yoga class without worrying about taxes ruining the fun!"

"With a Roth IRA, you can withdraw your contributions anytime. It’s like having a financial safety net... or a snack stash you can dip into when you’re feeling snacky!"

"Invest in your future—because you will be spending the rest of your life there!

Don’t let your dreams be dreams… unless they involve a llama, then definitely go for that!"

10/14/2024

Changing jobs?
Here are 5 things to consider with your 401(k) to keep your retirement on track!
Don’t leave your savings behind!

https://lf400.isrefer.com/go/bl5tcy4wc/a68

If you have been taking advantage of your employer’s retirement plan, there are a few things you need to consider about your 401(k) when you change jobs.

10/12/2024

Changing How We Think About Money 💸

Alright, folks, it’s time to get real about money. Either you control it, or it controls you. No one’s out here trying to be a puppet to their bank account, right? The chase for financial independence isn’t just about kicking back on a beach at 65.
It’s about getting your life in order now. 🌴

Here’s the secret formula:
Spend less than you earn and save and invest the difference. Simple, right? And hey, while you’re at it, avoid debt like it's the plague. Or, worse, like it's that creepy ex who still shows up unannounced. 💀

Money isn't just about what you spend—it’s about how you think about it.
Change your mindset, and you’ll end up rolling in more than just cash. You’ll be rich in freedom, too. 💡

Now, let’s talk about debt.
Carrying debt is about as appealing as walking around covered in leeches. 🪱 And guess what? It’s basically doing the same thing—sucking the life out of you.
Bad debt? That's an absolute no-go. Get your sharpest knife (figuratively, of course!) and start scraping those little bloodsuckers off. 🔪

Money can buy you many things, but none of them is as valuable as your freedom. 💥 Life choices aren’t always about the money, but you’d better be clear on how they impact your finances. You want to be financially independent? It’s simple: have enough income to cover all your expenses, and boom—you’re free! 🎉

Here’s the pro tip:
Save a portion of every single dollar you earn.
The bigger that portion, the sooner you'll be throwing off the chains of the daily grind. Push that savings rate up—aim for 50%, 60%, heck, even 70% of your income. And with zero debt? Totally doable. 🏦

The beauty of a high savings rate?
It's a two-for-one deal. You learn to live on less, while having more to invest. Genius, right? 💰

When it comes to investing, don't overcomplicate things. The stock market can be a powerful wealth-building tool—if you manage your risks. Avoid anything that makes your head hurt. Sound investing doesn’t need to be rocket science. 🚀

And remember, make Zero your hero:

Zero Debt 🛑
Zero Tax 💸
Zero Risk 😎
Now go out there and be the boss of your money! 💪

10/04/2024

09/30/2024

Is Professional 401(k) Account Management Really Worth It?

Discover the pros and cons of letting the Professionals handle your retirement.

https://lf400.isrefer.com/go/blp4amrw/a68

401(k) account management can be a good option, matter how close or far you are from retirement. Here’s why you should take advantage of professional management services.

09/27/2024

Demand Your Client Bill of Rights Questions You Should Ask ANY Financial Advisor

(Even if You’re ALREADY a Client)
Evaluating financial advisors isn’t easy.

“Do I need a fiduciary?”

“Do I need an advisor or a planner? Or both?”

“How much is it going to cost me?”

The questions can seem endless, and that leads to paralysis.

If you’ve wondered:

“Am I getting the right kind of advice?” or

“I’ve got questions but I’m not getting the answers I need,” you’re in the right place.

This quick guide outlines your “Client Bill of Rights” and teaches you the questions you should ask ANY advisor to determine whether they deserve your trust.

This quick guide outlines your “Client Bill of Rights” and teaches you the questions you should ask ANY advisor to determine whether they deserve your trust.

09/21/2024

Financial Literacy
Thursday, Sept 26th, 7:00 PM Eastern

The Association of Financial Educators offers various free workshops covering a comprehensive range of financial topics.
Our workshops are designed to help individuals at every stage of their financial lives, from those living paycheck to paycheck and dealing with debt to those seeking more advanced information on investment strategies, identifying market trends, and estate planning.
Our workshops are designed to last anywhere from 40-45 minutes
Topics our workshops cover include but are not limited to:
Financial Tools
· Budgeting
· Money Services, Cards, Accounts, and Loans: Finding What Works for You
· Tracking and Managing Income and Benefits
· Understanding Credit Reports and Scores

Here is the Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89532352860

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/association-of-financial-educators-offers-financial-literacy-workshop-tickets-934545710377

The workshops are designed to help individuals at every stage of their financial lives living paycheck to paycheck to estate planning

09/17/2024

16 Budget-Friendly Fall Activities for Families!
Enjoy the season without breaking the bank—fun, affordable ideas for everyone!

Between fall sports, Halloween, and fall travel, the costs add up. Fortunately, there 16 budget-friendly fall activities for families to enjoy.

09/14/2024

Remember to ask about policies that pay you back the premiums if you don't use the policy

09/11/2024

A Million Dollar Mistake!

Tax Deductible v Tax-Free

Learn about tax-free alternatives for building a nest egg and how to become your own bank. Tax-Free wins every time!

09/09/2024

5 Financial Risks to Plan for Now Before Year-End

Don't wait until it's too late — review your finances with smart planning today!

As we approach the final quarter, it’s time to discuss financial risks that could significantly cost you.

Let’s say you’ve made a financial goal for 2024. If you aren’t paying attention, you may miss that goal because you must pay more taxes than expected.

Or you may be close to having a fully funded emergency fund to blow it on holiday shopping.

Then again, there are also financially wise opportunities you may miss out on, such as employee benefits like health savings account funds.

Please review these potential 5 financial risks and ensure you are in a better position at the end of the year.

Don’t wind up in debt. Do boost your savings. Do lower your taxes. Review these five financial risks to place yourself in a better position come the end of the year.