I’m 51 and have no debt except a mortgage. My job is offering me a payout when I leave — should I take a $71,000 lump sum or $455 per month for life?
Lester, a 51-year-old from Pittsburgh, has no debt aside from his mortgage. The company he works for recently sent a letter to employees offering them a lump-sum payment when they leave in return for ending their participation in the company’s pension plan. He can choose a one-time payout of $71,000, or he can opt to […]
There’s a new ‘magic number’ Americans say they’ll need to retire comfortably — and it’s a shocking change since 2024. Here’s how to reach it ASAP without turning to sorcery
Humans often seek easy answers and shortcuts. This is not always a flaw, but a form of efficiency. So, it’s no surprise that we want a ‘magic’ answer to one of the biggest financial decisions we need to make: how much to save for retirement. As a result, we often have a ‘magic number’ in […]
Banks are opening dozens of new branches in this 1 part of America — in the age of apps, online banking. Here’s the state and why
In the era of mobile apps and digital banking, it’s not surprising that several banks are shuttering some of their branches. But now, at least in some markets, a few banks are actually opening brand-new branches. An average of 1,646 branches have closed each year in the U.S. since 2018, according to an analysis of […]
Are US taxpayers getting ‘DOGE dividend’ checks? What we know about the idea floated by Trump and Musk — and if we do get them, why they might only cover a fraction of the cost of tariffs
Back in February, James Fishback, founder and CEO of investment firm Azoria, proposed the idea of a “DOGE dividend” on social media. It was an idea that caught the attention of Elon Musk. “American taxpayers deserve a ‘DOGE Dividend’: 20% the money that DOGE saves should be sent back to hard-working Americans as a tax […]
Friends with benefits: These 2 Chicago couples pooled their money to buy their ‘forever home’ together — what’s behind this ‘transformative shift’ in how Americans approach homeownership
When Austin Mark and his husband, Bryan, moved back to Chicago from the West Coast in 2024, they wanted to buy a house. They also wanted plenty of living space. They were able to bid on a bigger home, and put down a bigger down payment, because they teamed up with their friends, Nate and […]
‘Porch pirates have clear favorites’: Texas man designs ‘smart mailbox’ to protect packages from theft — what you need to know to keep your property safe from ‘a crime of opportunity’
Online shopping is here to stay — and it seems so are porch pirates. Don’t miss I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to […]
OIder Americans got fleeced online last year, FBI says, losing an average $83,000 to scams. Here’s how to learn from their mistakes
Being robbed doesn’t always happen at gunpoint. Cybercriminals can sneak into your home through your computer and your phone — and may make you an unwitting accomplice to your own robbery. It’s a problem for everyone, but if you’re over 60, you’re particularly vulnerable. Last year, losses to cybercrime increased 33% from 2023 to a […]
A North Carolina woman bought a house with her boyfriend — but then they broke up and both stopped paying the mortgage. Facing foreclosure, here’s what The Ramsey Show hosts say she should do
Janelle from Raleigh, North Carolina, says she “did the ultimate no-no” when she bought a house with someone to whom she wasn’t married. After about a year, they broke up and she moved out. Now, they’re four months behind in mortgage payments, haven’t been able to sell the house and are facing foreclosure. She’s also […]
If you take CPP at age 60, you will lose 36% of your benefits — but here are 3 key instances when claiming early actually makes a lot of sense. How many apply to you?
For every month you take your Canada Pension Plan retirement benefit early, you permanently lose 0.6%, reducing your monthly cheque up to 36% if you take it at age 60. On the other hand, for every month you wait after age 60, you increase your benefit amount by 0.7%. If you wait until age 70, […]
Americans of all ages are suddenly cooling on Florida — and this 1 hot spot has been hit the hardest. 3 reasons this once trendy city is seeing ‘the biggest slowdown’ in new residents
Florida has long been a magnet for Americans looking for a better life. Low taxes, affordable housing, a low cost of living and pleasant winter weather have made it a popular move — and not just for retirees. Young people seeking economic opportunities have come in search of jobs in technology, health care and tourism […]
