Some of us are fortunate enough to love what we do. Others, not so much. And while some of that dissatisfaction might boil down to issues such as career stage and development (or lack thereof), employer attitudes and policies can also dictate the extent to which workers are content. Seeing as how only 38% of […]
Category: Personal Finance
Five things you must do before you pack your bags for an overseas retirement
To all those who make the big decision to retire abroad, Cynthia and Edd Staton say, “Congratulations!” In 2009, a look at their battered retirement accounts made the Statons think hard about what their retirement might look like. They could stay in the U.S. where they’d lived all their lives, or they could find a foreign country with a […]
The secret to keeping next year’s financial resolutions
Most people are feeling pretty good about their finances these days. There is, however, room for improvement. About one-third of all Americans intend to make a financial resolution for the year ahead, according to a new report by Fidelity Investments. “There’s a connection between overall financial wellness and happiness,” said Ken Hevert, senior vice president […]
9 Financial Tasks to Complete Before the New Year
Check these financial to-do’s off your list before the clock strikes midnight. The year is quickly drawing to a close, and that means you have only a small window to wrap up some crucial financial tasks. “We get bogged down in the holiday season,” says Michael Landsberg, member of the American Institute of Certified Public […]
Workers can save more in retirement accounts next year
You’ll be able to contribute slightly more to your retirement savings in 2019. The contribution limit for a 401(k), 403(b), 457 plan or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan rises from $18,500 to $19,000 in 2019. You can continue to contribute an extra $6,000 if you’re 50 or older. IRA contribution limits (whether for traditional […]
Traveling a Lot in Retirement? Plan for This Extra Expense
Many seniors travel extensively once they retire. And it makes sense — when you’re working and only have a limited amount of vacation time, trotting across the globe is easier said than done. But when you don’t have a job to report to, you’re free to jet off for weeks or even months at a […]
6 tips to strengthen your financial foundation in 2019
For many of us, the new year means a fresh start and the chance to set new goals. If your resolutions are money related, here are some ways to strengthen your financial foundation in 2019. 1. Review your financial picture As the saying goes, it’s hard to know where you’re going if you don’t know […]
Americans say they feel better about wages and job security — but are they fooling themselves?
How are you feeling? How are you really feeling? The stock market has been on a rollercoaster ride, spooking and confusing investors. Political tensions with China are fragile and unpredictable. There’s growing concerns among business leaders of a recession in 2019. And yet Americans say they feel better about key aspects of their financial security […]
5 red flags to look for when choosing your next personal finance product
Financial decisions should be made carefully and with companies that you trust not to mishandle your money. Here are some of the red flags that suggest a business may not be the right place for your custom or your cash: Hidden fees It’s frustrating when it’s an airline, but it’s somehow even more frustrating when […]
Robinhood tempts savers with 3% interest on checking accounts — should consumers hand over their cash?
Robinhood is no longer just a digital trading platform for stocks and other investments. The Menlo Park, Calif.-based company announced Thursday that it is rolling out a new product called Robinhood Checking & Savings. Designed to be competitive with the offerings from online banks and other investment companies, the accounts will earn 3% interest on […]
That ‘live check’ promises cash, but there’s a catch
Have you received a preapproved offer in the mail this holiday season that looks like a check, made out to you and ready to cash? Before you rush to the bank, visions of presents dancing in your head, know that it’s not free cash. Rather, it’s more likely an expensive loan. Such pre-screened mail offers, […]
These Are Americans’ Top 3 Homebuying Regrets
Homeownership is a goal many folks strive for, and while it can be a smart financial decision, a large number of buyers inevitably wind up making some mistakes along the way. This especially holds true when you’re buying your first home and are fairly new to the process. Here are Americans’ top three regrets in […]