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Author: Vishesh Raisinghani

  • Tony Robbins just blasted this 1 popular approach to Social Security in America — calls it ‘disaster’ that seriously risks running out of cash. Are you falling into this trap, too?

    Tony Robbins, the well-known motivational speaker, warns that the most popular approach to Social Security is also the most dangerous.

    On his blog, he says relying on the program as the foundation of your retirement plan is a “recipe for disaster."

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    Here’s why Robbins encourages people to look beyond this safety net and why a growing number of working-age Americans are already leaning towards alternative strategies.

    Social Security isn’t nearly enough

    The Social Security Administration (SSA) is expected to pay out $1.6 trillion in benefits to roughly 69 million Americans in 2025.

    Meanwhile, the program’s trust fund has assets worth $2.7 trillion as of December 2024. However, the numbers look far less impressive on a personal scale.

    As of April 2025 the average monthly Social Security retirement benefit is $2,000. This isn’t enough for most people over the age of 65, since data from the Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CE) program shows that retired households spend nearly $5,000 each month on average.

    Put simply, many retirees are currently receiving inadequate benefits. And the program’s future sustainability is in doubt, which means future retirees could potentially see even lower benefits.

    Trust fund assets are expected to be depleted by 2033, according to the SSA, while some of the Trump administration’s proposed tax cuts could deplete the funds in as little as six years, according to an NPR interview with Committee for a Responsible Budget’s Marc Goldwein.

    Taxpayers are well-aware of these challenges as concerns about the future of the program hit a 15-year high recently — with 52% of Gallup poll respondents saying they have a “great deal” of worry.

    In other words, Social Security can be an unreliable foundation for your retirement plan. The benefit paychecks are insufficient for some today, let alone a few decades in the future.

    With that in mind, Robbins offers some blunt advice to anyone planning their financial future around the program.

    “Time to get your head out of the sand and do some easy number crunching to find out where you are and where you need to be,” he wrote in the blog post. “Remember this: anticipation is the ultimate power. Losers react; leaders anticipate.”

    In summary, he encourages working-age Americans to create their own nest egg.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    A better plan for your future

    Instead of relying on Social Security to secure your retirement, it could be a good idea to start building out an independent retirement fund as soon as you can.

    Robbins recommends targeting savings of roughly 20 times your annual expenses. This can be coupled with the 4% withdrawal rule, which means you can safely use 4% of these assets (while adjusting for inflation) to meet living expenses every year without depleting your funds over the long-term.

    Assuming your monthly expenses in retirement are $5,000, you may need a retirement fund worth roughly $1.5 million based on this rule-of-thumb.

    However, the median net worth of someone in their 60s is just $439,154, according to Empower, which means most retirees fall short of this target.

    To avoid this trap and reach your target as quickly and efficiently as possible, consider maximizing the use of tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

    A 401(k) plan or Roth IRA, potentially combined with employer matching contributions, could help you get to your retirement goal faster.

    What to read next

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

  • Millions of Americans in their 20s are jobless — but are ‘worthless degrees’ and a system of broken promises really to blame? Here’s what’s behind the catastrophic rise of NEETs

    Millions of Americans in their 20s are jobless — but are ‘worthless degrees’ and a system of broken promises really to blame? Here’s what’s behind the catastrophic rise of NEETs

    When many people picture someone aged 16 to 24, they imagine a student buried in books or a young adult starting their first job. But for more than 4.3 million Gen Zers, neither is true — they’re not in school, not working, and increasingly unsure where they fit in.

    That’s according to the latest report by Measure of America, a project of the Social Science Research Council. The study estimates that roughly 10.9% of young U.S. adults are NEET, or "not in Education, Employment, or Training."

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    The report suggests that even a temporary withdrawal from society can have lasting consequences on a young person’s life. “It’s associated with lower earnings, less education, worse health, and even less happiness in later adulthood,” the study says.

    With nearly one in ten young people facing this grim future, some are now calling for a redesign of the education system to address the issue.

