How Can I Manage My Personal Finances Better?
Better money management begins with a few basic solutions that aren’t particularly difficult but do require commitment. We’re here to help along the way, too.
Do I Need a Budget for My Financial Health?
We think so. Sticking to a budget can sound restrictive, but it can actually be liberating. Tracking your spending can help free up funds for things you want and need to do, such as saving more, paying down debt faster and investing for your future.
Get tips and how-to steps from one of our financial advisors on budgeting for life.
Emergency Fund: Does Everyone Need One?
Nothing quite derails your finances like an unexpected expense, such as car repairs, or a longer-term financial situation, like job losses.
The good news is that you can prepare for both with a rainy-day fund and an emergency fund. Learn three steps to prepare for a financial emergency, including how much to save and where to put your money.
What’s the Best Way to Handle Debt?
Begin by understanding the type of debt you have. Not all debt is bad…neither is it all good. However, managing debt, especially when it carries high interest rates, can lead to healthier finances and significantly reduce stress.
Should you save or pay off debt first? Our financial professionals offer tips on paying off debt versus investing for your future—and why it’s not always an either/or decision.
Should I Invest if I Have Other Financial Priorities?
Your future financial health is just as important as it is now. In fact, saving for your future may be one of the healthiest things you can do with your money right now.
Retirement is such a critical goal, and you won’t regret putting money away now for the kind of future you want. The alternative of not saving can feel a lot scarier.
Learn the best ways to save for retirement.
New to investing? Everyone has to start somewhere. Here's our 101 guide.
How Much Should You Save for Retirement?
Learn about investing for retirement based on your age and circumstances—our financial consultants offer tips just for you.
Are You Saving Enough in Your 20s and 30s?
Learn the retirement savings guidelines for people under age 40.
Saving for Retirement at 40 and 50
Saving is more serious after age 40. Explore ways to save more for the future.
Retirement Countdown in Your 50s and 60s
Revisit your goals and find out what to do when you’re getting nearer to retirement.
Nearing or Already Retired?
As you approach retirement, investing becomes about income—either planning for it or living off your nest egg.
Learn how to create a plan for steady income or a plan to help your money last.
Best Ways to Reach Your Investing Goals?
Whether you are investing for retirement or another goal, like saving for a home or for a college education, there are some long-held principles that financial professionals (including ours) believe can help make you more successful, such as starting as early as possible (or now) and regular investing. It’s also smart to track your progress.
Set up an automatic investment from your bank account to your investment account. Discover other benefits.
You may get a clearer picture of your finances when your investments are in fewer accounts. There are other benefits too.
Is It Necessary to Have a Financial Plan?
Some people wonder if they have enough money or think they are too young or old to create a plan. We beg to differ.
A financial plan can be beneficial regardless of your financial standing or your age, although the topics you cover may vary. A plan can help you know the path forward and let you track your finances.
Learn about financial planning for all ages from our financial professionals.
Let Us Help With Your Financial Planning Needs
We offer two options for obtaining a financial plan, depending on how you want to work with us.
Financial Planning Consultations
Want a plan without a long-term commitment? Get a plan in two to three sessions with a certified financial planner.
In-Depth Advice and Planning
If you’re looking for more, we also offer ongoing advice and planning, along with a professionally managed portfolio.
Plan For Your Legacy
Beyond your personal financial goals, planning for your loved ones is just as important. Estate planning enables you to decide the legacy you wish to leave and how your assets will be distributed.
Discover the key components of estate planning.
Go Beyond the Financial Basics With More Knowledge
Knowledge is power when it comes to managing your finances. Find insights from our financial consultants and investment management teams on all kinds of financial and investing topics.
Investment return and principal value of security investments will fluctuate. The value at the time of redemption may be more or less than the original cost. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
This material has been prepared for educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, investment, accounting, legal or tax advice.
American Century's advisory services are provided by American Century Investments Private Client Group, Inc., a registered investment advisor. These advisory services provide discretionary investment management for a fee. The amount of the fee and how it is charged depend on the advisory service you select. American Century’s financial consultants do not receive a portion or a range of the advisory fee paid. Contact us to learn more about the different advisory services. All investing involves the risk of losing money.
Private Client Group advisory services are provided by American Century Investments Private Client Group, Inc., a registered investment advisor. This service is generally for clients with a minimum $50,000 investment. Call us to determine the level of service that is appropriate for you. The advisory service provides discretionary investment management for a fee. All investing involves risk.