If college is on the horizon for yourself or someone you love, you have likely heard of the FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Used by the government to award federal school aid, grants, and scholarships, the FAFSA is a form that is filled out annually for the upcoming academic year to determine how much a student and his or her family are expected to be able to contribute towards their college education.
NIKE Employee Benefits: Understanding the Election of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Stock Options
Equity compensation can be as valuable, if not more so, as cash compensation over the long-term. The election of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), stock options, or a mix between the two is offered to qualifying employees every August. Let’s review some key factors that separate these two deferred compensation methods.
Financial Guide to the Northwest: Comparing Oregon and Washington
Northwest living offers green landscapes, mountains, beaches, and plenty of outdoor fun. Living in Oregon or Washington, two of these beautiful northwest states, bring very different financial planning considerations. This financial guide to the northwest outlines some of the important factors that impact optimizing after tax investment returns, life transitions, and saving for college.
Back-Door Roth vs. Roth Conversion
First available in 1998, Roth retirement accounts have quickly become a popular way to save for retirement by allowing participants’ after-tax contributions to grow tax-free and, unlike traditional IRA accounts, not be subject to taxes upon withdrawal. As their popularity increased, employer-sponsored 401(k) plans with a Roth option quickly followed, becoming available for employers to offer to their employees in 2006. According to CNBC, the number of employers offering a 401(k) with a Roth option has nearly doubled to 88% in the past decade.
Understanding the Differences Between Long-Term Care Options
Though it’s not pleasant to contemplate, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services, an individual who is 65 years of age today has a nearly 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care in their older years. Long-term care is a blanket term that incorporates care over an extended period of time, both in your home or in a facility and it can range from general assistance with daily tasks to more comprehensive medical care. AARP reports that the national average for a private room in a nursing home is $108,405 per year and $61,776 for a home health aide.