News Direct

Author: Maurie Backman

  • My wife’s small business has been struggling for 4 years and it’s wrecking our finances — she loves her job but I only make $70K a year and we have 2 kids. Is it time to call it quits?

    Sometimes, owning a small business can force you and your family into a difficult conversation.

    Let’s say, for example, that your wife owns a small business that’s been struggling for a few years now. She loves her job and she’s motivated to work her way out of these financial struggles, but the business’ decline has taken its toll on the family’s finances. You and your wife have two kids at home and, making matters worse, you’re helping to keep the business afloat with your $70,000 a year salary.

    Don’t miss

    At some point, you began to realize you were sinking too much of your own money and savings into the struggling business. And although your wife is aware of the financial struggles, this situation can be tough for someone who’s passionate about their small business but needs to see the writing on the wall.

    As of 2023, there were roughly 33 million small businesses in the U.S., according to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported last year that only about 35% of small businesses that were established in 2013 were still operating 10 years later.

    Plenty of small business owners have had to make difficult decisions in the last decade, and your wife appears to be on the same track. Starting a small business can be tough, but knowing when to pull the plug when things aren’t going well can be even tougher.

    You and your wife appear to be destined for a difficult conversation, but it’s important to assess the situation carefully before you two decide what to do next.

    What needs to be considered

    A small business that’s struggling isn’t automatically beyond hope, and it’s important to take a close look at the business’ finances — and your family’s finances — to see if the situation is salvageable.

    One of the most important things to do is put together a profit and loss statement for the business to get a sense of how much money it’s losing. At the same time, add up the costs of running the business to get a clear idea of how much revenue it will take to break even and/or make a profit each month.

    It’s also important to create a household budget, and to add the business as an expense in that budget if it’s costing you money instead of making you money. But also, try to figure out what the business is costing you beyond the dollar amount.

    For example, let’s say you’re pumping $1,000 per month into your wife’s business and are only getting $400 in return. With a $600 loss each month, that’s $600 that you’re not putting into your 401(k) or your other retirement savings accounts. And if you’re putting that $1,000 deposit into your wife’s business on a credit card, that’s $600 in credit card debt every month that you’ll have to pay off with your own money.

    It’s important to understand what you and your wife are giving up in order to keep the business going.

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    How to know when it’s time to call it quits

    The SBA reports that between 1994 and 2020, about 68% of small businesses made it to the two-year mark. This means that roughly one-third folded within that timeframe. Furthermore, only about 49% of small businesses made it to the five-year mark.

    Meanwhile, today’s economic environment introduces a list of new challenges for small businesses, as the combination of lingering inflation and high interest rates may be making it harder for a lot of small operations to thrive.

    Data from Goldman Sachs reveals that only 69% of small businesses are optimistic about their financial path in 2025. Meanwhile, 53% of small businesses can’t afford to take out a loan to keep their operations afloat due to current interest rates.

    If you have a small business that’s been sluggish, you may want to consider letting it fold given the current economic uncertainty. A good 72% of Americans now say a near-term recession is likely, according to a late April Ipsos poll, and a broad economic downturn might hurt your business even more.

    Of course, it’s not easy to say goodbye to a venture you’re passionate about, but there may be a few signs that could help you realize when it’s time to let it go.

    The writing on the wall

    First, if your family is landing in debt month after month because you’re funding a business that’s losing money, that’s reason enough to move on. It’s one thing to not turn a profit, but it’s another thing to see your personal financial situation continuously worsen.

    Secondly, if your struggling business is stopping your family from meeting its financial goals, that’s another reason to call it quits. If you’re spending so much money on the business that you’re not saving for things like retirement, your kids’ college or a down payment on a house, it may be time to close up shop.

    Also, if the business is a source of marital strife, it’s time to give shutting the business down some serious thought. The stress of a failing business could easily cause conflict in a marriage and you don’t want to let things reach a point where your relationship begins to fall apart.

    Finally, if you don’t see a clear path toward profitability, then it’s time to put your business to rest. This especially holds true if the business has already been struggling for four years and you’ve had time to try to work out the growing pains.

    Remember, though, that closing a small business doesn’t make you a failure. It takes courage to start a business and sometimes even terrific ideas don’t work out for reasons outside of your control.

    Rather than focus on the negative side of closing your business, focus on the positive. You now have an opportunity to potentially pivot into a new career and use the skills and experience you developed as a business owner to be successful in a different role. Plus, after years of struggle, there’s something to be said for the guarantee of a steady paycheck.

    Also, keep in mind that if your financial situation changes, you may end up in a position where you can start another business in the future.

    Once your household income rises or you meet certain savings goals, you may be able to take a chance on a new venture. But if the thing your household requires most right now is money, then you may have to give up on the business you love for the time being to address that pressing need.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • This egg seller scrambles to defend record profits amid DOJ probe — here’s how it’s raised questions about market fairness and what consumers can do about it

    This egg seller scrambles to defend record profits amid DOJ probe — here’s how it’s raised questions about market fairness and what consumers can do about it

    It’s hardly a secret that Americans have been paying a premium for eggs these past few months. But while consumers are struggling to afford this grocery staple, one egg company is allegedly profiting big time.

