‘People tend to shelter in place when the future of their job is uncertain’: How homebuyers can still get ahead in an uncertain market with rising prices and mortgage rates
With home prices continuing to rise and mortgage rates remaining stubbornly high, is the American dream of homeownership out of reach? Home prices jumped 3.8% in February compared to the same time last year, according to the latest National Association of Realtors (NAR) findings. That translates to a median cost of $398,400 for a typical […]
The way you access your Social Security account has changed for millions of US retirees. Could you be at risk of missing out on your benefits?
There’s been a lot of fear mongering about the move from my Social Security to Login.gov, a new digital requirement introduced by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Does that mean you’re at risk of losing your monthly Social Security payments if you fail to move over to the new platform? Don’t miss I’m 49 years […]
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 […]
Can buying in bulk actually cost you more? Why Americans desperate for savings should be wary of warehouse clubs like Costco
With prices rising, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to save money. And one way to do that is through warehouse club retail stores, like Sam’s Club, Costco and BJ’s Wholesale Club. But is membership all it’s cracked up to be? Shopper Britney Downing tells KHOU-11 that she saves on cereal for her five kids. […]
‘We’re looking at a slowdown’: 3 warning signs point to a U.S. recession. Find out what the indicators are and how to protect your finances in the months ahead
The U.S. is not in a recession — yet. But with policy uncertaintly around tariffs, mass deportations and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts, some economic observers believe the odds are rising. “We’ve got a real uncertainty problem, it’s going to be hard to fix that,” former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers said in an interview […]
Panicked Americans are claiming Social Security early for fear of Trump slashing benefits and ‘chaos’ at the agency disrupting services
There’s been a spike in claims for Social Security — and fear may be one of the reasons why. Don’t miss I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don’t panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You’re probably already overpaying […]
The average American’s net worth spikes 15% after retirement — here’s why some retirees aren’t tapping their nest eggs until later and how to take full advantage of the growth ASAP
Are you expecting to see your net worth grow after you retire? Many don’t — because, after all, you expect to be drawing down the nest egg you’ve built during your working years. But surprisingly, many seniors do see their net worth grow in the first decade of retirement. The median net worth of a […]
I’m 52, saving at least 10% of my income for retirement — but my husband isn’t saving anything and has no plans to. What should I do?
“Don’t let me hear you say life’s taking you nowhere,” David Bowie crooned in his 1970s hit, “Golden Years”. And the reality is, as your life progresses eventually your career sunsets. This has Jada, 52, facing the existential dread of retirement even though she doesn’t plan to clock out until she turns 65. Don’t miss […]
‘Unfit for human habitation’: This Cedar Rapids building has finally been condemned after tenants lived without power or plumbing — what can you do if a landlord leaves your home to rot
Imagine authorities declared your home unlivable — and gave you just days to vacate. That’s the reality for residents of an apartment building in Southwest Cedar Rapids, Iowa — and now, according to KCRG-TV9, they’re struggling to find new places to stay. Don’t miss I’m 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — […]
More and more Americans are draining their 401(k)s to survive — with ‘hardship withdrawals’ at 15%-20% above normal. But these 3 bad things can happen if you crack into your nest egg early
More Americans are tapping into their 401(k) to make ends meet — treating it more like an emergency fund than a retirement savings plan. Hardship withdrawals are running 15% to 20% above the historical norm, Empower CEO Ed Murphy told Bloomberg TV. Empower is the second-largest retirement plan (by number of participants) in the U.S. […]