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  • NFL legend Steve Young still drives a broken down 2011 Toyota Sienna with 132,000 miles — made over $49M in football but Dad told him to ‘get the most’ out of cars. Here’s what you can learn

    NFL legend Steve Young still drives a broken down 2011 Toyota Sienna with 132,000 miles — made over $49M in football but Dad told him to ‘get the most’ out of cars. Here’s what you can learn

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    Legendary 49ers quarterback Steve Young earned nearly $49 million playing football, according to Spotrac, but you’d never guess it from the beaten-up 2011 Toyota Sienna he drives.

    In a recent interview with journalist Graham Bensinger, the two-time NFL MVP admitted he could easily afford a replacement for the car, which has racked up 132,000 miles. However, he’s reluctant to let it go because of advice from his father, who always told him to “get the most out of it.” And he’s not the only Young family member who’s emotionally attached to the vehicle.

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    “This is a car that the kids all grew up in,” Young told Bensinger. “My youngest Laila — that seat over there with the camera is the seat that she won’t give up. That’s her seat for life … she’s like, ‘No, I love this car [and] how it smells.’”

    Surprisingly, multimillionaires driving modest cars isn’t as unusual as some might think.

    The modest cars of millionaires

    Contrary to the stereotype, many wealthy people aren’t driving around in flashy Ferraris and bright orange Lamborghinis. The top car brands for households earning over $250,000 were Toyota, Ford and Honda, according to a 2022 study by Experian Automotive.

    Even billionaires opt for relatively inconspicuous cars. Warren Buffett reportedly drives a Cadillac XTS — no Bugatti for the Oracle of Omaha.

    While most affluent people who can splurge on luxury vehicles simply choose not to, many ordinary consumers are already stretching their budgets to the limit. A recent survey by CDK Global found that 57% of car buyers said they hit the top end of their budget, while 7% exceeded it.

    The strain on consumers is also reflected in auto loan data. As of mid-2024, one in 24 drivers with a car loan was paying more than $1,000 in monthly payments per vehicle, according to Experian — a ratio that has nearly quadrupled since 2020.

    For many, the family car is becoming a significant financial burden. Here’s how you can avoid the growing auto loan crisis.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Drive smart

    For most consumers, cutting transportation costs is one of the most effective ways to improve their finances. After all, transportation is the second-largest annual expense for the average household, according to a 2022 report by the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

    One way to reduce this expense is by purchasing a car that’s within — or even below — your means.

    To figure out whether a vehicle fits your budget, consider the 20/4/10 rule.

    • Put at least 20% down
    • Choose a loan term of no more than four years
    • Keep all car-related expenses below 10% of your gross income

    If you find yourself shelling out a significant portion of your salary in car payments alone after running the numbers, you could try to refinance your car loan at a lower interest rate.

    By setting up firm financial guardrails, you can avoid the auto loan debt trap many consumers drive into.

    LendingTree is an online marketplace that allows you to compare auto refinance rates from leading lenders near you for free.

    Once you answer a few questions about yourself and the vehicle you want to refinance, LendingTree will connect you with three to five lenders from their network of over 300.

    From there, you can read reviews and compare the loan terms at your discretion — all without impacting your credit score. What’s more, you may be eligible for refinanced loans as low as  5.03% APR through LendingTree’s network.

    You should also consider the hidden costs of car ownership. It’s not just the monthly car payments you should budget for — you’ll be shelling out for gas, maintenance and insurance.

    Out of these three factors, insurance is the one you likely have the most control over. It can also be a big cost. The average American spends $2,692 per year for full coverage auto insurance, according to a study conducted by Bankrate.

    And, if U.S. tariff policy holds, insurance premiums are likely to rise. Tariffs on imported car parts and rising climate-related repair costs are expected to drive car insurance premiums to rise 60% faster in 2025 compared to last year, according to a study from Insurify.

    But there are ways to save. LendingTree found that 92% of Americans saved money when they switched insurance providers.

    With OfficialCarInsurance.com, you can shop around and compare insurance rates from reputable providers near you like Allstate, GEICO and Progressive.

    The process is easy and takes less than two minutes. Here’s how it works: Simply enter some basic information about your driving history and the vehicle you want to insure, and OfficialCarInsurance.com will comb through its database and show the lowest rates available for you in your area.

    The best part? The process is 100% free and won’t impact your credit score. Get started today and find quotes as low as $29/month.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • America’s seniors are happiest living in these 5 US states, study says — do you live in one of them?

    America’s seniors are happiest living in these 5 US states, study says — do you live in one of them?

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    One of the great perks of reaching your golden years is the newfound freedom to live wherever you choose.

    With the kids out of the house and work no longer tying you down, retirement opens the door to relocating somewhere that better suits your lifestyle. So, why not consider moving to a state where seniors report the highest levels of happiness?

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    Caring.com, a leading online resource for senior care information and support, has just unveiled its latest Senior Happiness Index, a comprehensive look at where older Americans are thriving.

    To compile the index, a wide range of factors were evaluated – including the cost of living, average life expectancy, access to health care and the availability of senior centers.

    The result is a state-by-state breakdown highlighting where older Americans enjoy the greatest well-being.

    1. Utah

    According to Caring.com, Utah tops the list as the best place to retire, scoring 7.69 out of 10 on the Senior Happiness Index. Seniors in Utah are generally healthier, less isolated and more likely to be engaged in community volunteer work, which makes retirement much more satisfying.

    On the flip side, according to ElderLife Financial, senior care in Utah tends to cost more than the national average. This is where long-term care insurance can be a big help in covering costs of in-home assistance, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

    GoldenCare offers a wide range of insurance policies that are based on your needs — whether it’s for long-term care benefits, short-term care, extended care, home health care or assisted living.