    Cal-Maine Foods — which calls itself "the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States" — recently reported a net income of $508.5 million for its most recent fiscal quarter.

    Don’t miss

    Now, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is reportedly investigating Cal-Maine in order to determine whether the company is guilty of price fixing.

    Straight Arrow News reports the company enjoyed a nearly 250% increase in profits from a year prior, and that Cal-Maine attributes its profits to an 80% rise in the cost of eggs.

    Sherman Miller, president and CEO of Cal-Maine Foods, told Business Wire, "The entire Cal-Maine Foods team did an outstanding job in maximizing production through a period of high demand, while operating safely and maintaining diligence on biosecurity measures.

    "We were fortunate to have the ability to utilize our existing operational scale and to benefit from recent acquisitions, which helped increase our production capacity in this challenging supply environment."

    Is this corporate greed at its worst?

    In March of 2025, egg prices in America reached a record high of $6.23 per dozen, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Given that eggs are a staple in many households, consumers had no choice but to pay up.

    But now, the DOJ is wondering whether something shady was happening on Cal-Maine’s part. The company, along with others, is being investigated after being accused by advocacy groups of price fixing.

    Price fixing occurs when competing companies enter into an agreement to keep prices intentionally high to boost their profits. Companies tend to have an easier time setting prices high when there’s a shortage of a given commodity.

    Cal-Maine claims that it made great progress in addressing the country’s egg shortage this past quarter by increasing its amount of layer hens by 14% and investing in safety measures to combat the avian flu, per Straight Arrow News. The company has also since dropped its egg prices and says it’s cooperating with the DOJ investigation.

    The company, however, maintains that it didn’t engage in any wrongdoing. Rather, it says that higher market prices came as a result of reduced supply during a period of “peak seasonal demand for eggs and egg products,” reports Food Engineering Magazine.

    However, this isn’t the first time Cal-Maine has faced legal trouble. In 2023, Cal-Maine and other egg producers were found guilty of price fixing and were required to pay out more than $50 million.

    But this time around, it’s unclear as to whether there’s any wrongdoing at play. Emily Metz — president and CEO of American Egg Board, which represents egg producers across the country — said that accusing companies of egg price fixing is "misreading of facts and reality," according to ABC News.

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    How consumers can cope with soaring egg prices

    CBS MoneyWatch reports that wholesale egg prices have fallen 43% since the start of the year. Egg prices at Stew Leonard’s, a Northeast grocery chain, have declined recently, and director of sales Andrew Hollis had encouraging words for consumers.

    "We’re definitely back to low-price eggs again,” Hollis told CBS MoneyWatch. “There’s a lot of relief and plenty of supply."

    Still, consumers should be vigilant about tracking egg prices and finding ways to save, especially at a time when grocery prices are high across the board. One good way to save money on eggs is to buy them in bulk. For example, if you have a Costco membership, use it.

    You may also be able to save money by purchasing eggs directly from farms, as opposed to buying them at your local supermarket. Local farmers markets could also be an option.

    It’s also a good idea to review the supermarket circular (which you can typically get online) for every supermarket in your neighborhood before going egg shopping. This should tell you where you can get the lowest price. Apps like Flipp and Instacart can also help you track egg prices across grocers to see where you can find the best deal.

    In the meantime, if the cost of eggs is beyond your budget, you may be able to cut back on buying them if you’re willing to get creative in the kitchen. Applesauce, for example, can often be used in place of eggs when you’re baking. And in some cases, mashed banana can serve as a binding agent if egg prices are too steep for your budget.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • I’m 62, and I’ve been working the last 43 years. I haven’t set a retirement date yet. How do I know when it’s the right time to pull the trigger?

    I’m 62, and I’ve been working the last 43 years. I haven’t set a retirement date yet. How do I know when it’s the right time to pull the trigger?

    The decision to retire is rarely an easy one. Giving up your career means more than just losing a steady paycheck — it can also mean giving up part of your identity and upending your routine.

    Don’t miss

    With a 43-year work history, you’re obviously contemplating a retirement date. After all, you’re tired and you’re old enough to claim Social Security benefits, albeit at a reduced rate. You may also be eager to kick off retirement at a time when your health is in solid shape.

    However, there can be advantages to holding off on retirement and working a few additional years, so it’s important to look at the big picture when making your choice.

    How to narrow down your retirement date

    Retiring too early could mean leaving your job at a time when you’re not financially or emotionally secure. However, retiring past the traditional age could mean missing out on things you’ve always wanted to do in your golden years.

    There are a number of things you should consider when deciding when to retire. First, think about Social Security, and whether you’ll need to claim benefits right away if you retire.

    If you were born in 1960 or later, which is the case if you’re 62 now, your complete Social Security benefit won’t be available to you until age 67 — otherwise known as your full retirement age (FRA).

    You can file as early as age 62, but your benefits will be reduced if you don’t wait until FRA. The closer you get to FRA, the less of a reduction you’ll face.