    Worthless college degrees

    Although college is traditionally seen as the path to building a bright future, political commentator Peter Hitchens argues that this belief no longer holds true.

    “In many cases, young people have been sent off to universities for worthless degrees which have produced nothing for them at all,” said the author in a recent episode of his Alas Vine & Hitchens podcast. “And they would be much better off if they apprenticed to be plumbers or electricians. They would be able to look forward to a much more abundant and satisfying life.”

    Indeed, nearly 52% of job postings in January 2024 did not require a formal college degree, according to Indeed’s Hiring Lab.

    Meanwhile, 39% of firms in blue-collar sectors such as manufacturing and construction said they struggled to find employees in 2024, while 37% said the employees they hired were not suitable for the job, according to Angi.

    This skills gap is likely to persist as young adults still see blue-collar work as less prestigious than white collar professions.

    A Jobber study conducted in 2023 found that 74% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 20 perceive a stigma associated with choosing vocational school over a traditional four-year university.

    Many are willing to go into debt to finance their white-collar ambitions. American households had accumulated $1.61 trillion in total student loan debt to finance some of these degrees, according to the New York Federal Reserve.

    Crippling student debt for degrees that don’t lead to meaningful employment may explain why many young adults are disengaging from society. Fortunately, efforts are underway to turn the tide.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Plugging the gap and changing perceptions

    Shifting perceptions of blue-collar work and creating clearer pathways into trades and vocational careers could be key to addressing the NEET issue.

    For instance, TV host Mike Rowe is giving away $2.5 million in scholarships this year to support young people pursuing skills training.

    DEWALT, a leading manufacturer of power tools and equipment for construction and industrial use, is investing nearly $4 million through its "Grow the Trades" initiative.

    The funding will be distributed as grants to 166 organizations across the U.S. and Canada that are dedicated to training the next generation of skilled tradespeople, including programs focused on skilling, reskilling and upskilling workers in areas such as carpentry, electrical work, HVAC and more.

    Vocational training is already gaining traction. As of late 2024, 923,000 students had enrolled in a skilled trades school, up 13.6% from the previous year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. If these trends continue, the skills gap — and the NEET crisis — could be gradually resolved.

    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 1,000% sure this works’: Here’s Dave Ramsey’s No. 1 technique for achieving financial freedom in America — claims it fixes the ‘stupid problem.’ But should you use it, too?

    ‘I’m 1,000% sure this works’: Here’s Dave Ramsey’s No. 1 technique for achieving financial freedom in America — claims it fixes the ‘stupid problem.’ But should you use it, too?

    After 20 years of offering financial advice, selling 12 million copies of his book and creating an audience of over 10 million regular listeners, Dave Ramsey says he’s absolutely certain about one thing: the debt snowball method is the best way to reduce debt.

    “I’m 1,000% sure this works,” the 64-year-old radio host said on a recent episode of The Ramsey Show. “The debt snowball is probably what we’ve become best known for.”

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    The snowball technique involves sequentially paying off all debt, except for the primary residence, starting from the smallest loan amount and working your way up to the largest balance.

    In theory, every loan paid off gives you more room and more momentum to target the next one until you’re debt-free.

    Ramsey insists that the technique is not only effective but also superior to other debt-reduction techniques such as the avalanche method or consolidation. And the reason is less mathematical and more psychological.

    Snowball technique works with brain chemistry

    As of March 2025, 23% of U.S. adults say they have unmanageable amounts of debt, according to Experian.

    Fortunately, 45% of adults also say that they have paid off debt that they previously considered unmanageable and 26% of them said they used the snowball method to do so.

    However, advocates of the avalanche method or debt consolidation argue that these techniques are more mathematically efficient.

    Debt consolidation involves paying off all your loans with a single loan, potentially at a lower interest rate. The avalanche method, meanwhile, prioritizes outstanding balances with the highest interest rate first.

    In both cases, lowering your monthly interest burden gives you more wriggle room. It also slows down the compound growth of your liabilities, making them more manageable.

