Investment Knowledge Center

When you leave an employer, it’s generally not necessary to leave an old 401(k) plan behind. Leaving it behind may cause you to forget it or, worse yet, introduce fees that can erode its value. While rolling an old 401(k) into an IRA or new 401(k) plan is a popular option, rolling a 401(k) into… Continue reading How to roll over your 401(k) into an annuity: Process, types, and when it makes sense

If you qualify for a health savings account (HSA), you have access to one of the most tax-advantaged accounts available. Unlike a 401(k) or traditional IRA that taxes distributions when you withdraw funds, HSAs offer a triple tax advantage when used for eligible expenses. For banking professionals and other high earners looking to build wealth… Continue reading How to invest HSA funds: Stocks, ETFs, and Bitcoin guide

If you’ve been watching Bitcoin lately and wondering where prices are headed, you’re definitely not alone. One minute, it looks like values are taking off, and the next, it feels like you’ve already missed the window. The question, “Is Bitcoin a buy right now?” sounds straightforward, but in reality, it’s anything but. Even experienced investors… Continue reading Should I buy Bitcoin now? A strategic guide to Bitcoin ETFs in 2026

Planning for retirement can be stressful. You work hard, save consistently and try to stay on track — but there’s always that lingering worry of whether your investments will be enough. And what if the market drops just as you’re about to retire? That uncertainty is exactly why many people look at annuities. At their… Continue reading Indexed annuity vs. fixed annuity: A complete comparison guide

A common concern among retirees is having income streams that enable them to enjoy their golden years. Annuities can help purchasers achieve that goal. An annuity is a contract between the purchaser and an insurance company in which the former receives a stream of income from the latter. An annuity rider can tailor the contract… Continue reading What is an annuity rider? Types, benefits, and cost considerations

Creating stability is an important goal for most retirees. Americans approaching retirement have various tools they can use to achieve that goal, from well-stocked 401(k) plans to CD ladders. Often, these retirement vehicles are used to establish a steady stream of income. Purchasing an annuity is an increasingly popular way to build a steady stream… Continue reading 5 annuity mistakes to avoid: Expert guide to protecting your retirement

Annuities let you lock in a steady payout or even guaranteed income for life, which can feel like an easy win. But there’s a catch most people miss. While many investors focus on payout rates, annuity fees can easily reduce your returns by 2% to 3% each year. When it comes to annuities, you may… Continue reading Annuity cost breakdown: Fees, charges and how to pay less

Are annuities a good investment in today’s climate — or are they just another financial product that sounds safer than it really is? For some investors, annuities offer stability and predictable income. For others, they come with tradeoffs that may not fit their financial goals. In this guide, we’ll take a straightforward look at how… Continue reading Are annuities a good investment? Pros, cons, and alternatives

Choosing how to manage your investments is one of the most important financial decisions investors face today. The decision often comes down to robo-advisors vs. financial advisors. Robo-advisors began as a way to democratize investing for the masses. Until the early 21st century, if you wanted help managing your investments, you typically had to speak… Continue reading Robo-advisors vs. financial advisors: Which option delivers better value?

If you’ve been investing in a 401(k) plan, you’re probably used to being given a menu of investments to choose from. In the months ahead, you might see the menu become more varied. Recent changes in regulatory guidance have opened up 401(k) investments to more complex and risky types of assets. Think of the addition… Continue reading Do alternative investments belong in your 401(k)?