Moyo Studio | E+ | Getty ImagesSocial Security benefits provide retirement income for millions of Americans.Because the timing of your claim may impact the size of the benefits you receive, it's a high-stakes decision. And the results may also affect your spouse or dependents.But sifting through Social Security's claiming...
After falling sharply last year, retirement account balances are bouncing back in 2023 — but there are still signs of trouble.Helped in part by improved market conditions, retirement account balances increased in the first half of the year. However, the share of participants who tapped hardship withdrawals rose, according...
Simon Potter | Getty ImagesWhen it comes to stocks, investors face a big question: How much exposure is enough?For investors already in retirement, how well they answer that question may have big consequences for how well they reach their goals."About 37% of boomers have more equity than we would...
dowell | Moment | Getty ImagesIf you're sitting on profitable assets, there's a lesser-known tax-gain harvesting strategy, which can help rebalance your portfolio or trim future taxes.While tax-loss harvesting can be popular during a stock market downturn, tax-gain harvesting — or strategically selling appreciated brokerage account assets — can...
After more than a year of recession predictions, some experts have backed off past forecasts and now embrace what's known as a "soft landing" for the economy. Even so, one financial advisor is stressing the importance of preparing for future stock market volatility.A soft landing could include an economic...
Djelics | E+ | Getty ImagesIncome-hungry investors have long flocked to mortgage-backed real estate investment trusts — and why not? Many of them pay a handsome, double-digit dividend. But such vehicles haven't done so well lately.That's because when interest rates rise and yields balloon, their valuations tend to suffer,...
There are more than 275 million cars on the road in the U.S.But in recent years, car ownership has gotten more expensive than ever — due to the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain issues, stubborn inflation and the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes."Outside of purchasing your first home, a new...
Morsa Images | E+ | Getty ImagesMore from FA Playbook:Here's a look at other stories impacting the financial advisor business."The fact that we may see a soft landing or avoid a recession altogether doesn't mean people should change their strategy of building up a safety net and hopefully recession-proofing...
Students on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.Jonathan Drake | ReutersLike many would-be college students, Abigail Mokuba, 16, says "cost is a concern" when it comes to which schools to consider.The rising high school senior from Baltimore said she is still researching colleges but...
The Mega Millions jackpot grew to more than $1.6 billion on Aug. 9, 2023.Justin Sullivan | Getty ImagesThere's finally a winner for the massive Mega Millions jackpot — but the lucky ticketholder may face unexpected pitfalls, experts say.A single ticket sold in Florida matched all six numbers Tuesday night,...