    However, Ramsey encourages his listeners to look beyond the math. "Honey, if we were doing math we wouldn’t have debt!” he said. “It’s not a math problem, it’s a stupid problem. We have to fix the stupid, not the math.”

    He insists the magic ingredient that makes the snowball method superior is “brain chemistry.”

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    “Dopamine is released when you complete a task,” he says, explaining that this boost creates a feedback loop that makes it easier to commit to the method over the long term.

    “A series of behaviors put you into debt, and you don’t fix a behavior problem with a math solution,” he explans. “You fix a behavior problem with a behavior solution.”

    Despite his conviction, there’s no evidence to suggest the snowball method is superior to other forms of debt management.

    None of these techniques is a one-size-fits-all solution, and most people would be better off picking a strategy that fits their own personality.

    Personal approach to debt management

    While the snowball method might be best for those who need constant reinforcement to stay disciplined, others might be more motivated by the math. After all, getting rid of a balance with a hefty interest rate can also offer a psychological reward.

    With this in mind, consider the avalanche method if you think some of your most expensive loans are causing you more distress.

    Alternatively, you could consider debt consolidation if you find it easier to manage one loan instead of several different ones.

    Also, consider other methods to pay down debt. Roughly 36% of adults who paid off an excessive loan said they took an additional job or a side gig to do so, according to Experian’s survey.

    Meanwhile, 23% said using a budgeting app was enough to help them mitigate their burden.

    There’s no silver bullet. The best method is just the one you think you’re most likely to commit to over the long-term.

    What to read next

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

  • Prof G warns America is creating dynasties of ‘unproductive young rich people’ — but they’re not very happy and that’s ‘good news’ to him. Here’s why and his $10,000,000 solution

    Prof G warns America is creating dynasties of ‘unproductive young rich people’ — but they’re not very happy and that’s ‘good news’ to him. Here’s why and his $10,000,000 solution

    The Great Wealth Transfer currently underway isn’t a solution for wealth inequality.

    Instead, it’s likely to fuel a rising “dynasty” of young people with too much money and too little motivation to work, according to NYU professor Scott Galloway.

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    “When you go to nice hotels, there are people in their 50s and 60s and you can tell it’s probably their money — and then there’s a whole raft of a younger generation with their parents’ credit cards,” says the entrepreneur and investor on a recent episode of his Prof G podcast. “What you have with dynastic wealth is you’re taking capital that should go back into the ecosystem and just creating these dynasties of unproductive, rich people.”

    There are growing signs that the wealth gap could worsen as the transfer of assets from baby boomers to their children and grandchildren gains momentum.

    However, Galloway believes there is some “good news” for younger Americans from modest-income families and a potential solution to the problem.

    The good news

    Baby boomers in America are expected to pass on between $70 trillion and $90 trillion in assets to their offspring, according to Cerulli Associates.

    “The average age of the world’s billionaires is almost 69 right now. So this whole transition or wealth handover will start to accelerate,” said John Mathews, head of UBS’ Private Wealth Management division, in an interview with CNBC.

    However, this massive wealth transfer isn’t distributed evenly across younger generations. A 2023 study published in the American Journal of Sociology found that the average 35-year-old millennial holds less wealth than the average boomer at the same age, but the top 10% of wealthiest millennials have 20% more wealth than the top 10% of boomers.

    In other words, a growing intergenerational wealth divide emerging, and it’s likely to accelerate in the coming years.

    However, Galloway says his time teaching at an Ivy League university has given him reason to be hopeful: “I know a lot of rich kids and I know a lot of kids who are not rich — and the levels of happiness are not greater among the rich kids.”

    To him, that’s “good news” for young people trying to build wealth independently and find fulfilling careers. It’s also a wake-up call for policymakers looking to tackle the growing wealth gap.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    The $10 million solution

    Galloway’s proposed fix for the widening wealth gap is what he calls “an exceptional inheritance tax.”

    “Inheriting more than say $10 million bucks doesn’t increase the happiness of your kids,” he says, suggesting that lawmakers implement a significant inheritance tax above that threshold.

