Articles & Reviews

Retrolocal’s journey to a storefront

One of Knoxville’s thrift fashion hubs finds a home
In a world dominated by fast fashion, a shift towards sustainability, personal expression and eco-conscious shopping is on the rise, with vintage and thrift fashion leading the charge. Knoxville is embracing this movement, and Retrolocal, a beloved online thrift store, has opened the doors of its first physical storefront. 
The official opening took place on Sept. 6, marking a significant milestone in Retrolocal’s nearly decade-long journey. Wi...

Our Favorite Albums of 2024 | TheWaster.com

How does one classify an album as ‘the best of the year’? Is is about the views? The clicks? The sales metrics? Not for us. We didn’t consult the Billboard charts, but we did write about some amazing music that got us through the past twelve months.
In no particular order, here are some of our favorite records of 2024…
Charli XCX – “BRAT”
A savage spirit haunts Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, “BRAT,” a record that feels both deeply nostalgic and startlingly futuristic. The Grammy-nominated albu...

What to Know Before Cashing Out Your 401(k) - Slavic401k

Accessing your hard-earned retirement savings is not as easy as withdrawing funds from a checking or standard savings account. Instead, accessing your retirement funds requires a process and protocol that former employers, current employers, and participants must follow.
Whether you’re ready to step out of your career and into your golden years, or access your funds early, there are some things you need to know before cashing out your 401(k) plan. Read below to learn about eligibility; taxes, fe...

Understanding the Impact of Inflation on Retirement - Slavic401k

You’ve likely heard the term inflation in recent years as the U.S. and global economies have been impacted by conflicts overseas, the job market, and the COVID-19 pandemic. While you probably noticed an increase in the price of goods and services, you may be wondering what is happening and how it will impact your future financial snapshot.
Inflation occurs when the cost of producing or offering goods and services surpasses the purchasing power of money. As inflation goes up, the power of money d...

The Importance of Diversification in Your Investment Portfolio - Slavic401k

Saving for the future comes in many different shapes and sizes, and an investment strategy varies from person to person. However, one strategy that is beneficial for everyone is diversification.
Having a diverse investment portfolio means that you are invested in a wide variety of asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and more. Each asset has a different type of risk associated with it, such as conservative, moderate, or aggressive and having a healthy balance of each is necessary for combatin...

Women and Retirement: Navigating Financial Security for a Bright Future - Slavic401k

Financial planning extends beyond everyday savings and budgeting; it also includes planning for a secure retirement without stress and worry.
For many full-time employees, saving for the future is made easy by the employer. With benefits like 401(k) matching, safe harbor plans, contribution flexibility, and expansive investment options, many are lucky to have security built into their everyday jobs. However, Wiser notes that on average, women have less money at retirement compared to men because...

The Role of Technology in Retirement Planning: Tools and Trends - Slavic401k

Saving for your future is an important part of financial planning, and it requires frequent assessments to ensure you’re on the right track. As you navigate all of life’s changes, your finances will need to be reevaluated along the way. The same is true for retirement planning.
When it comes to planning for the future, it’s a lot easier today than it was in the past. Now, in the age of digitization, technology is changing the landscape of retirement planning for the better. Instead of meeting wi...

Compound Interest and How it Impacts Retirement - Slavic401k

Saving for retirement is a little more complex than simply depositing money into a 401(k) or IRA plan. Starting to make contributions as early as possible and as much as possible maximizes the benefits of compound interest over time.
Compound interest is the interest you earn from an original contribution plus interest you’ve made on an existing investment, meaning that your interest earns interest over time. The more time your money has to compound and grow, the better it will be for your retir...

Required Minimum Distributions Explained - Slavic401k

As a retirement plan participant, you are subject to certain rules and regulations determined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You may be familiar with retirement rules regarding maximum contributions or early withdrawal fees, but another important rule includes required minimum distributions – or RMDs.
RMDs require participants of tax-deferred retirement accounts to make withdrawals – and pay taxes on the withdrawals – every year, starting at age 73. Eligible accounts noted by the IRS inc...

5 Common 401(k) Questions Answered - Slavic401k

Participating in a 401(k) plan is important for every retirement strategy. Whether you’re a new investor or not, it’s important to ask questions and understand your plan options so you can make adjustments throughout your retirement savings journey.

Read on for a list of five common 401(k) questions with answers to help you navigate your retirement.
Employer-sponsored 401(k) plans often have default for contributions, such as 3%, when you are enrolled. You can, and should, increase your contrib...