    You should also think about health insurance, since that’s something you need to have at any age.

    According to Fidelity, a 65-year-old who retired in 2023 can expect to spend an average of $165,000 in health care and medical expenses throughout retirement.

    “Health care costs are among the most unpredictable expenses, especially when it comes to retirement planning,” said Robert Kennedy, SVP, workplace consulting at Fidelity.

    Medicare eligibility generally does not begin until age 65. If you retire sooner, and your health insurance is tied to your job, you might end up spending a lot of money to put coverage in place.

    You’ll need to research options, like COBRA, which allows you to retain your old employer coverage for a period of time, or a health insurance marketplace plan to see what the costs entail.

    In addition, it’s important to examine your finances and see what the numbers look like. AARP found that 20% of Americans ages 50 and over have no retirement savings. The median retirement account balance of households of those ages 55 to 64 was only $185,000 as of 2022, per the Federal Reserve.

    However, a 2024 Northwestern Mutual survey found that Americans believe it takes $1.46 million to pull off a comfortable retirement. So, you’ll need to see where your savings fall and what sort of annual income your nest egg might allow for.

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    If you’re sitting on $1 million, for example, you can use the popular 4% rule to arrive at an annual income of about $40,000. You may decide you can live comfortably on that, in addition to whatever Social Security pays you. But if not, that’s a good reason to work longer and save more.

    Also, think about how much debt you have (if any).

    In 2024, 68% of retirees with debt reported having credit card debt outstanding, according to the Employee Benefits Research Institute. High-interest debt like that could eat up a big chunk of your retirement income, so you may want to try to hold off on ending your career until your credit card balances are gone.

    Finally, think about the non-financial side of retirement. Many people end their careers only to wind up lost. If you’re not sure how you’ll fill your days in retirement, you may want to keep working longer – even if you can afford to stop now.

    What’s the ideal age to retire?

    A recent MassMutual survey found that on average 63 is the ideal age for retirement, according to both retirees and pre-retirees. Nearly half (48%) of retirees said they retired earlier than planned, most commonly due to changes at work (33%) or being able to afford to retire sooner than expected (28%). Other reasons for retiring early include illness/injury (25%), to relax and enjoy more free time (25%) and burnout (17%). Only 10% of retirees retired later than planned, with the most common reasons being to increase their wealth during retirement (41%) and satisfaction with their job (38%).

    The decision to retire is a very personal one. So, a good bet is to think about how you feel about working versus retiring.

    If you love your job and are someone who thrives on being busy, then you may not want to retire in the next year or two. Similarly, if you feel your savings could use a boost, working a bit longer could help pad your nest egg.

    Effective this year, there’s a super catch-up contribution limit available for 401(k) savers ages 60 to 63. It allows you to put in an extra $11,250 instead of the $7,500 available to workers 50 and over.

    On the other hand, if you’re miserable at your job and it’s a source of stress, you may want to consider retiring this year or next if you can afford to. Even if you like your job, if there are things you want to do in retirement that you fear you won’t be able to do a few years down the line, like take a six-month backpacking trip, that’s another reason to consider ending your career sooner as long as the finances work.

    If you’re really torn, you may want to talk to a financial adviser and get their guidance. A finance professional can help you understand the pros and cons of retiring at various points so you can feel more confident in your decision.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Walmart CEO says food prices are a major source of ‘frustration and pain’ for lower income customers. Here’s what’s to blame for rising prices and what you can do to save

    Walmart CEO says food prices are a major source of ‘frustration and pain’ for lower income customers. Here’s what’s to blame for rising prices and what you can do to save

    Soaring food prices have been hurting consumers for years. But things are coming to a head, especially as retailers and consumers grapple with tariff concerns.

    According to Bloomberg, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon recently shared at the Economic Club of Chicago that food prices are still elevated — and that consumers are showing signs of "stress behaviors."

    Don’t miss

    “We worry about that,” McMillon said. “You can see that the money runs out before the month is gone.”

    McMillon says that shoppers are being more selective in what they buy and are prioritizing value purchases.

    “There are lots of income levels in this country — if you’re at the lower end of that scale, you are feeling more frustration and pain because of higher food prices,” he said. “They’ve persisted for years now, and you’re just tired of it."

    But what’s the ripple effect behind these price increases?

    Food prices aren’t slowing down

    According to the Consumer Price Index, food prices away from home were up 3.8% broadly year over year in March, while food prices at home were up 2.4% annually.

    All told, food prices have been up nearly 25% since 2020. A big reason for the spike is the supply chain issues caused by severe weather and global events. It hasn’t helped that several food staples have been in short supply.

    For example, in early 2025, a bird flu outbreak caused an egg shortage and drove the price of eggs up to a record high that hasn’t been seen since 1980.

    Meanwhile, a decline in U.S. cattle inventory has made beef more expensive. The country’s cattle supply recently fell to its lowest level in 64 years.

    And down in the South, a citrus greening disease has reduced Florida’s citrus production by 75% since 2005. Extreme weather from hurricanes has also harmed supply, making citrus products more expensive.