    2. Idaho

    Idaho is second on Caring.com’s index, scoring 7.38 out of 10. The state ranked well because of the density of seniors living here, along with access to senior services and support resources.

    Fortunately, Idaho is also considered a tax-friendly state for older Americans, according to SmartAsset, which means you can expect no taxes on your Social Security benefits and relatively lower sales and property taxes, saving you money.

    Make sure you’re putting that money you save to work with a high interest account, such as the Wealthfront Cash Account which offers a 4.00% APY — that’s 10x the national average.

    With full access to your money at all times, Wealthfront also offers fast (and free) transfers to internal Wealthfront investing accounts, as well as external accounts. And when you fund your cash account with $500 or more, you even get a $30 bonus.

    3. Connecticut

    Connecticut is tied for third on the Senior Happiness Index, scoring 7.01 out of 10. The state has the third-highest life expectancy and is in the top 10 for overall health. So if you’re trying to live long and stay fit in retirement, this could be an ideal state for you.

    Unfortunately, according to SmartAsset, the state is a relatively unfriendly tax jurisdiction for seniors. This means you may have little to no tax benefits for retirement income and could be exposed to relatively high property and inheritance taxes.

    Given this, you may wish to speak with a qualified financial advisor to best build tax-efficient investments and withdrawal strategies. With Advisor, you can connect with a personal advisor who lives near you and is best equipped to help assess your retirement strategy.

    Their network of advisors are fiduciaries, so you can trust that the advice you’re getting is unbiased.

    You can set up an introductory call with no obligation to hire with your match to see if they’re the right fit for you.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    4. Delaware

    Delaware ties with Connecticut, also scoring 7.01 out of 10, while ranking ninth for health outcomes. It is in the top five states with the lowest ratio of older adults living alone, which suggests seniors are less vulnerable to social isolation here.

    Delaware is also tax-friendly to seniors, according to SmartAsset. But the average monthly cost of living independently here is $3,862, which according to Senior Living is 26% above the national average. To save more money, you might consider looking at how to cut down on monthly expenses like car insurance and home insurance.

    With OfficialCarInsurance.com, you can compare quotes from trusted brands like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO — with some offers as low as $29 per month.

    Similarly, OfficialHomeInsurance.com helps you get great rates to protect your home. All it takes is two minutes for them to comb through over 200 insurers — for free — to find the best deal in your area. The process can be done entirely online too.

    5. Nebraska

    Nebraska ranks fifth on Caring.com’s Senior Happiness Index, and is also home to a famous recent retirees in America: billionaire Warren Buffett.

    Fortunately, if you’re looking to join the Oracle of Omaha and retire in the Cornhusker state, it won’t cost you much.

    The average monthly cost of living for an independent senior is just $1,917, 37% lower than the national average, according to Senior Living.

    You can save even more by keeping a close eye on your finances with a money management platform such as Monarch Money, which can give you a clear view of where you’re overspending. It also helps you monitor your expenses and payments in real time.

    For a limited time get 50% off your first year with the code MONARCHVIP.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • My mom passed away and I was shocked to learn she left me 10 times as much money as I expected in her will. It’s a nice problem to have, but I’m a little lost on how to handle all this cash

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    In the next 20 years, Americans will inherit an estimated $72 trillion as boomers pass down their accumulated wealth to younger generations in a phenomenon dubbed the Great Wealth Transfer.

    That means there will be a lot of people like you who are surprised — even if pleasantly so — to be inheriting money and unsure about how best to manage it.

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    This problem stems from a lack of communication around estate planning. A 2024 Edward Jones report found that more than one in three Americans have no plans to talk about their estate with their families, even though 48% plan to leave an inheritance.

    You were unprepared for this windfall, but it’s good to be thoughtful about how you’re going to manage the money going forward so you don’t waste this opportunity to improve your life now and in the future.

    Here are some options to explore.

    Invest in your retirement

    If you’ve inherited a large sum of money, one thing you could do is to put it into an investment portfolio that’s earmarked for retirement.

    A 2024 CNBC survey found that 40% of Americans are behind on retirement planning and savings, while 21% of current retirees have no savings at all to live on.

    You don’t want to rely on Social Security in retirement, because those benefits only replace 40% of your paycheck if you’re an average earner. Plus there’s a possibility of Social Security cuts in the not-so-distant future.

    Investing your inheritance now could give you greater retirement security, and help you build a legacy for future generations.

    It’s important to maintain a diverse mix of assets in your portfolio. If you’re years away from retirement, you might keep the bulk of your portfolio in stocks and a smaller portion in bonds.

    For instant diversification, consider investing in S&P 500 index funds, giving you exposure to the 500 largest publicly traded companies. For the bond portion of your portfolio, consider a mix of corporate bonds, Treasuries, and municipal bonds for tax diversification.

    However, diversifying outside of the stock market is equally critical, especially given its recent volatility. Investing in commodities like gold can help stabilize your portfolio and ensure your retirement fund continues to grow.

    A gold IRA is one option for building up your retirement fund with an inflation-hedging asset.

    One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals.

    Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, which combines the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties.

    To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases.

    Another way to diversify is to invest in real estate. New investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into this market.

    For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

    Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

    Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Address your family’s most pressing needs

    There’s nothing wrong with using proceeds from an inheritance to improve your life and that of your family — right now. So think about your most pressing needs.

    If you’re living in cramped quarters, you might use some of your money to finish off your home’s basement for extra living space. Or you could buy a larger home.

