How does compound interest work?
Compound interest is when you earn interest on the money you’ve saved and on the interest you earn along the way. Here’s an example to help explain compound interest. H2 None Increasing the compounding frequency, finding a higher interest rate, ...
My kids are leaving the nest and starting their careers, what should I tell them about saving and investing?
As young adults enter into their careers, talk to them about starting to save early for retirement and the importance of preparing for financial emergencies. Here are a few discussion points you can use. A great place to save and ...
My children are 6 and 8 years old. What should they know about money at that age, and what I can do to help?
Ages 6 to 8 are a good time to discuss choices about how to spend money, compare prices, and start savings accounts. None Here are some milestones you should look for and activities that can help your children reach them. ...
My son just started his first part-time job. Can he open an IRA?
Your son or daughter can open an IRA as soon as he or she has earned income. There are two types of IRAs – the Roth IRA and the traditional tax deductible IRA. The basic difference is that contributions to ...
My daughter just got her first paycheck and was shocked at how much was taken out. What should I tell her about taxes and other deductions?
To talk with your teenager about her paycheck, start with the difference between gross pay and net pay. Then go over the various taxes and other deductions from her check. None When she started her job, she filled out a ...
My kids think I can put everything on my credit card. How do I explain that we have to limit what we buy with credit?
Be sure your children understand that credit is a loan – you have to pay the money back at a later time. If you don’t pay the entire balance in full every month, you’ll be charged interest. None And the ...
When's a good age to open a savings account for my child?
Your child can start learning to save at a very young age. Consider opening a savings account for your child as soon as they save more in their piggy bank than you feel comfortable letting them have easy access to. ...
I want my children to learn how to compare prices. What are some things I could try?
When teaching children to compare prices, focus on both costs and benefits – that is, the best value, not just the lowest price. These are exercises you can make very simple for younger children and more complex as children get ...
My kids are asking about whether to enroll in their employers’ 401(k)s, what should I tell them?
If your adult children are offered 401(k)s from their employers, encourage them to do it! The sooner they start learning to save for retirement, the easier it will be. Use the Compound Interest Calculator on the SEC’s website, Investor.gov, to ...
I've always tried to save for a rainy day, now my son is away at college and I want to get him to start saving too. What do you suggest?
To encourage your college aged son to start saving, suggest automated savings. If he has a steady income – from a part-time or full-time job, for example – he may be able to set up a payroll deduction from his ...
What's a good way to get my child in the habit of saving?
First talk to your children about needs versus wants. Once children understand that needs come first and that sometimes we have to wait for the things we want, it gives them a foundation to see the value in saving. Consider ...
I want to help my daughter start her credit history. What should I do?
To help your daughter start her credit history, start by ordering a copy of her credit reports from Equifax, Experian, TransUnion – the three largest national credit reporting agencies. You can order the reports free every 12 months at ...
I have a pre-schooler who is starting to ask for treats when we go shopping. What can I do to start teaching her that things cost money?
A good way to start teaching preschoolers about money is have them identify coins and learn their value. None Adults have a clear understanding that items in stores cost money, but put yourself in the preschooler’s shoes. To them, everything ...
What is a 529 savings plan?
A 529 savings plan is designed to help families save money for future educational costs. 529 savings plans are typically sponsored by a state and may be available from a private investment firm. None Contributions to a 529 savings plan ...
What should I know before investing in a 529 savings plan?
Before choosing a plan for your child, review the plan's fee schedule and investor handbook, ask plan managers questions if you have any, and make sure you understand the cost and terms associated with the plan. None Some plans charge ...
What are the differences between 529 plans?
There are two types of 529 plans, a prepaid tuition plan and a savings plan. Deciding between a savings plan and a prepaid tuition plan is an important first step. None 529 Prepaid Tuition Plan Prepaid tuition plans allow families ...
How much do 529 plans cost?
529 plan costs can vary based on the type of savings plan you select. 529 plans typically assess a variety of fees. 529 Prepaid Tuition Plan Fees 529 prepaid tuition plans traditionally have relatively few to no fees since the ...