    His recommendation isn’t far off from the current tax structure. For the 2025 tax year, estates worth more than $13.99 million are subject to a federal estate tax, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

    The tax rate ranges from 18% to 40%, depending on the estate’s size, according to SmartAsset. Beneficiaries may also face additional estate and inheritance taxes on the state level, depending on where they live.

    Still, there may be room to raise those rates. Japan currently has the highest inheritance tax in the developed world at 55%, followed by South Korea at 50%, according to PwC.

    What to read next

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

  • JPMorgan studied 5 million retirees across America — and found 3 surprising spending shockers. Is your 7-figure nest-egg actually hurting you?

    JPMorgan studied 5 million retirees across America — and found 3 surprising spending shockers. Is your 7-figure nest-egg actually hurting you?

    Most retirees worry about running out of money because of spiralling inflation and unexpected medical costs as they get older.

    However, after studying the spending patterns of five million retirees, JPMorgan has uncovered surprising information that some of these concerns might be overblown.

    Perhaps the biggest shocker in their report is that some retirees might not need as much savings as they believe to retire comfortably. Here are three reasons why.

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    1. Inflation isn’t as scary

    Most financial planners make some basic assumptions about inflation. Put simply, they assume that your spending in retirement will probably increase every year in line with the cost of living in recent years.

    According to JP Morgan’s analysis, inflation has averaged 2.9% from 1982 to 2024.

    However, that’s the general rate of inflation for all categories, while retirees tend to shift their spending patterns as they age.

    For instance, a retiree may have to spend more on healthcare as they get older, but they spend less on clothes, eating out and transportation since they don’t have to go into the office everyday.

    In other words, higher costs in some categories are offset by lower spending in others. Overall, a typical retiree with modest wealth should see annual living expenses gradually decline over the course of their retirement, which means their experience of inflation is different from someone in their peak earning and spending age.

    “Looking across the range of households in our dataset, our key finding is that people generally spend less than expected,” says a previous report from JPMorgan.

    “In fact, for partially and fully retired households with investable assets of $250,000 to $750,000, the annualized inflation-adjusted change in spending — is just 1.65%.”

    2. Big, temporary bump in spending

    JPMorgan’s analysis also uncovered a curious surge in spending in the few years before and few years after a person’s retirement. In other words, there’s a temporary bump in spending around this period, mostly on healthcare, apparel, housing, food and beverages.

    Retirement is a new chapter in your life and it’s likely that you will spend the first few years moving to a new location or indulging in leisure activities that you always dreamed of.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    However, after this initial surge, spending tends to stabilize and gradually decline as mentioned above.

    Nevertheless, your retirement plan should account for this temporary bump in spending.

    3. Everyone doesn’t spend the same way

    Retirement planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Depending on your health, life goals and personal relationships, your senior years could look very different from the average person’s.

    To account for this, JPMorgan places retirees into six different categories depending on their spending patterns.

    These categories range from ‘Steady Eddies’ who spend a consistent amount of money, to ‘Upshifters’ who enhance their lifestyle post-retirement and ‘Rollercoasters’ who see unpredictable volatility in lifestyle.

    If you plan to move to a bigger house or another city or state with higher costs of living to be closer to your loved ones, your retirement plan needs to account for this.

    How to plan better

    Based on all the research, it might be fair to assume that building a retirement plan on general assumptions probably isn’t the best idea. For the most comfortable retirement, you need to personalize your plan.

    If you think you’ll travel more during your senior years or downsize to save on housing costs, that could have major implications for the amount of money you need to retire and how your portfolio is allocated.

    Hiring a professional financial planner to assist you and to update your plan every few years to stay in line with your changed circumstances could be a better approach.

    What to read next

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

  • American retirees in these 9 states could lose some of their Social Security benefits soon — do these 3 things ASAP if you live in one of them

    American retirees in these 9 states could lose some of their Social Security benefits soon — do these 3 things ASAP if you live in one of them

    Tax season is probably everyone’s least favorite time of year. But the experience can be a little more daunting for millions of Americans who receive Social Security benefits and live in a state that applies an additional tax on these payments.