    Cocoa prices have also risen due to a global supply shortage since early 2024. This has been primarily caused by weather-related issues and diseases ruining crops in West Africa, where the majority of the world’s cocoa is produced.

    The combination of these and other factors has made groceries more expensive overall. In late 2024, a survey by Swiftly found that 70% of American consumers are having difficulty affording groceries.

    A broad immigration crackdown could also negatively affect food costs, as it could lead to labor shortages that impact supply. And with the potential for tariffs to drive prices up even more, things could get worse before they get better.

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    How to save money on groceries

    Unfortunately, consumers may be in for another year of soaring grocery prices. But there are steps you can take to reduce the burden.

    First, consider buying staple items in bulk. You don’t necessarily need a warehouse club membership to take advantage of bulk discounts. Many supermarkets and big-box stores carry select items in bulk. But be careful with bulk perishables, because wasted food can become wasted money.

    It’s also a good idea to shop at discount grocers in your area — think dollar stores or supermarkets like Aldi that carry lesser-known brands. If there’s no discount grocery store where you live, load up on the store brand. But always check prices, because a sale on a national brand could make it the most cost-effective option.

    Planning your meals based on what’s on sale at your local supermarket is also a good idea. Focus on meals that freeze easily — like casseroles and stews. This way, you can whip up a lot of food and save some for later.

    Also, make sure you’re signed up for your supermarket’s loyalty program. You may qualify for extra discounts, promotions or digital coupons that save you even more.

    Using the right credit card when you shop for groceries can make a big difference, too. Some offer bonus cash back on supermarket purchases. That won’t lower your costs, but it could at least put more cash back in your pocket.

    Finally, seek out alternative sources of food. Farmers’ markets can sometimes result in savings, but not always. A smarter bet may be to go directly to local farms, if possible, to see if you can score produce at a discount. Joining a community garden or community supported agriculture program could also help you save on fresh items when needed.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘It’s easy to get fooled’: San Diego woman lost thousands to fake landlord after scoring a $1,000/month ‘deal’ in beachside neighborhood. Here’s how to protect yourself from rental scams

    ‘It’s easy to get fooled’: San Diego woman lost thousands to fake landlord after scoring a $1,000/month ‘deal’ in beachside neighborhood. Here’s how to protect yourself from rental scams

    When San Diego resident Alexandria Moya needed a place to live, she was worried that her small budget would be an issue. A one-bedroom apartment in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego costs about $2,700 on average, according to Zumper, which is beyond what she could afford.

    So when Moya saw a listing priced at $1,300, she was thrilled. And, she was even more excited when the woman listing the home agreed to rent it to her for just $1,000.

    The problem? The listing turned out to be a scam, and Moya lost money in the process.

    Don’t miss

    "I got fooled. And it’s easy to get fooled," she told Fox 5 News San Diego.

    A rental application turns into a nightmare

    Moya was immediately interested in the rental that fit her price point, so she contacted the woman listing it for a tour. She then met a young woman, who identified herself as the owner’s niece, who showed her the property

    Moya read the lease and all looked legitimate. She wanted a little time to make her decision, but the property owner was pressuring her to commit. Worse yet, she said that Moya had to make an immediate cash payment if she wanted the rental.

    Moya says she paid the owner $2,500 in total — $1,500 in cash and $1,000 through Zelle. From there, Moya’s move-in date kept getting pushed back.

    Eventually, Moya was told she could not move in at all. She was promised a refund for the money she’d sent, but it never came. She called the woman who had listed the property repeatedly, but her calls kept going straight to voicemail

    "I was hurt. I cried about it," she told Fox 5.

    Moya says she filed a police report but does not expect to get her money back. And it just goes to show how important it is to be careful when a listing seems, as Moya said, "too good to be true.”

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    How to avoid rental scams

    Rental scams are on the rise. The FBI was already warning of a spike back in 2022, reporting that in 2021, Americans lost $350 million to real estate and rental scams. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also reports that more than 5 million people have lost money to rental scams. Plus, the BBB found that in 2023, rental scams saw a 64.1% increase.

    San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan told Fox 5 that in the past two years, rental scams have risen by 45%, per the BBB. She warns that scammers use tactics like claiming they’re out of town and that they can’t show the property, or claiming that they have multiple offers and need an immediate answer and payment.

    Be mindful of these patterns if you’re in the market for a rental, and don’t let a pushy so-called property owner pressure you.

    Another “red flag,” Stephen told Fox 5 reporters, is that scammers also sometimes take legitimate listings and create duplicate ones with their own contact information. If you see a listing, do some online searching to make sure it’s not showing up in multiple places at different price points. In that case, the lower price is typically the bogus listing.

    It’s also a good idea to look at public records to confirm who owns the property you’re trying to rent. If the names don’t match up, dig deeper — or run away. Your county clerk’s office could be a good resource here.

    Of course, it’s common for property managers to list rentals on owners’ behalf. In that case, research the property management company at hand. See if they have a BBB listing and what their ratings are.