    Mortgage Research Center (MRC) can help you get started on the buying process in less time than you’d think. Their online platform allows you to quickly compare rates and estimated monthly payments from multiple vetted lenders. All you have to do is enter some basic information about yourself, such as your zip code, your desired property type and price range and annual income.

    Based on the information you provide, MRC will show you mortgage offers tailored to your needs so you can shop for a mortgage with confidence.

    After you match with a desired lender, you can set up a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you’ve found the right fit. You can also invest in your children’s education. A December 2023 Discover survey found that 70% of parents are worried about not having enough funds to cover their children’s education.

    You could put some of your inheritance into a 529 plan toward your children’s college education, allowing it to grow tax-free.

    Consult a financial advisor

    Whenever your financial situation changes substantively, it’s a good idea to consult a professional. A financial advisor can guide you through some of the best ways to invest your inheritance to meet your goals — and advise you on tax and legal implications.

    For example, income from certain assets could bump you into a higher tax bracket. An inherited IRA might be subject to the 10-year rule, meaning you have to withdraw all the funds within 10 years of the original account owner’s death.

    You can learn more about the unique rules and opportunities your new financial situation will entail with a professional advisor found on Advisor.com.

    This online platform connects you with vetted financial advisors best suited to help you develop a plan for your new wealth.

    Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances and the platform will match you with an experienced financial professional. You can view their profile, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

    With that kind of guidance, your surprise inheritance might additionally surprise you in all the ways it can multiply abundance in your life.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • ‘It gave me a big advantage’: Warren Buffett and Bill Gates were asked to give the secret to their success in 1 word. They both gave the exact same answer

    ‘It gave me a big advantage’: Warren Buffett and Bill Gates were asked to give the secret to their success in 1 word. They both gave the exact same answer

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    World-renowned billionaires Warren Buffett and Bill Gates were once asked about their secret to success. The one word answer they both gave? Focus.

    For Buffett and Gates, that focus started young. Gates was obsessed with coding as a teenager. That passion led him to co-found Microsoft and become the seventh wealthiest person on the planet, according to the Forbes real-time billionaires index.

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    Buffett, meanwhile, has been investing since the ripe age of 11. He’s now known as one of the most successful investors of all time, ranking as the fifth wealthiest billionaire according to Forbes.

    In an interview with CNBC, Buffett explained how his focus differed from Gates.

    “While he was focused on software, I was focused on investments,” he said. “It gave me a big advantage to start very young — there’s no question about it.”

    Even if you’re long past your teenage years, it’s not too late to get focused. Here are three ways to refine your investing strategy to emulate Buffett and Gates’s wealth-building success.

    Start early and stay focused

    The best time to start investing was yesterday. The second best time is now.

    Even if you didn’t start investing when you wished you did, that’s all the more reason to start today. Compound interest is another reason to invest sooner rather than later.

    Buffett once described earning compound interest — interest you earn based on your personal contributions and the interest you’ve already earned — as the ability to snowball your wealth.

    You don’t need to wait until you have a large pile of money to set aside either. It’s possible to put your cash to work every single day by investing your spare change.

    Acorns, an automated investing platform, can help you do that – without you even needing to think about it. By signing up and linking your bank account, Acorns automatically rounds up the price of your purchases to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference into a smart investment portfolio. That means Acorns is building your investments in the background while you earn compound interest.

    Even better — you can get a $20 bonus investment when signing up with a recurring contribution.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Remember, the more time you have to earn interest, the bigger the rewards you’ll see. Starting small today can pay dividends tomorrow.

    Focus on quality and value

    Buffett is famously a proponent of value investing, which involves buying stocks that are trading below their intrinsic value. He would look for companies with long-lasting earning potential, consistent earnings, good cash flow and a low amount of debt.

    Value investing can apply outside of the stock market too. For instance, you can use this strategy to invest in real estate: buying undervalued properties to earn long-term returns. And new investing platforms are making it easier than ever to diversify your investments by tapping into the real estate market.

    Homeshares gives accredited investors access to the $34.9 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — allowing you to invest directly into the untapped value of residential properties without the headache of buying, owning or managing them yourself.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, Homeshares can provide an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100. Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

    The platform makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process can help you take advantage of an inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

    Arrived is even backed by another world-class investor, Jeff Bezos.

    Focus on learning and improving

    It’s likely you’ll see both gains and losses through the lifetime of your investment portfolio. The question to ask yourself is: How can I turn my investing blunders from the past into successes in the future?

    Even investing greats like Buffett have made mistakes over time. At the 1997 Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting, he  admitted to making “mistakes of omission” where he had the opportunity to invest in attractive businesses, but failed to act.

    Not everyone has the investing knowledge to jump on those kinds of opportunities. To gain an advantage, you may want to consider working with a professional financial adviser who can translate investing into something you can better understand.

    Advisor.com is an online platform that connects you with vetted financial advisors best suited to help you develop a plan for your new wealth.

    Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances and the platform will match you with an experienced financial professional. You can view their profile, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

    You can view advisor profiles, read past client reviews, and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • I’m 52, my portfolio just hit $2,000,000, and I want to spend $150,000/year comfortably — can I make the math work and retire now?

    I’m 52, my portfolio just hit $2,000,000, and I want to spend $150,000/year comfortably — can I make the math work and retire now?

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    The good news is that a $2 million nest egg is not too shabby and can sustain you for the rest of your life as long as you don’t spend it irresponsibly.

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    Gen X — people between the ages of 45 and 60 — have an average of $589,4000 saved in their 401(k)s as of the fourth quarter of 2024, according to a Fidelity Investments report. So by this account, you’re doing better than most if you have $2 million in retirement savings.