    To be clear, most states don’t tax Social Security payments — the federal government will already tax them, beyond a certain gross adjustment income threshold. So the vast majority of retirees don’t need to worry about this. However, Colorado, Connecticut, Vermont, Montana, Minnesota, New Mexico, Rhode Island, West Virginia and Utah will collect some portion of your benefit payments.

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    If you live in any of these states, here are three ways you can prepare for this and potentially reduce your liabilities.

    Check income thresholds

    Most states that charge an additional tax on Social Security benefits do so only above certain income thresholds.

    In Connecticut, for instance, married couples filing together would pay state tax on these benefits if their joint threshold exceeds $100,000. Those filing under any other status would owe taxes only if the adjusted gross income (AGI) is above $75,000. New Mexico and Rhode Island also have thresholds at varying levels, depending on your status.

    At the federal level, if you’re single and your total income is above $25,000 or if you’re married and your combined income is above $32,000, a portion of your Social Security benefits could be taxable, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

    With this in mind, it’s important to keep track of all your various income sources and try to forecast future earnings as well to see if you hit any of these thresholds and so you can plan ahead.

    Look for tax credits or exemption rules

    Some states do offer exemptions, credits and offsets to lower the burden of taxes on lower- or middle-income retirees.

    In Colorado, for example, residents over the age of 65 are allowed to deduct the full amount of Social Security benefits included in their federal taxable income from their state taxable income.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    For instance, if $7,000 of your Social Security benefits were taxed at the federal level, you can subtract that same $7,000 when filing your Colorado state tax return.

    Meanwhile, Vermont offers exemptions to state taxes on Social Security and partial credits depending on your income.

    You should check your state rules during tax season to ensure you’re taking advantage of all these deductions and credits. However, the best way to minimize your liability and maximize your credits is to simply hire a professional.

    Speak to an expert

    Most Americans expect to file their taxes themselves in 2025, according to a recent survey by Invoice Home.

    Only 24% of respondents said they would hire a tax professional to assist them, while 39% said they would use third-party tools like TurboTax or H&R Block and 43% said they would trust AI more than an accountant.

    However, given how complex the tax system is, even for retirees on a fixed income, hiring a professional to assist you could be worth the investment. Someone with the right experience could help you navigate this tax season with confidence.

    If you’re worried about missing out on some credits or paying state taxes on your Social Security this year, consider reaching out to a tax planner or Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

    What to read next

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

  • ‘That is the death’: Mark Cuban says ultra-rich Americans get lured into money pits like music labels and clothing companies — here’s his investment advice for steady gains

    ‘That is the death’: Mark Cuban says ultra-rich Americans get lured into money pits like music labels and clothing companies — here’s his investment advice for steady gains

    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.

    Celebrities and athletes often aim to turn fame into fortune, but billionaire investor Mark Cuban warns they often mismanage their earnings.

    During a podcast interview, Cuban shared blunt advice for those who suddenly come into wealth: “Don’t invest in the restaurant, don’t invest in the clothing label, don’t invest in the liquor company … or music,” he said. “That is the death!”

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    Here’s why Cuban, a seasoned entrepreneur, avoids these flashy ventures with “no barriers to entry.”

    Barriers to entry

    Cuban’s advice to people with lots of money to invest is to hire somebody to manage it. "It cannot be your friend," he added. "It’s got to be somebody who’s done it for big time people."

    He warns against investing in industries like clothing, restaurants, or liquor, calling them “too easy to enter…those businesses are hard because there’s no barriers to entry.”

    Barriers to entry, as defined by the Corporate Finance Institute, are factors like regulations, licensing, technology, or patents that restrict competition and enhance profitability.

    But navigating investments in complex industries with high barriers to entry typically requires professional expertise. Advisor.com can help you find the right experts to navigate these barriers.

    Advisor.com (ADVR LLC), a Registered Investment Adviser, connects you with unaffiliated third-party RIAs through its matching tool and offers in-house guidance via Advisor Wealth Management (AWM).

