Blog
Check out our blog to learn about financial tips, life at Accel Wealth Management, and more!
What Happens to Your 401(k) When You Switch Jobs?
Changing employers is exciting, but your retirement savings deserve a plan too. Here are your four options and how to choose the right one. Your Four Options You have a choice, and it matters. When you leave a job, your old 401(k) or...
Read More10 Steps to Clean Up Your Spending and Build Better Money Habits
Over time, it is easy for spending habits to drift. Subscriptions build up, bills increase, and small purchases go unnoticed. Before long, your money may not feel as organized or intentional as it should.The good news is you do not...
Read MoreWill Your Income Last Through Market Ups and Downs?
Market fluctuations are a normal part of investing, but when you’re relying on your investments for income, those ups and downs can feel very different.For many retirees and those nearing retirement, the focus shifts from building...
Read MoreStart Here: Building Your Emergency Fund
Life happens. The question is whether your finances are ready when it does.Unexpected expenses are not a matter of if, they’re a matter of when. A car repair, medical bill, or sudden job transition can quickly disrupt even the...
Read More5 Financial Tips for Young Adults
People often ask whether they are doing the right things with their money. As an advisor, I’m here to share what I’ve seen work over and over, but the choices are always yours.Think about it in real-world terms: why wait for a...
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Planning Ahead for Life's Toughest Moments
Life throws challenges at all of us: aging, long-term care, death, and divorce. These aren’t just possibilities. For most of us, they are near certainties. However, many Americans do little to prepare. Making financial decisions in the...
Read MoreBudgeting Basics: How to Take Control of Your Money in 2026
Budgeting is one of the first and most important steps in taking control of your finances. It helps you track your spending, plan for emergencies, reduce financial stress, and work toward your short and long-term goals. By knowing...
Read MoreTrusts Explained: Protect Your Assets & Estate
What Is a Trust? Trusts are legal tools designed for ongoing control of assets after-death, determining how property is managed and distributed. They date back to Rome (200 BC), developed further in England (1215 Magna Carta), and...
Read More2025 Core Value Awards and Milestone Anniversaries
As we start a new year, we want to recognize the amazing people who represent The Accel Group's organization’s spirit. Every year, we proudly celebrate our Core Value Award winners. These team members go above and beyond in living our...
Read MoreBreaking Down Financial Seasons
No two financial journeys look the same. Your needs, priorities, and goals evolve over time. Understanding your financial phase can help you make smarter decisions, grow your wealth, and protect what matters most. Foundational Phase...
Read MoreTurning Your Phone into Your Financial Sidekick
Managing money can feel overwhelming. Credit cards and online shopping make it easy to spend without thinking. On top of that, rising costs and hidden subscriptions add to financial stress. Personal finance apps can help you take...
Read MoreWhat are Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)?
For many retirees, charitable gifting is more than generosity. It’s a meaningful part of their legacy. And when done strategically, giving can also play an important role in your overall retirement plan. A Qualified Charitable...
Read MoreCommon Sources of Income During Retirement
Retirement isn’t just about crossing the finish line. It’s about what comes after. You’ve worked hard and built your savings, and now it’s time to think more about what kind of life that work will create. Let’s take it a step further...
Read MoreCollege Savings Strategies: A Practical Guide for Families
Paying for college is one of the biggest financial goals many families hold. With rising tuition costs and additional expenses like housing, books, and fees, planning ahead can make a significant difference. Fortunately, there are a...
Read MoreYour Guide to Social Security
For many Americans, Social Security (SS) is an important piece of their retirement income plan. With many myths out there regarding Social Security and its solvency, it’s important to understand how Social Security benefits work, when...
Read MoreTraditional vs. Roth 401(k): Which Is Right for You?
While both a Traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k) are powerful retirement savings tools, they serve different purposes and differ in how your contributions and withdrawals are taxed. Understanding these differences can help you make...
Read MoreWhat is a Target Date Fund?
Many people find planning for retirement overwhelming, and it's easy to get lost in the details. That’s where target date funds come in. In their simplest form, they’re designed to make it easier to invest and manage risk over time....
Read MoreCredit Scores: What They Mean and Why They Matter
Your credit score follows you everywhere. From buying a car to applying for a mortgage, many people don’t realize how much that three-digit number impacts their long-term financial picture. What Is a Credit Score? A credit score is a...
Read MoreThree Ways a PEP Reduces Administrative Burden
As an employer, you may feel responsible for the financial future of your employees. Offering a retirement plan is a huge part of their overall planning when it comes to finances. At the same time, retirement plan administration can...
