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The Benefits and Downsides of a Roth IRA

The Roth IRA is a retirement savings plan that lets you save money for retirement while also paying tax on the income. You can contribute to a Roth IRA in any amount of your choosing, but there are limits on how much you can contribute each year and those limits change as your income changes.

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The Financial Pyramid Series - Building Wealth Part 5

Regardless of what stage of life you're in, building wealth is always a great goal to have. When you have access to ample savings and cash reserves, you'll be prepared in the event of an emergency and will be able to more effectively maintain your lifestyle during retirement. While everyone has different levels of wealth that they wish to build towards, there are some basic guidelines and suggestions that should help you get started. Below is an in-depth guide on how to build wealth over time.

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The Financial Pyramid Series: Nest Egg Investing Part 4

Having access to ample savings is beneficial if you need to make a large purchase or take a vacation. It's also necessary when you're saving for retirement. One method you can use to save for retirement involves nest egg investing. You can build this nest egg with a retirement plan that's sponsored by your employer or an individual plan.

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The Financial Pyramid Series: Cash Reserves Part 3

Building personal cash reserves will improve your financial security and prepare you for anything that comes up in the future. Whether you experience a medical emergency or want to make sure that you have something to pass on to your heirs, building cash reserves isn't difficult as long as you take the right approach. By utilizing the financial pyramid technique, you can more effectively reach your financial goals and increase your cash reserves.

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The CalSavers Program

If you are a small business owner in the State of California and do not carry a retirement benefit plan for your employees, the deadline for the CalSavers Program is quickly approaching. If you have 5 or more employees and do not currently offer a workplace retirement plan you must register by June 30, 2022.

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Saving vs. Investing: What's the Difference?

Many equate saving with investing. Yet the two concepts are not entirely interchangeable, there is a difference between saving and investing. Saving is putting money away that is for later use with little to no risk of loss. While you save in order to invest, you then take on some risk by investing in assets which ideally will increase in value but that doesn’t always occur. Here are some of the key differences to understand.

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The Financial Pyramid Series: Insurance Part 1

Insurance is the base of the financial pyramid, creating a solid foundation upon which you will build your wealth. It provides protection against any unforeseen event that can potentially jeopardize your long-term goals. The most important idea to understand about insurance is that it is pure and simple the best way to protect yourself against the risk of loss. If you do not put anything aside for your financial protection you are exposing your plans to risk.

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Child Tax Credit Payments

Starting in July, Americans who have children aged 17 and under, will be receiving payments for the Child Tax Credit that passed legislation under the American Rescue Plan. The IRS will begin sending out monthly payments of $250 or $300 through December to qualifying families.

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Athena’s Top 3 Tips about Investing

Pay yourself first

You know the scenario, it’s payday and before you know it bills are paid and you’ve already planned three dinners out with friends. Your budget is wiped out and you did not add to your savings. One of the best methods to ensure that you are hitting your savings goals is to pay yourself first.

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