    With Advisor, you gain access to tailored strategies and professional advice to help you identify promising opportunities while avoiding common pitfalls.

    In contrast to high-barrier opportunities, Cuban’s point is that launching a clothing line or restaurant requires minimal investment or expertise, making it easy for anyone to enter. This flood of competition reduces pricing power and profitability. Indeed reports the average profit margin for a full-service restaurant is just 3% to 5%.

    Investors and entrepreneurs should keep an eye on the barriers to entry and whether they are backing a product that is truly exceptional.

    Boring businesses (and alternatives)

    Boring, unglamorous industries can act as barriers to entry simply because they lack broad appeal. Few dream of starting waste disposal firms or pest control services, but Cuban would probably agree that these industries can be lucrative for those willing to forgo bragging rights.

    Legendary investor Warren Buffett has built a fortune by betting on "boring" businesses. As of Q3 2024, his portfolio includes companies like Chubb Limited (insurance) and DaVita (kidney treatment), demonstrating his knack for spotting undervalued, overlooked opportunities.

    For guidance on navigating “boring” but profitable industries, you could turn to Moby, an investment research platform led by former hedge fund analysts.

    Moby provides expert stock reports backed by hundreds of hours of research, breaking complex market data into simple insights. With stock picks outperforming the S&P 500 by nearly 12% over the past four years, Moby equips investors with a rare edge to uncover opportunities in undervalued sectors.

    For example, when you consider the low competition and steady demand in industries like logistics, utilities, energy, or enterprise software, Moby can help you tap into these opportunities where profitability often thrives.

    Premium subscribers also benefit from a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a solid tool for making smarter, data-driven investment decisions.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Real estate

    While "boring" businesses may thrive in overlooked niches, real estate offers an alternative way to invest in steady, income-generating assets.

    Real estate offers a stable option for those seeking long-term income generation and inflation-resistant growth. Whether through residential properties, commercial developments, or specialty niches, real estate has proven its resilience during volatile economic periods.

    For example, First National Realty Partners (FNRP) specializes in grocery-anchored retail properties, a sector known for resilience during economic volatility. FNRP gives accredited investors access to expert guidance and a team that manages every aspect of the investment process – from due diligence and leasing, to property management and upside.

    By leasing to essential-needs brands like Kroger, Walmart, and Whole Foods, FNRP creates opportunities for passive income and inflation-hedged growth via a personalized investor portal.

    New investing platforms are also making it easier than ever to tap into the residential 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.

    Artwork

    Alternative investments like art have become increasingly popular among investors looking to diversify beyond traditional asset classes.

    Historically, fine art has shown resilience during market downturns and the potential for strong returns, making it an attractive option for savvy investors seeking low-volatility assets. The good news is that art investing, once limited to accredited investors and ultra-wealthy, is now accessible to everyday investors through platforms like Masterworks.

    Specializing in blue-chip works by artists like Basquiat, Masterworks [fractionalizes ownership] of iconic pieces. With every one of its 23 art sales yielding profits, Masterworks is revealing the value of art as a solid alternative asset.

    Masterworks takes care of all the heavy lifting from buying the paintings, to storing them, to selling them opportunistically for you — no art experience required.

    See important Regulation A disclosures at Masterworks.com/cd

    Gold

    For centuries, gold has served as a trusted store of value, especially during economic uncertainty. As a hedge against inflation and a stabilizer for fluctuating markets, gold remains a cornerstone of diversified portfolios.

    Opting for a gold IRA gives you the opportunity to invest directly in physical precious metals rather than stocks and bonds.

    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, thereby combining 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.

    What to read next

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

  • Prof G says ‘the ultimate intergenerational theft’ in the US just occurred — and it’s 1 big reason Americans are having fewer kids. Here’s why he ‘bombs’ off to Beverly Hills and you can’t

    Prof G says ‘the ultimate intergenerational theft’ in the US just occurred — and it’s 1 big reason Americans are having fewer kids. Here’s why he ‘bombs’ off to Beverly Hills and you can’t

    Scott Galloway might be a college professor at New York University, but he has a whale of a time living like a rockstar.