Read MoreAddressing Common Financial Misconceptions
Are you making financial decisions based on advice that “everyone knows” without knowing if it's actually true? From mortgage payments to Social Security myths and life insurance misunderstandings, many of us fall victim to assumptions...
Read MoreHow Pooled Employer Plans Help Medium-Sized Businesses
Retirement plans are an essential benefit, but managing one as a medium-sized business can feel overwhelming, especially when you're expected to serve as a prudent expert on rules you didn’t even know existed. Enter the Pooled Employer...
Read MoreComparing Pooled Employer Plans vs. Traditional 401(k) Plans
Choosing the right retirement plan for your employees isn’t one-size-fits-all. With the evolving needs of growing businesses, it's important to understand your options beyond the traditional Single Employer Plan (SEP). Today, more...
Read MoreBeneficiary Designations: Why They Matter
Do you remember that quiet form you may have filled out years ago? The form that could carry more weight than your will itself? It’s your beneficiary designation(s). They have the power to decide who receives your life insurance...
Read MorePlanning for Every Stage and Surprise in Life: A Financial Roadmap
Life is full of twists—job changes, health issues, and milestones. No matter your stage, build a strong financial foundation to stay ready for the expected and unexpected.
Read MoreCommon Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) Myths - Debunked
As an HR leader with a small team or a CFO who wears many hats, managing a 401(k) plan can feel like just another daunting task on your to-do list. That’s where a Pooled Employer Plan (PEP) comes in—offering a streamlined retirement...
Read MoreA Guide to Types of Trusts in Estate Planning
Many people realize that having a will for future financial planning is key. In the world of estate planning, trusts can also play a crucial role, yet many people have misconceptions about them. If you're asking yourself, 'What are...
Read MoreThe Accel Group and Accel Wealth Management Open New Office in West Des Moines’ Arcadia Building
The Accel Group and Accel Wealth Management are excited to announce the relocation of their West Des Moines office to a brand-new, state-of-the-art space in the newly renovated Arcadia building, and you’re invited to celebrate! As one...
Read MoreHow To Pay Off Debt
One way to make sure you keep more of your hard-earned money in the long run is by making a plan to pay off unnecessary debt. Check out these tips and strategies for paying off debt.
Read More2024 Core Value Awards and Milestone Anniversaries
As we kick off another incredible year, it's time to reflect on the exceptional individuals who truly embody the spirit of our organization. Each year, we proudly recognize our Core Value Award winners: individuals who have gone above...
Read MoreWhat is an HSA: A Closer Look At the Specifics and Advantages
Optimize your savings strategy with a Health Savings Account, which offers tax benefits, flexibility, and savings potential for current and future healthcare expenses.
Read MoreBudgeting 101
Budgeting is the key to keeping your finances in check. It's all about making a plan for how you'll spend your money so you can cover the essentials and save for the future. Whether you're just starting out or trying to fine-tune your...
Read MoreHow to Take a Summer Vacation Without Breaking the Bank
Traveling is a great way to relax and recharge, try new things, and experience different cultures. Whether you want to spend time on a beach or in the mountains, a summer vacation is a lot more fun when you aren't worried about money...
Read MoreAccel Wealth Management Team Attends National Orion Conference
Earlier this month, Stacie Brass, Partner, Managing Director & Chief Compliance Officer; Ryan Hervey, Investment Advisor Representative; Hanna Kerr, Operations Specialist; Emily Misener, Director of Operations; traveled to sunny San...
Read More2023 Core Value Awards and Milestone Anniversaries
At Accel Wealth Management, recognizing our employees and their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments is important to us. This past weekend, we gathered for our annual Accel Holiday Party in West Des Moines. We celebrated this...
Read MoreHow to Save for the Holidays: Quick Tips and Tricks
It's that time of year again! Halloween has passed, and the holiday season is on the horizon. The holidays are a time for gathering and joy, but it can be financially stressful at the same time. With the cost of gifts, travel, and...
Read MoreCelebrating Financial Confidence: The Significance of 401(k) Day
In the realm of personal finance, there are milestones and tools that play a pivotal role in securing a stable future. One such tool that holds immense importance is the 401(k)-retirement plan. To celebrate its significance, we observe...
Read MoreDo Credentials Matter?
Designations demonstrate that financial advisors have met educational requirements, passed exams, and adhere to ethical standards. We believe it's essential to understand the qualifications of your financial advisor.
Read MoreFive Financial Tips for Young Adults
Most financial advisors would tell you that these five tips will help you, and the sooner you get to them, the sooner you can achieve some financial independence.
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