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Financial planning tools on a desk Reaching your 40s and 50s often marks a critical phase in your financial journey. These years typically represent peak earning potential and a vital opportunity to strengthen your retirement planning, build emergency savings, and adjust your investment strategy. But how are Americans really doing in this age group? The latest data from the Federal Reserve and other sources reveal some eye-opening facts about savings and retirement balances f

Retirement planning booklet showing Social Security and Medicare information Preparing for retirement can feel overwhelming, especially for employees nearing the end of their careers. Key decisions about Social Security, Medicare enrollment, and maximizing retirement savings through catch-up contributions carry significant financial impact. This guide offers clear, vendor-neutral information HR teams can share with late-career staff to help them navigate these choices confide

Open Enrollment (OE) is an important period for employees, where choices about health coverage, tax savings, retirement plans, and paychecks come together. This time can feel overwhelming, but with the right information, employees can navigate OE with confidence. This blog post serves as a guide to simplify the process, providing straightforward, vendor-neutral insights into the essential money topics that matter most to employees today. A calculator and financial documents o

When employees seek help with their finances, HR faces a tricky challenge: offering the assistance needed while steering clear of giving personal advice. ERISA 404(c) provides a clear path. By focusing on education rather than advice, employees can make informed choices about their finances. This approach not only empowers them but also reduces the legal risks for HR. What “Vendor-Neutral” Really Means Vendor-neutral education means delivering unbiased information. This is ac

Navigating employee benefits can be challenging for HR teams, especially when it comes to regulations like ERISA 404(c). This rule is crucial as it helps protect fiduciaries from liability related to employee investment choices, but it comes with specific requirements. In this post, we will break down ERISA 404(c), explore how vendor-neutral financial education is integral to compliance, and highlight its importance for HR departments. A financial education workshop setup wit

A welcoming breakroom setting for financial wellness discussions Open Enrollment is a sprint; Q1 is the reset. Strong attendance and real learning can happen without the pressure of sales. Instead of a complicated program, a straightforward 30-day plan can help your team build financial confidence. This guide offers a vendor-neutral approach that HR partners can easily implement for effective financial education. Week 1 — Pick the “Why,” Then the Month Start by deciding the r

The short version Hosting a SOFA workshop is simple: you pick a date and topic for your audience, and we handle the rest—program design,...

A peaceful retirement community surrounded by nature Planning for retirement can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With a...

In today's fast-paced world of human resources, staying informed about the latest trends and regulations is essential for success. For HR...

Trust begins with boundaries. At SOFA (Society for Financial Awareness), our commitment to vendor-neutral, no-cost education  is more...

Healthy skepticism is a feature — not a bug — when you’re responsible for your team’s wellbeing. The Society for Financial Awareness (SOFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is simple: end financial illiteracy through free, no-sales education. We partner with employers, associations, municipalities, and community organizations to bring practical, vendor-neutral workshops to real people with real money questions. If you’ve encountered mixed opinions online, that’s exactly

A peaceful landscape symbolizing the journey to retirement As we see more employees nearing retirement, the need for solid retirement planning has never been clearer. Yet, many teams trip up on key aspects that can jeopardize their employees' financial futures. This post will delve into common mistakes in retirement readiness. We’ll explore concepts like participation versus adequacy, the importance of auto-features, the effects of fees and behavior, and provide a straightfor

A peaceful landscape promoting financial wellness In today's fast-paced work environment, financial wellness is not just an add-on; it...