    In a 2024 interview with Lewis Howes, he said he frequently “bombs off to the Beverly Hills Hotel,” goes to the Stagecoach Festival and enjoys a luxe lifestyle.

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    With multiple successful podcasts and business ventures under his belt, Galloway’s fortune isn’t surprising. But he admits that part of his wealth was created by circumstance.

    “The ultimate intergenerational theft just happened and it was COVID,” he told Howes, slamming the government’s response for being more focused on preserving wealth than lives.

    Galloway said he believes the pandemic relief efforts widened the wealth gap between the young and old, which could be one reason younger Americans are hesitant to start families now.

    Great transfer of wealth

    According to the Government Accountability Office, from 2020 to 2021 — the height of the pandemic — the federal government passed six laws that released $4.6 trillion of funding for pandemic response and recovery. However, only 85% of it wasn’t spent.

    “Where did it end up?” Galloway asked. “It ended up in the market so it sent housing and stock prices skyrocketing.”

    The S&P 500 surged roughly 80% from March 2020 to December 2021. Meanwhile, the median U.S. home price has surged 45% from 2020 to 2025, according to Redfin.

    Galloway argued that these policies benefited those who already owned most of the assets, usually older Americans like him.

    “All you’re doing is seeding advantage to the incumbents,” he says.

    Younger people who missed out now face a housing crisis, which is impacting their ability to start families and have children. A study published in the journal Labor Economics found that a 10% rise in home prices suppressed births per woman by 0.01 to 0.03.

    That means if you’re under 35, the odds are stacked against you. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any opportunities to build and accumulate wealth.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Against all odds

    Since Galloway argued that economic policies bolster those who hold assets, the obvious way to shift the odds in your favor is by playing the game: accumulate assets and boost your earnings.

    Acquiring high-value skills in industries facing labor shortages could be an excellent way to bring in more income. For example, an elevator installer can earn roughly $99,000 a year without a college degree.

    Minimizing debt and maximizing investments can also tip the scale in your favor. According to Empower, the median net worth of a person in their 20s is just $7,638 and for someone in their 30s, it’s $35,649.

    If you’re in these age groups, you can outperform your peers with a few years of above-average income and lower-than-average debt. Remember that time is on your side, so accumulating even modest wealth early can help you enjoy the power of long-term compound growth.

    What to read next

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

  • Mystery $6,000 deposits are showing up in the bank accounts of Social Security beneficiaries — and about 3 million US seniors can expect the money. Here’s why and how to tell if it’s legit

    If a $6,000 deposit recently landed in your bank account out of nowhere, you’re not alone.

    While the Trump administration has stirred worries about potential cuts to Social Security, at least 3.2 million Americans are set to receive an increase in their benefits thanks to a rule finalized during the Biden years.

    Don’t miss

    On January 5th, President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act, which repealed two statutes that reduced benefit payments to many public sector workers, including teachers and firefighters.

    As of March 4th, more than 1.1 million Americans have already received retroactive payments, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). So far, the average payment is $6,710.

    However, not everyone on Social Security can expect such a huge bump in benefits, and the lack of awareness about this new rule has left some room for potential scams. Here’s what you need to know.

    Eligibility and potential scams

    Although many former government employees are set to benefit from this new rule, not everyone in the public sector is covered. The SSA clarified that “only people who receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security may see benefit increases.”

    According to the SSA, 72% of the state and local public sector workforce is ineligible because their payments were not covered by the two statutes that were repealed — the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

    To check your eligibility and see if you have a retroactive payment due, you could reach out to the SSA directly on its national 1-800 number. You can likely expect a long wait time as the agency has cut roughly 7,000 jobs and reportedly has plans to cut thousands more.

    You could also reach out to your accountant or financial advisor to learn more about how this new rule impacts you. However, do not seek assistance from anyone who calls and claims to be from the SSA. The agency has warned about “bad actors” who could take advantage of the rule change.

