Melby Money

😬 You hit 30 and realize…
“Wait, I was supposed to have how much saved for retirement?”

The pressure is real. But here’s what I shared with :

“If you're able to save 15%, that's great. But if you're not, a great starting goal is to save 10% of your salary toward retirement. Once you reach 10%, try and increase it 1% every year or when you get a raise.”

That 1% might not feel like much, but over time, it can make a huge difference through compounding.

📊 Fidelity’s general retirement benchmarks:
• Age 30 → 1x your salary
• Age 40 → 3x
• Age 50 → 6x

Not there yet? That’s OK.
What matters most is that you're moving forward. Staying stuck is the real risk.

📰 Full article: https://buff.ly/s3kT6RJ



*This post is general education, not financial advice*
Shaun Melby, CFP®, is a financial advisor and founder of Melby Wealth Management, LLC. He helps Millennials, entrepreneurs, and professionals invest with clarity and confidence.

💥 Intimidated by investing?

You're not alone.
I shared this in Kiplinger's article on essential investing rules:

“Putting a few hundred dollars in a Roth IRA and investing it in a simple S&P 500 ETF is 1,000x better than doing nothing.”

Here’s why that matters:

✅ You’ll build real momentum
✅ You’ll learn by doing, not just researching
✅ You’ll stop wondering what could’ve happened if you’d started earlier

You don’t need a perfect plan.
You just need a place to begin.

📈 If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it.

📰 Full article: https://www.kiplinger.com/investing/essential-investing-rules



*This post is general education, not financial advice*

Shaun Melby, CFP®, is a financial advisor and founder of Melby Wealth Management, LLC. He helps Millennials, entrepreneurs, and professionals invest with clarity and confidence.

The media often loves benchmarks for finances, but I've found them to be a bit unrealistic - especially for younger professionals. I don't have many clients who have saved 3x their salary for retirement by age 40. Don't get discouraged if you feel like you're "behind". Having a plan for your highest earning years can get you right where you need to be.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/05/how-much-money-americans-in-their-30s-have-in-their-401ks.html

The Retirement Triple Threat: Are You Maximizing Your Options?

Retirement planning doesn't have to be a puzzle. Let's break down the power trio of wealth-building vehicles:

1️⃣ Traditional IRAs: The tax-deferred darling
2️⃣ Roth IRAs: The tax-free future superstar
3️⃣ Brokerage accounts: The flexible friend

Each has its superpowers, but the real magic happens when you know how to use them together.

🔑 Key to success? Understanding their differences and leveraging their strengths.

Want to dive deeper into these retirement game-changers? Check out our latest blog post for a comprehensive breakdown and expert tips on how to mix and match these options for your unique financial situation.

👉 Read the full article: https://www.melbymoney/blog/maximizing-your-retirement-savings

💡 Drowning in Debt? Here's Your Financial Lifesaver! 🏊‍♂️💰

Feeling overwhelmed by debt? You're not alone! 😓

I've just published a blog post comparing two powerful debt-busting strategies: the Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche methods.

Discover which approach could be your ticket to financial freedom! 🎟️

👉 Read the full post (https://buff.ly/3Crq17G ) and share your thoughts!

What's your preferred debt repayment strategy? Let's discuss! 💬

📊 Explore ETFs & Mutual Funds: A Comprehensive Guide

Curious about ETFs and mutual funds? Our latest blog post offers an in-depth look at these popular investment vehicles.

In this educational article, you'll find:
• An overview of ETFs and mutual funds
• Historical context and evolution
• Key differences between the two
• Potential benefits and considerations

Whether you're new to investing or looking to expand your knowledge, this guide provides valuable information to help you better understand these investment options.

Click the link to read our latest blog post and continue your financial education journey.

https://buff.ly/3Z5yAgX

Stocks vs. Bonds: The Key to Smart Investing? 📊💼

Understanding the balance between stocks and bonds is critical for building a resilient portfolio. Learn how these assets work together and why diversification matters for long-term financial success.

Check out the latest Melby Money blog to explore strategies for smarter investing!

https://buff.ly/4fx0Dv4