Articles by Jess Catorc

What does the typical American earn at ages 22, 45, or even 65? As careers unfold, income usually climbs, peaks, and eventually levels off — but exactly how, and when?  In this article, we explore the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SmartAsset, and research on financial literacy by age to reveal [...]

Owning a home is often viewed as a cornerstone of long-term financial security in the United States. Yet the path to achieving it can look very different depending on age, income, and life stage. Younger buyers often juggle rising prices, limited savings, and tighter lending standards. Older homeowners, on the other hand, may hold substantial equity [...]

You may feel comfortable with the money sitting in your savings account, but a single unexpected expense can quickly change that. A sudden medical bill, a major car repair, or even a temporary job disruption can drain cash reserves faster than you’d expect.  That’s where an emergency fund comes in. It acts as a financial cushion [...]

Imagine looking at your finances and realizing debt is shaping more of your life than you thought.  In mid‑2025, U.S. household debt reached over $18.3 trillion, covering mortgages, student loans, auto loans, and credit cards. Debt levels vary widely by age, career stage, and life choices, and understanding these patterns can help you make more informed [...]

Understanding Solo 401k rules can get more complicated once part-time employees enter the picture. Starting in 2025, the SECURE Act 2.0 requires certain long-term, part-time workers to be included in retirement plans. This means small-business owners and self-employed individuals need to know which employees qualify, how contributions are handled, and what compliance steps apply. For example, [...]

Most people with a workplace retirement plan, like a 401k, may not realize it’s governed by a law called ERISA — the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. This law sets the rules that keep plans fair, transparent, and properly funded.  For employers, it means meeting specific standards when offering retirement benefits. For employees, it [...]

Saving for retirement can feel complex, especially if you are eligible for multiple tax-advantaged plans. Some individuals have access to both a 457b and a Solo 401k and want to understand how to contribute to each without exceeding IRS limits.  In 2025, the elective deferral limit for both plans is $23,500, though eligibility rules and contribution [...]

Americans are living longer, and healthcare costs continue to rise. That makes retirement savings a growing concern for many households. Yet the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances found that nearly half of U.S. families had no retirement accounts at all. For those who do save, the 401k is often the backbone of their plan. [...]

Retirement planning often involves keeping up with changing IRS rules and annual updates. Contribution limits adjust each year, and for 2025, those changes may affect how much you can set aside in different accounts. Knowing the updated numbers helps you plan ahead, avoid overcontributions, and potentially keep your long-term goals on track. This guide covers the [...]