    “SSA will never ask or require a person to pay either for assistance or to have their benefits started, increased, or paid retroactively,” says the SSA website. “Hang up and do not click or respond to anyone offering to increase or expedite benefits.”

    Even if you’re ineligible for this payout or not yet retired, monitoring changes to this program is crucial for your financial planning and security.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Monitoring changes with Social Security

    The national welfare system is facing significant challenges in the years ahead. According to a recent report by the SSA Board of Trustees, the trust fund from which benefits are paid is expected to be depleted by 2035.

    Meanwhile, in an interview with Bloomberg News, Social Security Commissioner Leland Dudek threatened to cease operations if Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) wasn’t given access to sensitive data at the agency. The commissioner walked back his threat after a federal judge offered clarifications on a recent ruling.

    Put simply, these are interesting times for the SSA. Taxpayers who expect some benefits in the future should set up a my Social Security account to track their personal information, monitor reputable sites such as AARP or The National Institute on Retirement Security for the latest updates, and speak to a financial advisor to plan for any changes to the system in the years ahead.

    What to read next

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

  • Don’t retire in America until you reach these 6 ‘must-hit’ milestones — how many have you crossed off the list so far?

    Don’t retire in America until you reach these 6 ‘must-hit’ milestones — how many have you crossed off the list so far?

    Most people spend countless hours planning their retirement before the big day finally arrives. After all, it’s not always easy to feel completely confident before you exit the workforce and enter your golden years.

    With that in mind, here are six milestones you should aim to hit in order to feel more confident in your retirement plan.

    Don’t miss

    1. Comprehensive income and expense plan

    One of the biggest concerns for retirees is whether they have enough money to survive without a paycheck.

    Financial advisors often cite the ‘rule of 25’, which states that you can expect to retire comfortably if your assets are worth at least 25 times your annual expenses. However, this rule of thumb doesn’t guarantee how much you can spend each year, or how much income your assets will realistically generate every year in retirement.

    It’s likely better to consult a professional financial advisor who can help you create a customized plan that accounts for your income, investments and expenses. A financial advisor can also help you change or modify your plan after you retire.

    2. Debt elimination

    Carrying debt without employment income doesn’t often make for a fun retirement and, unfortunately, many retirees live with this unpleasant burden.

    According to a survey from National Debt Relief, 72% of Americans over 55 have accumulated some debt, with more than half admitting it’s “held them back” in life.

    With this in mind, you should plan to eliminate or minimize your non-mortgage debt before you retire.

    3. Healthcare plan

    One of the reasons many seniors have debt is because of unexpected medical expenses. The same National Debt Relief survey found that roughly 17% of seniors carry an average of $9,144 in debt due to outstanding medical bills.

    Don’t underestimate just how expensive medical bills can be in your senior years. With this in mind, you’d be wise to set up a robust plan to deal with these medical costs before you retire.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    4. Estate plan

    If you have enough assets to retire, you may have something to leave behind for your heirs after you’re gone.

    You could always wait until you stop working to plan your estate. However, managing your estate and retirement plans simultaneously can help you maximize potential tax advantages and other benefits.

    For that reason, consider planning your estate before your working days come to an end.

    5. Mental and Social Plan

    After decades of building a career or business, a retiree’s identity is often wrapped up in their work. Most people spend so much time working and raising children that they have little time to nurture relationships outside of these two settings.

    This is a recipe for loneliness and boredom in retirement. In fact, 36% of seniors said they have considered going back to work because they’re bored, according to a Resume Templates survey.

    This is why it’s important to create a social and mental health plan before you retire. Don’t leave your job unless you have a good idea about what you will do with your time or who you will spend your time with.

    6. Lifestyle trial run

    Consider a trial run before you retire. This could include taking a month or two off from work to experience retirement before you officially call it a career.

    Use this time to meet the people or do the activities that you’ve included in your social plan so that you can assess whether you need to make any adjustments.

    If your mini-retirement isn’t as fun or fulfilling as expected, you can consider delaying retirement for a few years.

    What to read next

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