News and Commentary

7 Smart Money Moves to Maximize Year-End Bonuses by Kathleen Marteney, CRPC

If you received a year-end bonus, congratulations! As gratifying as it may be to splurge on something you can enjoy immediately, you may want to take a few moments to consider how you can maximize those dollars for the long term. Following are seven smart money moves to help you use a windfall of money to solidify your financial future.

  1. Pay down high-interest credit card debt;
  2. Pay off a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to free up cash flow;
  3. Establish or bolster an existing emergency fund with at least three months of expenses;
  4. Increase your salary deferral contributions to an employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan, which, in 2024, can be as much as $23,000, or $30,500 for individuals age 50 or older;
  5. Make a 20243 contribution to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or set one up, if you qualify;
  6. Establish a 529 savings plan to help you save for a child’s future college education costs and for which you may use up to $10,000 per year to pay for tuition at a K-12 private school; and/or
  7. Assess your budget and find ways to cut expenses, especially if they exceed your earnings.

Meeting with experienced advisors can help you assess your current financial condition and learn additional strategies to meet your short-term and long-term financial goals.

About the Author: Kathleen Marteney, CRPC®, is a financial planner with Provenance Wealth Advisors (PWA), an Independent Registered Investment Advisor affiliated with Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs, and a registered representative with PWA Securities, LLC (PWAS). She can be reached at (800) 737-8804 or via email at info@provwealth.com.

Provenance Wealth Advisors, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Nineteenth Floor, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 (954) 712-8888.

 Kathleen Marteney is a registered representative of and offers securities through PWA Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC..

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct.

Any opinions are those of the advisors of PWA and not necessarily those of PWA Securities, LLC. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of PWAS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Prior to making any investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.

Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses associated with 529 plans before investing. This and other information about 529 plans is available in the issuer’s official statement and should be read carefully before investing. Investors should consult a tax advisor about any state tax consequences of an investment in a 529 plan. As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 plan. There is also a risk that these plans may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. Most states offer their own 529 programs, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents. The tax implications can vary significantly from state to state. Investors should consider, before investing, whether the investor’s or the designated beneficiary’s home state offers any tax or other benefits that are only available for investment in such state’s 529 college savings plan. Such benefits include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors.

401(k) plans are long-term retirement savings vehicles. Withdrawal of pre-tax contributions and/or earnings will be subject to ordinary income tax and, if taken prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Investments mentioned may not be suitable for all investors. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct.

To learn more about Provenance Wealth Advisors financial planning services click here or contact us at info@provwealth.com

Posted on February 7, 2024