Participant Insights

Portfolio rebalancing, how to budget your money, what’s an HSA and who needs one? Preparing for retirement is hard. From personal finance basics to retirement planning and everything in between, we’ve got a few ideas to make life a little simpler. Contact MCF with any questions.

Financial Wellness

401(k) Check-ins Can Help You Stay on Track

April 21, 2026

In many ways, saving through your employer-sponsored retirement plan has never been more convenient. Automatic enrollment, auto-escalating contributions, and target date funds can make saving feel almost effortless by quietly adjusting your contributions and investments over time.    While automatic features remain powerful allies in your savings strategy, you may also want to ensure your overall approach to retirement savings reflects any significant life events, like marriage, kids, job and income changes, and shifting financial priorities. Below are some ideas to consider for keeping your savings strategy aligned with your goals as life changes happen.   

The Advantages and Disadvantages of AI in Personal Finance

April 7, 2026 Wealth Management

As the use of Artificial Intelligence becomes more prevalent in our digital age, it is important to consider and evaluate the benefits and risks of relying on AI when it comes to making personal financial decisions. AI can be a great tool when it comes to efficiency, education, and automation, but it is important to remember that AI cannot replace the critical thinking and experience that a human provides to managing personal finances. The table below highlights a few of the ways AI can be a beneficial tool in our personal financial lives, along with the risks to consider when relying on its use.

Sticky Saving Goals to Suit Your Personality

March 8, 2026 Financial Wellness

The start of a new year is a natural time to set fresh financial resolutions, but unfortunately most don’t last past February. One reason may be that our money goals often don’t align with the way we naturally think or how we stay motivated once the initial enthusiasm fades. A study of more than 2,400 individuals published by American Psychologist found that people tend to save more successfully when their savings goals fit their personality — specifically their “Big Five” personality traits. Here’s how higher levels of these traits may influence everyday saving behavior…

How to Fit Your Student Loan Payments Back in Your Budget

February 28, 2026 Savings

After a multi-year pause during the pandemic, federal student loan payments resumed in October 2023. For many borrowers, this meant reintroducing a significant monthly expense. Even a few years later, those payments may still be putting pressure on your budget. Here are some practical steps you can take to regain control.

You Can Now Save More in Your 401(k). See Why That Matters

February 16, 2026 Savings

Most people don’t look forward to annual IRS announcements the same way they do the next season of their favorite Netflix show, but this one’s worth a look. Higher retirement plan contribution limits have been announced for 2026, and even a modest bump in your savings rate can make a big difference down the road.

The Retirement Summit: Reaching the Top with Small Increases

February 3, 2026 Savings

Saving for retirement doesn’t have to mean big sacrifices today. In fact, the real magic comes from small, steady increases over time. Think of it like climbing a mountain, you don’t leap to the summit; you take one step at a time. By gradually raising your contribution rate, you give compound growth more fuel to work with, and your retirement savings can grow significantly faster than if you stayed at the same level.