    But is it enough for you to spend $150,000 a year? Probably not. The life expectancy of Americans is about 77 years, and you’ll want to plan for longer than that.

    There are a number of factors to consider while making the math work for early retirement.

    How much you can spend in retirement

    The 4% rule is one of the most popular ways to figure out how much you can spend each year in retirement. It says if you withdraw 4% of your balanced portfolio (50% stocks, 50% bonds) in the first year, with subsequent amounts adjusted for inflation, your retirement savings should last you 30 years. But of course, there are no guarantees and some experts have warned retirees about this rule.

    So if you have a $2 million retirement portfolio, you can withdraw $80,000 the first year. This is a little more than half the $150,000 you’re looking to spend a year. You would need a nest egg worth almost $4 million to safely withdraw $150,000 a year, per this rule. Your safe withdrawal rate would be even lower if you considered a longer retirement horizon, like 35 years or 40 years.

    Talking to an expert can help you figure out exactly how much you can withdraw from your nest egg each year without worrying about your funds running out later.

    You can match with a vetted financial advisor near you for free with Advisor.com.

    Once you answer a few basic questions about your financial situation and goals, Advisor.com will comb through its database to find a FINRA/SEC-registered advisor best suited to help you.

    Advisor.com’s network of financial experts are all fiduciaries, meaning they are required to act in your best interest. Plus, there’s no asset minimum to work with an expert on Advisor.com, not even a dollar.

    Upon matching with an advisor, you can set up a free introductory consultation with no obligation to hire to see if they’re the right fit.

    You also need to think about protecting your loved ones. Opting for term life insurance can help you secure your family’s financial future in the event the worst comes to pass.

    Be mindful that life insurance premiums tend to rise as you age. Consider opting for a term life insurance with Ethos and lock in low premium rates now.

    The process is simple and just takes 10 minutes, and you can get instant coverage for up to $3 million with premiums starting at just $2/day. You don’t need to undergo extensive medical exams or blood tests to get approved for life insurance with Ethos.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Pulling off your early retirement plans

    If you decide to retire at 52, you need to be sure you plan out what expenses you will have. A general rule of thumb says you should expect to spend 80% of your pre-retirement income each year if you want to maintain your current lifestyle.

    You also need to make sure your money is housed in the right types of accounts. When it comes to retirement accounts like IRAs and employer-sponsored ones like 401(k)s, you’ll face penalties if you make withdrawals before you reach 59 ½ years old. According to the IRS, you’ll need to pay an additional 10% in taxes on top of what you’ll need to pay on the amount you withdraw.

    If you plan to retire early, consider having roughly 12 months’ worth of expenses in cash as a buffer in case of emergencies. This way, you don’t have to worry about the tax implications of withdrawing from your retirement accounts.

    Where you keep this emergency fund is crucial. Choose a high-yield account so that your cash can continue to make money for you.

    With SoFi, for example, you can open a fully digital checking and savings account while earning up to 3.80% APY. The best part? SoFi charges no account, monthly or overdraft fees.

    You can get up to $300 when you sign up with SoFi and set up a direct deposit.

    If you want to look at other options that earn you more than the national average interest rate, check out Moneywise’s list of best high-yield savings accounts of 2025.

    Find ways to save

    Retiring early also means that you need to make sure your nest egg can last much longer than if you retired later. See if there are ways to cut back or eliminate wishlist items like boats or a vacation property.. Fixed expenses like monthly insurance premiums might also take a big chunk of your budget.

    Plus, with rising home and car insurance premiums, it might be challenging to account for the rising costs of insuring your assets on a fixed income. Between 2021 and 2024, homeowners’ insurance rates rose by 24%. On the other hand, car insurance premiums are expected to rise 60% faster in 2025 than last year due to the impact of tariffs.

    Shopping around and comparing rates from different insurance providers can help you lower your monthly bill significantly.

    OfficialCarInsurance.com lets you compare insurance rates and features offered by reputable providers near you for free. All you have to do is answer a few basic questions about your finances, driving history and the type of vehicle you want to insure.OfficialCarInsurance.com will then comb through its database of hundreds to help you find the lowest rate possible.

    Get started for free and find rates as low as $29 per month.

    You can also save an average of $482 per year by shopping around for home insurance quotes from leading providers near you through OfficialHomeInsurance.com.

    The best part? The process is completely free, and you can find the lowest rates near you in just under two minutes.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • Failed Sotheby’s auction of $70,000,000 bronze bust leaves bidders speechless, art insiders stunned — here’s how the jaw-dropping turn of events unfolded

    Failed Sotheby’s auction of $70,000,000 bronze bust leaves bidders speechless, art insiders stunned — here’s how the jaw-dropping turn of events unfolded

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    What was meant to be a quick sale of a rare antique turned into a sobering reminder of the hidden risks of so-called alternative assets.

    “Grande tête mince” — a bronze sculpture by Alberto Giacometti — failed to meet expectations at a recent Sotheby’s auction. Industry insiders and art experts estimated that the sculpture was worth $70 million, however the auction failed after the highest bid maxed out at $64.25 million, according to the New York Times.

    Don’t miss

    This high-profile flop highlights some of the risks of storing wealth in collectibles. On average, ultra-wealthy families across the world have roughly 13.4% of their assets in artwork and collectibles, according to Deloitte. However, the market is notoriously opaque and illiquid, which means many of these collectible items might not be worth as much as their owners believe.

    Investors looking for an asset that isn’t exposed to the same market dynamics as stocks and bonds often have better options than art. Here are three alternative assets that could be more attractive than ancient sculptures or oil on canvas.

