Smart Vestor
Where Do I Invest After I’ve Maxed Out My 401(k)?
If you’re maxing out your 401(k), that means you’re contributing the maximum amount allowed to your workplace retirement plan. In other words, you’re making huge strides in building wealth for your future! You’re laser-focused, you’ve set your financial goals, and you’re working hard toward them—that’s a great accomplishment. Go ahead, take yourself out for a steak dinner…
Read MoreHow to Start Investing in 2025: A Beginner’s Guide
Watching the news these days can seem like a wild ride on one of those sketchy roller coasters at the county fair. The economy? Uncertain. The housing market? Anything but normal. The stock market? Who knows . . . You might feel like it’s a crazy time to start investing, but hear us out: The…
Read MoreHaley Johnson of Petersen Hastings Wealth Advisors Named New Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro for Central Washington
Petersen Hastings Wealth Advisors is excited to announce that Haley Johnson, CFP®, AIF®, has been selected as the new Dave Ramsey SmartVestor Pro for Central Washington, which includes Yakima, Wenatchee, and Ellensburg regions. This appointment reinforces Petersen Hastings’ dedication to helping clients pursue financial peace and security through trusted, values-driven financial guidance. With the expansion,…
Read MoreSmartVestor: How to Pay Off Debt
Hi Ramsey Fans! Oftentimes we are asked about financial planning and the process of paying off debt. As you may know, paying off debt is a crucial part of responsible money management. Being debt free before you begin your investing journey is a necessary first step! I was able to look through the archives of the Ramsey…
Read MoreSmartVestor: Why Do Students Need Financial Literacy?
Have you ever learned something new about money (maybe the hard way) and thought, I wish I’d learned this in high school? Sure! We all have. That’s why we’re on a mission to make sure every student in America learns financial literacy before they graduate high school—so today’s graduates have the personal finance skills they need…
Read MoreSmartVestor: How to Start Investing in 2024: A Beginner’s Guide
Watching the news in 2024 can seem like a wild ride on one of those sketchy roller coasters at the county fair. The economy? Uncertain. The housing market? Anything but normal. The stock market? Who knows… You might feel like it’s a crazy time to start investing, but hear us out: The best time to…
Read MoreSmartVestor: What is a Pension? Everything You Need to Know
Do you know what pensions and movie rental stores have in common? They’ve both been replaced by the “new way” of doing things. Netflix took down Blockbuster, and the 401(k) put pension plans on the endangered species list. Today, only 15% of workers in the private sector (not the government) who have access to an…
Read MoreSmartVestor: How to Choose Your 401(k) Selections Like a Pro
If you’ve been looking forward to investing for retirement through your company’s 401(k) benefit, the day you receive your enrollment package is an exciting one. Soon you’ll be building your retirement nest egg with the help of your employer’s 401(k) match and the right investment selections—you can’t wait to get started! So you rip open your envelope and…
Read MoreSmartVestor: Investment Options for High-Income Earners
When it comes to saving for retirement, you’re the CEO of You, Incorporated – it’s up to you to take charge! And if you practice what we preach, taking charge means you’re investing 15% of your income in tax-favored retirement accounts – like 401(k)s and IRAs. But if you’re an actual CEO – or someone else who…
Read MoreSmartVestor: What is Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investing?
Over the past few years, more and more investors have shown interest in putting their money where their values are. According to a Harvard study, more than a quarter of global investors say ESG is now a key part of their investment approach (26%). But is environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing – sometimes known…
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