    It’s also important to use trusted online platforms to find a rental. Be wary of posts on social media listing homes for rent.

    Also, be wary of rentals that require a larger-than-average up-front deposit. It’s common to put down your first month’s rent plus a security deposit. Beyond that, ask questions. And in the course of putting down a deposit, try to use a credit card if possible. That gives you a way to track the payment and, if needed, stop or dispute it.

    Finally, research rental prices in your area so you know what the market is demanding. And, be careful with listings that are priced under market. If a given rental seems like it’s too good to be true, it just may be.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Food banks across the US brace for impact as Trump administration halts more than $500M in funding — here’s how to make ends meet even as food prices are poised to keep rising

    As the Trump administration continues to slash funding wherever it sees fit, America’s food banks are sounding the alarm.

    According to PBS, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently halted more than $500 million in deliveries to food banks throughout the country, and that’s coming at a time when Americans should be bracing for higher food costs due to President Trump’s tariff policies.

    Don’t miss

    Although inflation has cooled in recent months, food prices remain elevated. The cost of groceries in March was up 2.4%, per the Consumer Price Index, with many families relying on food banks in the absence of being able to afford groceries for themselves.

    The American Enterprise Institute, analyzing Census Bureau data, reports that 6.2% of American households relied on food assistance in October 2021. And despite a slowdown in broad inflation, that share had increased to 6.8% by May 2024.

    With the USDA’s halted funding — coupled with the fact that many Americans are struggling to put food on the table — food banks throughout the country are beginning to worry about not just the stability of their organizations, but also the health and safety of the people they serve.

    "This is an extraordinarily serious moment for food banks all across the United States," Vince Hall, Chief Government Relations Officer for Feeding America, told PBS. "Any reduction in the supply of food to food banks is going to have very significant impacts for people facing hunger."

    A dire situation for food banks

    As part of a broad government overhaul that was implemented earlier this year, the USDA has faced significant funding cuts and is scrambling in that aftermath. But it’s hungry Americans who stand to suffer.

    In March, the USDA cut funding earmarked for two key programs — the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), which provided funds to child care facilities and schools, and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA), which provided local food banks with funding.

    Despite low unemployment levels, many Americans are struggling to afford groceries due to inflation. Between 2020 and 2024, U.S. food prices rose 23.6%, reports the USDA. And because of this, many households have grown increasingly reliant on food banks.

    In April, the Atlanta Community Food Bank provided Newsweek with an update on its service, saying that the number of people it serves has increased by 60% over the last three years — and that’s just one example.

    At a time when food banks are serving more people than ever, a reduction in funding can be devastating. In late March, CNN reported that the Central California Food Bank, which distributes food to dozens of pantries in the county, was told that $850,000 worth of food deliveries slated for the April to June timeframe had been canceled.

    “My food bank in Fresno can’t magically come up with $850,000 and 500,000 pounds of food to backfill that cancellation,” Natalie Caples, the Central California Food Bank’s co-CEO, shared with CNN.

    Compounding the problem is that in the absence of USDA food deliveries, many local food banks don’t know where else to turn.

    "Food banks were already maxing out their supply chains," said Hall to PBS. "They were already going to every conceivable donor, looking for every conceivable pound of food and asking every community to support. And so the reality is, we’re going to be short."

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    How Americans can put food on the table

    In late 2024, Swiftly reported that 70% of Americans were struggling to afford groceries.

    The Urban Institute also found that in 2023, 19.3% of Americans paid for groceries using savings that had initially been earmarked for other purposes. Not only that, but 20% of Americans paid for groceries with a credit card and did not manage to pay the full balance.

    If you’re struggling to put food on the table and your local food bank seems to have a limited supply, there may be other resources you can tap.

    First, it pays to see if you qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, but eligibility can vary by state. Your best bet is to contact your local state office to see if you may be eligible.

    You can also see if you qualify for benefits through WIC — a "special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children" — and the best way to go about that is to apply through a local agency where you live.

    If your local food bank’s resources can’t meet your needs, another option is to see if a local house of worship can assist, as they may have their own food assistance programs in place.

    Another thing worth doing is checking to see if any local restaurants in your area have programs where they distribute excess food at the end of the day or week. You can also see if there are any community restaurants in your area that welcome diners who can’t afford to pay, free of charge.

    New Jersey’s JBJ Soul Kitchen is one such example. The restaurant serves both paying and non-paying customers, and diners are encouraged to explore volunteer opportunities to keep that effort going.

    There are also steps you can take to feed your family on a very tight budget. First, plan your meals in advance based on what’s on sale at local supermarkets. Also, turn to discount grocers and dollar stores to stock up on as many essentials as possible.

    Finally, if there are farms in your area, you may also find that you’re able to buy fresh produce at a lower price than what a supermarket will charge. Purchasing produce directly from the farm could help with keeping costs down as well.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • I’m 60, ready for retirement with $1.2M saved. I plan to live off dividend income — not sell assets. Is this really more risky than a ‘total return’ approach?

    I’m 60, ready for retirement with $1.2M saved. I plan to live off dividend income — not sell assets. Is this really more risky than a ‘total return’ approach?