    Gold

    Gold has been on the planet much longer than any piece of ancient art, and its collectors include central banks and sovereign nations. The market for this precious metal also tends to be more transparent and robust.

    Gold’s reputation as an uncorrelated safe haven was cemented during the see-sawing of the U.S. stock market in the opening months of 2025. As President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war whipped up volatility in stocks, bonds and cryptocurrencies, the price of gold surged roughly 25% over six-months.

    Adding some exposure to this hard asset could be a good idea if you’re worried about economic growth, inflation or interest rate volatility over the medium to long term.

    Priority Gold is an industry leader in precious metals, offering physical delivery of gold and silver. Plus, they have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a 5-star rating from Trust Link.

    If you’d like to convert an existing IRA into a gold IRA, Priority Gold offers 100% free rollover, as well as free shipping, and free storage for up to five years. Qualifying purchases will also receive up to $10,000 in free silver.

    To learn more about how Priority Gold can help you reduce inflation’s impact on your nest egg, download their free 2025 gold investor bundle.

    Real estate

    Beyond gold, land and property are other tangible investments you might consider adding to your portfolio. They can have strikingly different dynamics to stocks and bonds. Direct real estate as an asset class tends to have low or even negative correlation with the S&P 500, according to an analysis by JPMorgan. This means that if stocks crash, real estate can remain somewhat protected and occasionally even go up in value.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    To be clear, JPMorgan focused on direct real estate deals. That means if you’re a homeowner or landlord with direct ownership, you’re less exposed to the stock market’s volatility.

    But you don’t need to buy property outright to benefit. New investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market without amassing a massive downpayment or taking on a lifelong mortgage.

    For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $34.9 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

    Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, hand-picked for their appreciation and income potential.

    Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without midnight maintenance calls.

    Infrastructure

    Infrastructure such as toll roads, bridges, cell phone towers and airports can actually have many of the same dynamics as real estate. However, these assets are rarer and can sometimes have higher earning potential.

    According to KKR & Co., a world-leading private equity investment firm, private infrastructure assets across the world performed better than stocks and bonds in 2022 when inflation and interest rates were rapidly rising. That can make these assets a potential shock absorber for a typical investor’s portfolio.

    If you’re looking for exposure to this niche asset class, you could consider an ETF such as the Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF. You could also take a closer look at infrastructure ETFs in the green energy space, such as the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF or the First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Green Energy ETF.

    You can access all of these investments through Wealthfront’s Stock Investing Account. This brokerage account is built with best-in-class technology that allows users to invest in individual stocks (or collections of individual stocks, like ETFs) more easily. You won’t pay commission on your investments, and can start with as little as $1.

    Sure, cell towers and solar panels might not be quite as exciting as exotic artwork, but they’re likely to be more lucrative and less volatile.

    What to read next

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

  • Most Americans mentally spend their paychecks before money hits their bank account: How to avoid paycheck stress and create a financial plan that works

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    A new survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of EarnIn found that the average American has already mentally spent more than half of their paycheck before it lands in their bank account.

    The survey polled 2,000 employed Americans who make less than $75,000 per year and found that the typical American spends about 43% of their paycheck within the first three days after receiving it, in addition to the roughly 51% that’s pre-spent mentally.

    Don’t miss

    In fact, only 20% of those surveyed don’t run out of money or otherwise have to live on a tight budget in the days leading up to their next check. Worse yet, 56% of respondents said that less than 10% of their pay goes into savings.

    If you’re not saving as much as you should be, it may be time for some changes. Here are a few to consider.

    Set a realistic budget

    According to a Harris Poll, 74% of Americans have a monthly budget. That’s good news. But, 84% of those with a monthly budget tend to exceed it. That’s not so good.

    This is why it’s not enough to just have a budget. It needs to be realistic. One of the best ways to create a budget that suits your lifestyle is to track all your spending.

    From there, you can decide which things are most important to you based on your values, and which costs you can cut down on.

    One area you may want to trim is insurance spending — and many Americans may not realize that shopping around can save hundreds of dollars a year. Comparing prices and plans is even easier with OfficialHomeInsurance.com.

    In under 2 minutes, OfficialHomeInsurance.com helps you browse offers tailored to your needs from over 200 reputable insurance companies. Best of all? It’s free.

    Simply fill in a bit of information about yourself and you can quickly find the coverage you need —  saving you on average $482 a year.

    While you’re saving money on home insurance, you may also want to optimize your auto insurance coverage. OfficialCarInsurance.com helps you instantly sort through the best policies from car insurance providers in your area, including trusted names like Progressive, GEICO and Allstate.

    With rates as low as $29 per month, you can find coverage that suits your needs and potentially saves you hundreds of dollars per year.

    To get started, fill in your information and OfficialCarInsurance.com will provide a list of the top insurers in your area.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Saving on your insurance can free up more funds for your savings — boosting your investing power — or ensure that you can add to your monthly entertainment expenses.

    Maintain an emergency fund at all times

    The Federal Reserve reports that 37% of Americans do not have the savings to cover a surprise $400 expense. Similarly, in early 2025, a survey by U.S. News & World Report found that 42% of Americans don’t have an emergency fund at all, and that 40% couldn’t cover a $1,000 unexpected expense.

    Without emergency savings, you risk falling behind on essential bills and having to resort to debt — possibly high-interest debt — when unplanned expenses arise. It’s important to make room in your monthly budget for emergency fund contributions.

    Ideally, your savings should cover three months of essential bills at a bare minimum — though six months is ideal. That way, if you find yourself unemployed, you’ll have funds to tap to cover your expenses instead of having to reach for a credit card.

