Is this age group preparing adequately for the future? How would you guess Gen X is faring when it comes to retirement saving? Americans born between 1965 and 1980 are approaching what should be their peak income years, and many of them have actively contributed to workplace retirement plans, IRAs, and investment accounts. At […]
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We may need to change them to better our financial prospects… Our relationship with money is complex & emotional. When we pay a bill, go to the mall, trade in a car for a new one, hunt for a home or apartment, or pass someone seemingly poor or rich on the street, we feel things […]
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The Federal Reserve’s latest policy move corresponds to market expectations… Wednesday, the Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate by 0.25%. That decision surprised no one – at least no one in the financial markets. Hours before the announcement, the CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, which calculates the chance of interest rate moves based on […]
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It is a challenge – and it must be met… How does a single parent plan for retirement? Diligently. Regularly. Rigorously. Here are some steps that may help, whether you are just beginning to do this or well on your way. Setting a household budget can be a wise first step. Most households live […]
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Simple decisions & new habits might lead you toward a better financial future… In life, there are times when simple decisions can have a profound impact. The same holds true when it comes to personal finance. Here are some simple choices you could make that may leave you better off financially – in the […]
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One study says yes. Two major factors may be influencing the trend. Picture the women of the world growing wealthier. It’s happening right now…. Research from the Boston Consulting Group affirms this development. BCG, a leading business strategy advisor, says that as the world grew 5.2% wealthier between 2015 and 2016, women’s […]
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A calm investor may realize better long-term returns than an overly concerned one… Investors are people, and people are often impatient. No one likes to wait in line or wait longer than they have to for something, especially today when so much is just a click or two away. This impatience also manifests itself […]
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Things you can do before & for 2017. What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for 2017? Now is a good time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could employ toward specific objectives. Some year-end financial moves may help you pursue those goals as well. […]
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The year in brief. Investors will likely remember 2016 as a year of two momentous votes and one monetary policy decision. This year brought… …the Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom and a surprise presidential election victory for Donald Trump, and it now appears probable that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates […]
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Why did some sectors rise more than others? Wall Street likes certainty and… Wall Street likes certainty. When startling financial, political, or societal events occur, volatility usually follows, and the major indices may fall. In late October, the Dow Jones Industrial Average went on a multi-day losing streak as Donald Trump caught up to […]
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Seven aspects of your financial life to review as the year draws to a close. The end of a year makes us think about last-minute things we need to address and good habits we want to start keeping. To that end, here are seven aspects of your financial life to think about as this […]
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Here are some things you might want to do before saying goodbye to 2016. What has changed for you in 2016? Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? Did you retire? Did you start a family? If notable changes occurred in your personal or professional life, then you will want […]
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Some things you have no influence over. You may have some power to affect other factors… Are you worried about retiring? Many baby boomers are, and they have reason to be, given low interest rates, subpar returns on equities, increasing health care costs, and the issues facing Social Security. Now, do yourself a favor. […]
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Try living as a “retiree” for a month or two before you commit to leaving your career… Imagine if you could preview your retirement in advance. In a sense, you can. Financially and mentally, you can “rehearse” for the third act of your life, while still enjoying the second. Pretend you are retired for […]
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Without such strategies, they can risk going through their savings too fast… Every day, articles appear urging people to save for retirement. These articles are so prevalent that it may seem like retirement planning is entirely about getting people to save. Actually, retirement planning concerns much more than that. It has another aspect well worth […]
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Steps to see that financial matters remain in good order… When a spouse passes away, the emotion and magnitude of the loss can send our lives reeling. This profound change can also affect our finances. All at once, we have a to-do list before us, and the responsibility of it can make us feel pressured. […]
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If you live to 100, can you avoid outliving your money? Will you live to 100? Your odds of becoming a centenarian may be improving. Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control reported that the population of Americans aged 100 or older rose 44% between 2000-2014. The Pew Research Center says that the world […]
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Retirees will get only a few dollars more per month in 2017. The average Social Security recipient will get a $5 raise next year. Yes, a whopping $5 per month. In 2017, Social Security’s mean monthly benefit is projected to rise – from the current $1,355 – by this scant amount, all because of low […]
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A look at this easy-to-administer retirement program. Do you want a simple retirement plan? A plan you can implement easily as an independent contractor or small business owner, without a lot of paperwork? A SIMPLE IRA may be the answer. A SIMPLE IRA plan gives you a tax break, while giving you and your employees […]
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Dispelling some misperceptions about the program. Some myths & misperceptions keep circulating about Social Security. These are worth dispelling, as more and more baby boomers are becoming eligible for their retirement benefits. Myth #1: Social Security will go away before you do. The federal government has announced that Social Security may become insolvent between 2033 […]
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