Last week, my colleague and personal finance expert Dan Caplinger reported that Social Security recipients likely will have something to celebrate come 2019. By his analysis, seniors who collect benefits are looking at anywhere from a 2.5% to 3% boost in their monthly payments. That’s an improvement over the 2% increase seniors saw going into […]
As of 2015, there were roughly 65 million people receiving Social Security benefits, according to the Social Security Administration. And of those 65 million, over 60% say their benefits make up at least half of their income. That shouldn’t come as any surprise, as the average American is woefully unprepared for retirement. In fact, one […]
Retirement can be a period of enjoyment and fulfillment, provided you’re smart about how you spend and manage your money during it. If you want to make the most of retirement while avoiding the financial stress so many seniors face, here are three habits to get into early on. 1. Following a budget Maybe you […]
With the school season starting again, education is job number one for students and parents alike. A proper education includes an education in personal finance, and one of the best ways to start is to learn how to protect yourself against scams. You can and should learn fast, too, because scams can become more common […]
These days, a growing number of companies are allowing their employees to work more flexibly, whether that means setting up shop at home and telecommuting or establishing their own working hours. Of course, it’s one thing for a large firm to offer flexible arrangements, but when you’re running a small business, it’s not as easy. […]
While money doesn’t buy happiness, understanding finances is key to owning a home, starting a business, raising happy children, and being independent. When people struggle to understand their personal finance, they struggle to achieve, to live and be successful. By providing personal financial education in high schools and in underserved communities, people can be empowered […]
There’s no doubt that a great mentor can be invaluable to your career — after all, mentors are able to provide you with insightful feedback, introduce you to important connections and maybe even help you find your dream job. Unfortunately, a great mentorship opportunity rarely just lands in your lap. More often than not, you […]
It’s the same old story, week after week. Your colleagues are gearing up for happy hour and ask you to come along, only you once again respond with an apologetic “no.” There are plenty of good reasons why you might choose to forgo work events rather than participate along with many of your peers. Maybe […]
We all want to build wealth, and investing is generally a good way to get there. When you park all of your money in a savings account, you limit its growth substantially, but when you invest it, you get a real opportunity to turn it into a much larger sum. Most Americans, however, aren’t confident […]
With the unemployment rate in America hovering around 3.9% — well below the 5.2% to 6% considered “full employment” — it has become harder for companies to fill open positions. That has in some cases pushed wages higher, and it has forced a number of large-scale employers to offer improved benefits, including helping workers pay […]
Though your Social Security benefits are calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings, the age at which you first file for them will dictate your ultimate monthly payout. Eligible recipients actually get an eight-year window to claim benefits that begins at 62 and ends at 70. (Technically, you’re not required to file for […]
When it comes to setting a personal budget, you can’t afford to take any shortcuts – every penny matters. Your bills, retirement, and all other responsibilities are relying on you to effectively manage your credit. But for many, that’s easier said than done. And since commissioning your own financial advisor isn’t the most affordable solution, […]