    One way to grow your emergency fund quickly is to open a high-interest savings account. Wealthfront’s cash account is designed for those seeking a reliable and safe high-yield savings plan. With full access to your money at all times, Wealthfront offers fast and free transfers to internal Wealthfront investing accounts, as well as external accounts.

    Plus, you can get a $30 bonus when you fund your account with $500 or more. That’s starting your emergency fund on the right foot.

    Given that so many Americans mentally spend their paychecks before they arrive, to stay on track, you may want to establish a monthly savings goal and set up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account. That way, the amount you want to save will leave your checking account before you get a chance to touch it.

    Steer clear of lifestyle creep

    In recent years, inflation has been a challenge for American workers and has monopolized more of their paychecks. But, while you can’t help that living costs have risen even as pay hasn’t kept up pace, you can avoid spending more by pledging to steer clear of lifestyle creep — otherwise known as lifestyle inflation.

    It can also pay to be cautious when you get a pay bump. After all, that extra cash in your checking account could tempt you into an ever-escalating lifestyle.

    Instead, you could put these new funds into a high-yield savings account. You won’t miss the extra money because you won’t be used to having it to spend.

    While waiting for your next raise, you could also squirrel away your spare change to build your nest egg or an emergency fund.

    An easy way to get started is with Acorns, an automated diversified ETF investment tool that makes it easy to set aside your cash.

    Their platform automates investing and saving to simplify the process of setting aside a little bit every day. Acorns automatically rounds up the price of each of your purchases to the nearest dollar and deposits the difference into a smart investment portfolio.

    Even better, Acorns is offering a $20 bonus when you sign up with a recurring contribution.

    Finally, rather than take on new expenses every time you get a raise, evaluate your savings and see if you can increase your contributions. Whether it’s a boost to your emergency fund or your 401(k), investing in your future is better than the short-term pleasure of a bunch of one-off expenses.

    What to read next

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

  • My wife and I, both 79, are trying to survive on $2K/month from Social Security. Our house is paid off and we have $50K in savings, but we’re scared of running out of cash — what do we do?

    My wife and I, both 79, are trying to survive on $2K/month from Social Security. Our house is paid off and we have $50K in savings, but we’re scared of running out of cash — what do we do?

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    Running out of money during your retirement can take the shine off your golden years, and the risk might be greater than you think.

    After all, the average life expectancy for 79-year-olds is slightly over 10 years, according to the Social Security Administration. Meanwhile, the average annual spending for U.S. households of those 75 years and older was $53,481 in 2022, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

    Don’t miss

    With a modest $2,000 monthly income from Social Security and $50,000 in savings, it’s natural to be worried about outliving your savings and looking for some guidance.

    And those savings might not get you as far as you expect. Using a Fidelity retirement calculator shows that if your savings are invested, and earn an average annual rate of return of 5%, you can afford to make nine yearly withdrawals of around $6,700. That’s only an extra $558 a month.

    Let’s walk through how you can navigate this difficult financial situation.

    Maximize your home value

    While owning a home outright is a huge advantage, maintaining it can be costly — especially during retirement.

    Moving to a smaller, lower-maintenance home or a senior-friendly community can reduce property taxes, utilities and upkeep. Downsizing can also free up capital and reduce monthly costs significantly. You can also consider renting out a spare room to generate extra income.

    If you want to age in place, you could consider tapping into your home’s equity through a HELOC — or Home Equity Line of Credit.

    With home values higher than ever, you can make your home work harder for you by making the most of your equity. The average homeowner sits on roughly $311,000 in equity as of the third quarter of 2024, according to CoreLogic.

    Having access to your home equity could help to cover unexpected expenses, pay substantial debt, fund a major purchase like a home renovation or supplement income from your retirement nest egg.

    Rates on HELOCs and home equity loans  are typically lower than APRs on credit cards and personal loans, making it an appealing option for homeowners with substantial equity.

    Unlock great low rates in minutes by shopping around. You can compare real loan rates offered by different lenders side-by-side through LendingTree. Terms and Conditions apply. NMLS# 1136.

    Homeowners can also consider a reverse mortgage to supplement their retirement income.

    Reverse mortgages let you tap into your home equity to support your income, pay off substantial debt or fund renovations. You can choose to borrow the funds as a lump sum or as fixed monthly payments, and can spend them however you want.

    The reverse mortgage becomes due once the borrower passes away, stops using the home as their primary residence or sells the property.

    You can check out Moneywise’s list of industry-leading companies offering reverse mortgages here.

    Compare offers instantly and request a free information guide to help you understand how to get started.

    Optimize your healthcare

    Medicare provides essential coverage, but supplemental insurance can be pricey.

    Seniors with limited income should check their eligibility for Medicare Savings Programs. These state-administered programs help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-pays for low-income seniors.

    There’s also the “Extra Help” program for prescription drugs. The SSA offers assistance to reduce Part D prescription costs based on income and resources.

    Staying on top of these programs through resources like Medicare.gov can save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars per year.

    Older adults should also ensure they have plans in place if their health takes a turn, or when they can no longer age in place.

    Long-term care insurance offers coverage that can help with in-home assistance, nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

    For example, GoldenCare offers a range of insurance options based on your needs, including hybrid life or annuity with long-term care benefits, short-term care, extended care, home health care, assisted living and traditional long-term care insurance.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Reduce your living expenses

    Stretching $2,000 a month requires some discipline, but living a frugal lifestyle while still enjoying your quality of life can still be within reach.

    This starts with making a monthly budget.

