Morsa Images | Digitalvision | Getty ImagesSoft saving gains steam in today's economyOnly recently, there was tremendous buzz around FIRE, an acronym that stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early, a movement built on the idea that handling your money super efficiently can help you reach financial freedom.But putting enough...
For millions of people, it's time to compare benefits and prices and pick health coverage on the Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces.Open enrollment on those plans started on Nov. 1 and typically lasts through Jan. 15, though that will be extended to Jan. 16 in 2024 due to...
Peshkova | Istock | Getty ImagesFixed-income investing is entering an exciting new era, and investors should take notice. Decades of low interest rates, engineered by global central banks, have suppressed the bond market's ability to generate attractive and reliable returns.But in recent quarters, we have witnessed a dramatic shift...
Jitalia17 | E+ | Getty ImagesThe U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Series I bonds will pay 5.27% annual interest Nov. 1 through April 2024, up from the 4.3% annual rate offered since May.Tied to inflation, investors can claim 5.27% for six months — the fourth-highest I bond rate...
Insta_photos | Istock | Getty ImagesInheriting an individual retirement account can be a welcome surprise. But the gift comes with mandatory withdrawals for heirs and following the rules can be difficult, experts say.According to the Secure Act of 2019, certain heirs now have less time to deplete inherited accounts...
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona speaks during the National Action Network's National Convention in New York on April 12, 2023.Jeenah Moon | ReutersThe Biden administration announced on Tuesday a finalized plan to improve its oversight of higher education institutions and to bolster consumer protections for student loan borrowers."We...
Shapecharge | E+ | Getty ImagesThe federal estate-tax exemption helps wealthy families avoid or reduce inheritance tax, but the clock is ticking on the size of this advantage.In 26 months, some families that pay no inheritance tax today face the potential for sizeable federal taxes unless benefactors act. Though...
Kate_sept2004 | E+ | Getty ImagesIf you're itching to save more into your 401(k) for 2023, your plan may have a feature that allows you to bypass the yearly deferral limit.For 2023, you can funnel $22,500 into your 401(k), plus an extra $7,500 if you're 50 or older. But...
Whether you're at a restaurant, coffee shop or are using an app on your iPhone, you're being asked to tip just about everywhere these days and for just about everything.It's one thing to choose not to tip the worker at the cash register of a toy shop or clothing...
Halfpoint Images | Moment | Getty ImagesSaving for retirement is one thing, meeting your goals in the golden years is another.That's where worry creeps in.Among older workers, just 34% of baby boomers and 26% of Gen Xers feel like they're on the right track with their retirement savings, according...