    At 60, if you have $1.2 million saved for retirement, you have more than double as much as most of your peers, according to Statistics Canada.

    But even though that’s a lot of money, it’s important to manage your sizeable nest egg carefully. You could try to live off of dividend income from your portfolio, or draw down your total portfolio over time.

    Living off of portfolio income alone

    A 2024 CPP Investments survey found that 61% of Canadians are more worried about running out of money during retirement.

    The nice thing about living on portfolio income in retirement is that you aren’t touching the principal, meaning it should, in theory, hold steady or grow rather than shrink.

    But it takes a lot of principal to generate sufficient income to live on, especially when dividend yields are as low as they are today.

    The average S&P 500 dividend yield is currently just 1.27%. Even if you assemble a portfolio of individual stocks with higher dividend yields, you may only be looking at 5%.

    For a portfolio worth $1.2 million, that’s $60,000 in annual income, which may or may not be enough to maintain your lifestyle.

    Of course, it’s not a good idea to keep your entire portfolio in stocks. A safer bet is to split your assets between stocks and bonds, which could produce a little under a 5% return. It is doable, but whether the income suffices depends on your income-related needs.

    Keep in mind you’ll have CPP benefit, as well. With the average retired worker collecting about $808 per month or up to $1,433.00 if you delay receiving it, you could be looking at up to $17,200 in benefits annually.

    When you combine these government pension earnings with your investment portfolio income that works out to just over $77,000 in retirement income, each year.

    But there’s one big caveat: While living on your portfolio income allows you to preserve your principal investment portfolio, to a degree, neither growth of that portfolio nor income generated from the portfolio are guaranteed.

    Market volatility means your stocks could fall in value, eroding your principal. Stock dividends aren’t guaranteed the way bond interest and principal are guaranteed, assuming you hold the bonds to maturity.

    The other risk of an income-only approach is that you could lose purchasing power over time due to inflation, which drives living costs upward. Assuming the income you earn from your portfolio holds steady at $60,000 per year, this may be adequate when you start retirement, but find it doesn’t stretch far enough a decade or two into retirement.

    The “total return” approach

    Another option is to live on income and principal from your portfolio — the “total return” approach — as you whittle down your principal while enjoying dividends.

    This is a more flexible approach. You can sell principal assets and take advantage of market gains. As your portfolio grows, a total return approach gives you access to more annual income, making it easier to keep up with inflation.

    Here’s how this might work. Say you have $1.2 million and you decide to follow the 4% rule, drawing down 4% of your principal annually to ensure your savings last 30 years. In your first year of retirement, you’d receive $48,000 of annual income. If inflation then rises 2% the next year, you’d withdraw $48,000 plus another 2%, or $960, for a total of $48,960.

    As your portfolio gains value, you can keep adjusting your withdrawals for inflation, making it easier to keep up with the cost of living.

    The 4% rule is just a guideline. There are other factors to consider as you determine your withdrawal rate: market conditions, your investment mix, and your life expectancy.

    For example, Morningstar found that a 3.3% withdrawal rate was optimal for retirement savings in 2021; 3.8% in 2022; and 3.7% in 2024.

    This means that while the “total return” approach offers more flexibility, it requires an ability to constantly adjust to market conditions and your personal needs. It’s a good idea to enlist the help of a financial adviser who can help you adjust your withdrawals as needed.

    In this approach, too, if your portfolio loses value, you may have to withdraw less temporarily until the market settles. It’s wise to have one to two years’ worth of living expenses in the bank so you can leave your portfolio alone for a period of time if need be.

    It’s also important to have income-producing assets in your portfolio that help it gain value from year to year. Dividend and interest income could help offset market losses.

    So all told, no matter which approach you take, the right investment mix is crucial.

    Sources

    1. Statistics Canada: Assets and debts held by economic family type, by age group, Canada, provinces and selected census metropolitan areas, Survey of Financial Security (Oct 29, 2024)

    2. Y Charts: S&P 500 Dividend Yield

    3. Government of Canada: CPP Retirement pension: How much you could receive

    This article I’m 60, ready for retirement with $1.2M saved. I plan to live off dividend income — not sell assets. Is this really more risky than a ‘total return’ approach? originally appeared on Money.ca

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Retirement is a balancing act — are your investments ready? A key adjustment could make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know before making changes

    Retirement is a balancing act — are your investments ready? A key adjustment could make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know before making changes

    Many people spend years contributing to their retirement savings in the hopes of building a sizable nest egg for later in life. You may have worked hard to grow your retirement account balance, too.

    If you’re planning to retire next year, now is a good time to review your portfolio and ensure your assets are appropriately allocated for your age. But what does that mean in practical terms?

    Don’t miss

    Your portfolio likely includes a mix of stocks (equities) and bonds (fixed income), and you may be wondering what the right balance is. Here’s how to figure out the optimal mix.

    The benefits of stocks vs. bonds in retirement

    Having both stocks and bonds in your retirement portfolio offers distinct advantages. While stocks carry more risk, they also tend to deliver stronger returns.