    After all, knowing where your money goes is the first step to creating a realistic lifestyle plan. From here, it can pay to track your expenses and categorize your needs versus wants. If you’re tech-savvy, tools like Monarch Money can give you an overview of your financial situation.

    Monarch Money helps you assess your budget and spending habits while planning for the future. This all-in-one tool can also track your investments, and offer personalized advice so you can plan with confidence. Even better, the app is protected by Plaid for secure data integration, and employs multi-factor authentication at login, so you can keep your accounts safe.

    You can download the app now for a 7-day free trial. After that, you can get 50% off your first year with code MONARCHVIP.

    Beyond budgeting, try to limit dining out, subscriptions and non-essential purchases. Buy in bulk, shop sales and utilize food assistance programs if you’re eligible. Local senior centers, food banks and utility assistance programs can also help reduce expenses.

    Another way to drive down expenses is to look at essential spending like insurance policies.

    Many seniors can lose out on savings because they don’t shop around for lower prices, and stick with the insurer they’ve used for decades. This can leave money on the table that could go towards funding their retirement.

    If you’re questioning whether your insurance rates could be lower, it may be time to consult OfficialHomeInsurance.com, which helps you look for low rates for free.

    In under 2 minutes, OfficialHomeInsurance.com makes it easy to compare offers tailored to your needs from a list of over 200 reputable insurance companies.

    Simply fill in a bit of information and you can quickly find home insurance coverage at the lowest cost for you. On average, OfficialHomeInsurance.com users save $482 a year.

    While you’re saving money on home insurance, you might also consider whether you’re being gouged on your auto insurance rates.

    OfficialCarInsurance.com helps you instantly sort through the best policies from car insurance providers in your area, including trusted names like Progressive, GEICO and Allstate.

    With rates as low as $29 per month, you can find coverage that suits your needs, and potentially save you hundreds of dollars per year.

    To get started, fill in your information and OfficialCarInsurance.com will provide a list of the top insurers in your area.

    Prepare an emergency fund

    Unexpected health expenses, home repairs or other emergencies can quickly throw you off a tight budget.

    Many experts recommend that you keep at least three to six months worth of expenses in a highly liquid account, such as a dedicated high-yield savings account. This means that, if you need to access funds right away, you won’t have to tap your investments or take on debt.

    Retirees are generally advised to build larger emergency funds, but this can be tricky to do if your savings are limited. Consult a trusted financial advisor about this if you can.

    Abid Salahi, finance expert and co-founder of FinlyWealth, told GOBankingRates that retirees should aim to keep 12 to 18 months of living expenses in their emergency fund.

    One way to grow your emergency fund quickly is to open a high-interest savings account. Wealthfront’s cash account is designed for those seeking a reliable and safe high-yield savings plan. With full access to your money at all times, Wealthfront can help seniors access a highly liquid option for their emergency fund, while also allowing them to grow their savings in a meaningful way.

    Plus, you can get a $30 bonus when you fund your account with $500 or more, giving you a little boost to your saving power.

    If you’re a senior living on a tight Social Security income, it’s important to be proactive about emergency savings, optimize your home and healthcare costs, and have control over daily expenses.

    Although nothing is a guarantee, being more aware of your saving and spending habits can help you feel more secure in your retirement.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • This Brooklyn landlord with diabetes is clashing with tenant over 1st-floor unit, unpaid rent — but tenant is going nowhere and accuses him of harassment. Who’s right?

    This Brooklyn landlord with diabetes is clashing with tenant over 1st-floor unit, unpaid rent — but tenant is going nowhere and accuses him of harassment. Who’s right?

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    A landlord-tenant showdown in Borough Park has raised questions about housing rights, health needs and who gets to decide who stays and who goes.

    Landlord Aneiello DeGiuda, a diabetic homeowner in a multi-family building, claimed climbing the stairs was too much for him. He wanted to move into the more accessible first-floor unit occupied by his tenant, Kenyatta Blakely.

    Don’t miss

    Blakely, however, argued DeGiuda can’t just kick him out, and if the landlord wanted the apartment back he needed to follow the law.

    With harassment complaints filed and eviction notices served, this landlord denies any wrongdoing.

    “He tried to file a harassment charge because I’m asking him for the rent, which he hasn’t paid,” DeGiuda told News 12.

    So who is in the right?

    Eviction laws are clear, but so are building violations

    DeGiuda may hold the deed, but he doesn’t hold the power. In New York, tenants are protected under strict housing laws, which means a landlord can’t simply decide when someone has to leave. Eviction is a legal process that starts with a written notice to vacate. That notice period can range from three to 30 days, depending on the state, and must be backed by a legally valid reason.

    Wanting easier access to the first-floor unit for health reasons might tug at the heartstrings, but it doesn’t meet the legal standard for eviction.

    Next stop: Housing court

    In New York City, landlord-tenant disputes are often a legal chess match. Many cases drag on or end unfavorably for landlords simply because they don’t follow lease terms or the legal procedures required by law.

    Blakely may be withholding rent — and for now, he might be able to get away with it. While it’s rarely a good idea to stop paying rent outright, tenants do have rights, especially when their living conditions are unsafe.

    In this case, the Department of Buildings has issued a vacate order on the unit due to code violations. But that doesn’t mean tenants can automatically stop paying rent. Unless a court or housing authority says otherwise, rent is still legally owed — even if the unit is in poor condition.

    Before you take matters into your own hands, consider talking to a tenant advocate or attorney. With the right guidance, you can protect your rights — and avoid getting caught up in a legal mess.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Hassle-free property ownership

    Between 2000 and 2018, landlords in the U.S. filed an average of 3.6 million eviction cases each year, according to research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Dealing with tenants can be tough under the best of circumstances, so to get the most from the hot housing market, you may want to consider alternative investments instead of becoming a landlord.

