Whether you’re just starting out in your career or approaching retirement, organizing your finances and knowing exactly what you need to do to prepare for the future can feel daunting.

Mutual funds are popular investment opportunities: They are a way for investors to pool money to invest in specific assets, from stocks and bonds to other investments. Mutual funds allow the average investor opportunity to diversify their investments while accessing global markets.

Are you feeling the gnawing pain of financial anxiety? You’re not alone. A majority of Americans (59 percent) report that they live paycheck to paycheck.

While many individuals see credit as an essential part of personal finance, some avoid credit cards and loans altogether. Although avoiding debt is admirable, building credit is critical for various significant purchases and life events. Building credit responsibly is an excellent way to ease the path towards homeownership, financial stability, and more. Here are three reasons why you should care about building credit.

When you retire, how much of your retirement savings can you withdraw each year without running out? One of the general guidelines is the 4 percent rule, but it’s important that you treat it as just that: a guideline.

Becoming financially stable is a process that takes hard work and persistence; nobody goes from drowning in debt to the picture of financial health overnight. Like the formation of any other good habit, it takes daily commitment and continual learning to master finances. While individuals may have a variety of unique goals, there are a few strategies that almost anyone can use to improve their financial health. Master finances by making your financial health a priority and incorporating these four habits into your daily routine. 

“Tax planning” is a phrase many people associate with large corporations, the rich and powerful, or super-humanly organized accountant types.

As people get older, many must begin to rely more upon their children for care and support. Even the most independent retirees often chat with their kids to discuss finances, medical concerns, and housing plans for their golden years. Some people wait until they experience an accident or health scare to share their plans with loved ones, while others put off these conversations until it is too late. People with aging parents (or retirees with adult children) should be proactive about discussing these difficult topics and life decisions. If you are an adult with aging parents, consider sitting down with them to discuss retirement planning, estate planning, and their wishes regarding housing and end-of-life care. 

As people enter their thirties, they can find themselves facing a variety of significant life events. Planning for these experiences is critical, and folks in their thirties should take the time to create a list of goals for their financial future. Thirtysomethings run the gamut from new professionals starting their first office job to high-tier executives making six figures, and every person’s financial planning goals will be different. Whether you are just embarking on the search for your own place or you’re getting ready to have your third kid, consider these financial planning goals for folks in their thirties.

While buying a home is a significant expense itself, homeowners will also spend a great deal of money on renovations, additions, and maintenance after they buy. It can be easy to overspend on renovations and remodeling expenses, but there are plenty of ways for homeowners to save money. Consider these tips to help you save money when remodeling, repairing, or maintaining your home.