    Since 1926, U.S. stocks have averaged an annual return of around 10%, whereas bonds have typically returned 5% to 6%.

    Maintaining stocks in your portfolio is important because you want your money to continue growing during retirement. However, bonds play a role in protecting a portion of your assets from stock market volatility.

    Unlike stocks, bond values don’t fluctuate wildly, providing stability — a necessity when you’re living off your investments. Bonds also offer to generate fixed income since they’re contractually obligated to pay interest.

    Stocks can provide income as well if you invest in dividend-paying companies. However, unlike bonds, companies’ stocks are not required to pay dividends, and even those with a solid history of doing so may opt to cut or eliminate those payments as they see fit.

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    How to build the right investment mix

    How you allocate your assets before retirement may not be the same strategy you use during retirement — and for good reason.

    While you’re working, you have time to ride out stock market downturns because you won’t need to withdraw that money for many years. Once you’re retired, however, you may need to tap into your portfolio regularly for income, requiring a more cautious investment approach.

    For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep the bulk of your portfolio in stocks during your wealth accumulation years. But as you transition into retirement, shifting a greater percentage into bonds can help manage risk and provide stability.

    Your specific allocation will depend on factors like life expectancy, risk tolerance and income needs. Some retirees prefer a 50/50 split between stocks and bonds, while others opt for a 40/60 split in either direction.

    A common guideline is the rule of 110, which suggests subtracting your age from 110 to determine the percentage of your portfolio that should be in stocks.

    • At age 40, this rule suggests keeping 70% of your assets in stocks.
    • At age 65, a 45% stock allocation may be more appropriate.

    Another popular strategy is the bucket strategy, which divides your portfolio based on different time horizons:

    • Short-term bucket: Holds conservative investments like bonds for near-term expenses.
    • Medium-term bucket: Includes a mix of stocks and bonds.
    • Long-term bucket: Primarily stocks for long-term growth.

    It’s also important to maintain a cash reserve. Rather than allocating a fixed percentage to cash, a good rule of thumb is to keep enough to cover one to two years of living expenses. This allows you to avoid selling investments during a market downturn.

    Finally, your retirement portfolio doesn’t have to be limited to stocks and bonds. Depending on your income goals and risk tolerance, you might consider diversifying with real estate, such as a rental property.

    Consulting a financial adviser can help you develop a strategy that balances risk and reward — ensuring your portfolio meets your retirement needs.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • I’m 63 and ready to retire — but I also need to move closer to a sick relative. Is retiring and moving at the same time a recipe for disaster?

    I’m 63 and ready to retire — but I also need to move closer to a sick relative. Is retiring and moving at the same time a recipe for disaster?

    It’s a pretty common thing to move in order to be closer to family, and U.S. Census Bureau data reveals that more than a quarter of movers relocated due to family-related reasons.

    Moving is also a major life change — as is retirement. But doing both simultaneously? That could really throw you for a loop.

    Let’s say you’re 63 and gearing up to retire within the year. However, you have a sick relative and want to move closer to them in order to help out, when needed. Can you manage two major life events?

    Don’t miss

    In addition to that sudden lifestyle change, you also have to consider your finances as you approach retirement. Here are three financial situations you should consider before making a move.

    What will you do for health care?

    Let’s assume you’ll be retired by the time you turn 64. As you’re probably aware, Medicare eligibility does not begin until you’re 65.

    So, you may be looking at around a year of having to cover the cost of health care on your own.

    If you have good health insurance through your current job, you may be able to retain it for up to 18 months through COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). That should give you enough time to bridge the gap between your retirement and your 65th birthday.

    However, COBRA can be quite expensive because you’re paying the full cost of your employer coverage without them subsidizing your premiums.

    Also keep in mind that if you’re moving, it could have an impact on your Medicare coverage.

    Medicare is available to any eligible enrollee throughout the country. However, the availability of Medicare Advantage plans does vary based on location. You can use this guide to explore Medicare Advantage plan options in the state you’re thinking of relocating to so you have an understanding of what your choices might be.

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    Will you have to claim Social Security right away?

    If you’re relocating, in addition to retiring, to care for a sick loved one, you may or may not need to claim Social Security right away.

    If you have a decent amount of savings, you may be able to hold off on Social Security a bit longer. That could work to your advantage.

    If you’re 63 years old now, it means you’re still four years away from full retirement age, which is when you’re entitled to claim Social Security without a reduction in benefits. If you retire next year and sign up for Social Security at 64, you’ll reduce your monthly benefits substantially — for life.

    Specifically, Social Security will reduce your benefits by 5/9 of 1% for each month you claim before full retirement age, up to 36 months. This means that if you claim benefits three years early, you’re looking at about a 20% reduction in your monthly payments.

    If you can’t afford that hit, and you also can’t afford to retire without Social Security, then you may want to reconsider ending your career at 64 and relocating. Or, if you have to relocate, you may want to see if you can somehow continue to do your job remotely or find a new one.

    Will becoming a caregiver increase your costs?