    For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted target returns ranging from 14% to 17%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets. If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

    Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

    Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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

  • I’m 65, have $120,000 saved, collect Social Security of $1,700/month — but monthly expenses total $3,900. How can I make sure money doesn’t run out without sacrificing lifestyle?

    We adhere to strict standards of editorial integrity to help you make decisions with confidence. Some or all links contained within this article are paid links.

    At age 65, a $120,000 nest egg isn’t going to produce as much income as you might hope.

    Assuming you follow the 4% rule, you’ll only be able to withdraw $4,800 annually ($383 a month) from your retirement savings. — That rule would ensure your nest egg lasts 30 years.

    Don’t miss

    Add a $1,700 Social Security check to that and you have about $2,000 to cover your stated expenses each month — about $1,900 shy of the $3,900 you need, not including emergency medical bills and expenses.

    Factor in taxes, and you’re in trouble. In fact, if you take this much money out of your savings, your money would only last 5 years if your investments earn 7% and you’re in the 22% tax bracket.

    You need to figure out another solution. Here are some options.

    Increase your income

    If your retirement spending needs are higher than your income, consider a part-time job, if not a full-time job.

    You can collect Social Security benefits while you’re working, but if you haven’t hit the full retirement age of 67, the government can claw back your benefits. In 2025, you’ll lose $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above $23,400 if you won’t reach FRA all year.

    The good news is that if you earn too much and lose some or all of your Social Security benefits, this is temporary. Your payment will be recalculated after you hit full retirement age.

    So, working can help you in two ways, by providing you with a livable income, and potentially giving your Social Security benefits a boost when you reach full retirement age.

    If you’re a homeowner you may be able to tap into your home equity to generate cash flow — for example, through a home equity loan or even selling your home and downsizing, then investing the difference.

    With home values higher than ever, you can make your home work harder for you by making the most of your equity. The average homeowner sits on roughly $311,000 in equity as of the third quarter of 2024, according to CoreLogic.

    Having access to your home equity could help to cover unexpected expenses, pay substantial debt, fund a major purchase like a home renovation or supplement income from your retirement nest egg.

    Rates on HELOCs and home equity loans are typically lower than APRs on credit cards and personal loans, making it an appealing option for homeowners with substantial equity.

    Unlock great low rates in minutes by shopping around. You can compare real loan rates offered by different lenders side-by-side through LendingTree.

    Just answer a few simple questions, and LendingTree will match you with up to 5 lenders with low rates today.

    Investments that pay dividends can also help you to add a much-needed boost to your monthly income, but you should also consider investing outside of the stock market to spread your risk.

    With only $120,000 in savings, you may assume investing in the stock market is out of the question, but new investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market.

    For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors.

    With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property.

    With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets.

    If you’re not an accredited investor, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allows you to enter the real estate market for as little as $100.

    Arrived offers you access to shares of SEC-qualified investments in rental homes and vacation rentals, curated and vetted for their appreciation and income potential.

    Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived makes it easy to fit these properties into your investment portfolio regardless of your income level. Their flexible investment amounts and simplified process allows accredited and non-accredited investors to take advantage of this inflation-hedging asset class without any extra work on your part.

    One income source that many overlook is making their essential spending go further. With Acorns, you can automatically invest spare change from your everyday purchases into a diversified portfolio of ETFs managed by experts at leading investment firms like Vanguard and BlackRock.

    For example, if you buy a donut for $3.25, Acorns will round up the purchase to $4 and invest the change in a smart investment portfolio. So a $3.25 purchase automatically becomes a 75-cent investment in your retirement fund.

    Sign up today and get a $20 bonus investment.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Reduce your spending

    Cost-cutting will be essential if a job is out of the question and you can’t dip into home equity or generate additional income.

    Some people manage to get by on Social Security alone, but it means a less comfortable, more frugal lifestyle in retirement. The Social Security Administration reports that 39% of American men and 44% of American women get at least half their income from Social Security.

    Meanwhile, for the 12% of men and 15% of women who count on Social Security to provide 90% or more of their income — not ideal as the benefits are intended to replace 40% of pre-retirement income — it can be hard to make the numbers work.

    If you have to survive on Social Security, cost-cutting may be easier if you make one or two big changes, like moving to a cheaper place rather than reducing lots of discretionary spending. One big cut can be easier to sustain than many small cuts.

    One great place to trim your spending is on your transportation costs. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the total cost of owning and operating a new vehicle in 2025 has climbed to around $12,297 per year — or $1,024.71 per month.

    Insurance can make up a sizable chunk of this monthly expense. According to Forbes, the national average cost for full-coverage car insurance in 2024 was $2,149 per year (or $179 per month). However, rates can vary widely depending on your state, driving history and vehicle type.

    Shopping around for better rates can cut down your costs. With OfficialCarInsurance.com, you can instantly compare quotes from multiple insurers, such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO.

    In just two minutes, you could find rates as low as $29 per month.

    Get expert advice

    Consider working with a financial advisor to explore all your options and help you make the right decisions going forward. An advisor can help with your budgeting and may even identify potential income sources you’ve missed.

    Advisor.com can help you find someone that’s right for you.

    This online platform connects you with vetted financial advisors in minutes. How it works is easy: Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and your finances, and the platform will match you with a financial advisor best suited to helping you make your money last in retirement.

    From here, you can view their profile, read past client reviews and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire.

    What to read next

    Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

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