    Moving can be a big expense, no matter when in life you do it. Moving.com puts the average cost of a long-distance move at $4,890. But your exact cost will depend on the distance your belongings have to travel and how much stuff you have.

    There may also be other relocation costs to consider. If you’re currently living in a city and don’t need a car, you may have to factor in the cost of a vehicle if you’re relocating somewhere without public transportation. Or, you might need a vehicle if you’re moving near a sick relative who you’ll need to take to medical appointments, treatments.

    AAA puts the average cost of owning a new vehicle at $12,297 per year. And while you may be able to spend less by purchasing a used car, it’s an extra expense nonetheless.

    Finally, consider the cost of being a caregiver yourself. AARP reports that the average caregiver spends $7,242 each year in order to provide care.

    You’ll need to think about how the cost of moving and becoming a caregiver will impact your retirement budget. And if you’re worried about it being strained, you may want to sit down with your extended family and try to work out a solution where other people agree to contribute toward your relative’s care.

    It may be that most of your family is younger and, therefore, can’t look at retiring just yet. But if that’s the case, and they’ll still be working while you’re doing the actual heavy lifting of caring for your relative, there’s no reason for them not to contribute financially toward your loved one’s care.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • I’m 67 now and getting worried about how risky my portfolio is. Should I stick with the S&P 500 or are there any ETFs or mutual funds that would be a better fit for my age?

    When you’re younger and retirement is still decades away, you can often afford to take some risk in your portfolio. In fact, at that stage of life, it’s common to invest the bulk of your assets in the stock market.

    But that doesn’t mean you have to go out and purchase stocks individually. You could make things easier on yourself by loading up on S&P 500 ETFs, which give you exposure to the 500 largest publicly-traded companies in the U.S.

    Don’t miss

    Since the S&P 500 is commonly used as a measure of the stock market’s performance as a whole, this is an easy way to diversify your portfolio without having to do a lot of work.

    But while an S&P 500-focused strategy might make sense when you’re, say, 27, 37, or even 47 years old, it doesn’t necessarily make sense when you’re in your 60s.

    Let’s say, for example, that you’re 67 and you want to balance out the risk factor in your portfolio. At this point in your life, you may already be retired or on the cusp of retirement, so it’s important to shift into safer investments that are less volatile.

    Attaining the right risk profile

    When you’re young and in the process of building retirement wealth, it can be disheartening to see your portfolio value take a hit. However, you can take comfort in the fact that you’re not going to be using that money for many years.

    At 67, though, you can’t afford to take on the same amount of risk since you might be on the verge of tapping into your retirement savings for income, if you’re not already in the process of doing so. And since the stock market has a tendency to be volatile, it’s important to limit the extent to which you’re invested in it.

    Pulling out of the stock market completely isn’t ideal, either. Having a small portion of stocks in your portfolio can help you continue to grow your nest egg as you decumulate. But at age 67, you may want to limit the stock portion of your portfolio to about 50% or less, and the exact percentage should hinge on your risk tolerance. If you don’t have a large appetite for risk, you may want to limit stocks to 40%.

    It’s not a bad idea to keep the stock portion of your retirement portfolio in S&P 500 ETFs. This gives you exposure to the broad market, and you could also load up on some dividend ETFs for more regular income.

    Speaking of which, it’s important to make sure your portfolio aligns with your retirement income needs. The average Social Security recipient today collects about $1,981 per month. If your monthly benefit is similar, you may need to supplement it quite substantially by accessing funds from your retirement portfolio.

    For this reason, your portfolio should not only have the right risk profile for your situation, but also provide the right amount of retirement income.

    Read more: Car insurance premiums could spike 8% by the end of 2025 — thanks to tariffs on car imports and auto parts from Canada and Mexico. But here’s how 2 minutes can save you hundreds of dollars right now

    Investment options for retirees to consider

    Once you reach retirement age (or thereabouts), it’s important to maintain a diversified portfolio that consists of different asset classes in order to manage your risk. That could be a mix of individual stocks, S&P 500 ETFs, dividend ETFs, bond ETFs and cash.

    If you’re particularly worried about market turbulence, you may want to favor low-volatility ETFs — funds that invest in assets whose value, historically speaking, hasn’t swung so wildly. Some examples include the Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (IVZ) or the Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD).

    Dividend ETFs, meanwhile, might also deserve a place in your retirement portfolio, since the income they produce can serve as a hedge against market volatility. You can consider options like the Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) or the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG).

    On the bond side, you have choices. You could buy bonds individually or go with shares of a bond ETF. Examples of the latter that you may want to consider include the Fidelity Total Bond ETF (FBND) or the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND).

    Municipal bonds are another good option to hold individually due to their tax benefits, as the interest they pay is tax-exempt at the federal level. And bonds issued by your state of residence should give you tax-free interest at the state and local level, too.

    Finally, you may want to look at products like annuities that offer some amount of guaranteed retirement income. Combined with an age-appropriate and well-diversified portfolio, that could give you access to the income you need to live comfortably without taking on undue risk.

    What to read next

    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.