Retirement

By Lazetta Rainey Braxton, Next Avenue With the first half of the year behind us, now is a good time for a quick, mid-year financial check-in. Knowing that you have places to be and people to see this summer, let’s get right to assessing if you’re on course to realize your financial goals or need

Topline Stocks surged higher on Friday—recouping some of their losses from this week—as investors assessed the latest batch of corporate earnings from major banks and markets got a boost from stronger-than-expected retail sales. Key Facts Markets rebounded Friday: The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 2.2%, over 600 points, while the S&P 500 gained 1.9% and

By Darrold Glanville and Martha Glanville, Next Avenue Before we moved to rural North Branch (Minnesota) in 2006, Darrold owned a small biotech company and Martha was a special education teacher in Minneapolis. We have a passion for cooking, baking, and sharing meals with others; we particularly enjoy bread, pizza and pasta. As a retirement

Topline The stock market plunged on Thursday as several big banks kicked off earrings season with disappointing results and warnings about the economy, while investors continue to worry that surging inflation will force the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates at a faster clip than previously expected. Key Facts Stocks added to recent losses: The

What is Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis (pronounced SAR-COY-DOE-SIS) is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas—tiny clumps of inflammatory cells—in one or more organs of the body. When the immune system goes into overdrive and too many of these clumps form, they can interfere with an organ’s structure and function. When left unchecked, chronic inflammation

The highest inflation rate in more than 40 years is doing more than eroding the purchasing power of your income and assets. It’s also increasing your taxes, automatically and quietly. Thanks primarily to the late U.S. Senator Robert Dole (R-KS), many sections of the tax code are indexed for inflation. The exemption amounts, tax tables,

Topline Stocks fell on Monday as markets brace for the start of earnings season–with several major companies reporting quarterly results this week, as investors also remain nervous about the upcoming June inflation report and what it could mean for the economy. Key Facts Markets opened lower: The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.6%, around 200

Are retirees living comfortably? Believe it or not, for the last five years, roughly 80% of all retirees say they are, if you trust the results from the 32nd Annual Retirement Confidence Survey conducted in January of 2022 by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Greenwald Research. While the level of confidence among retirees

Topline The stock market tanked on Wednesday after the Labor Department reported inflation unexpectedly surged to new highs in June, adding to already widespread recession fears as investors believe the Federal Reserve will have to get more aggressive about raising interest rates to tame surging consumer prices. Key Facts Markets opened lower: The Dow Jones

Many well-meaning people take the benefits of a Roth IRA for granted. With the tax benefits of a Roth IRA, modest contributions over long periods of time can translate into a substantial amount of tax-free income throughout your entire retirement. Those with the highest incomes may dream of the potential for a significant amount of

Yeah, I mean it. I’m getting ready to hand over my car keys! And I’m far from having to. In fact I’m a really good driver. Sure, I drive a little too fast sometimes (although never more than about 10 mph over the limit). And I move in and out of lanes effortlessly, careful to

Topline A handful of Wall Street’s biggest firms are slashing their S&P 500 forecasts for the year, predicting lower stock market returns thanks to a difficult quarterly earnings season ahead as companies wrestle with surging inflation and rising interest rates. Key Facts With the stock market down roughly 20% so far this year amid fears

Topline Shares of Occidental Petroleum, a favorite of billionaire investor Warren Buffett, fell 2% on Monday after Goldman Sachs analysts downgraded the stock and warned valuations look less attractive after a massive rally and “sharp outperformance” so far this year. Key Facts Goldman downgraded shares of Occidental Petroleum on Monday from a “buy” rating to

Technical but Common and Important This is a bit complicated, but don’t dismiss this as it may very well affect your estate plan and the planning for your heirs and loved ones. This is an issue for lots of folks, not only the uber wealthy. Nickel bet says you probably have not addressed it. Trusts

Last year marked the centennial of the inclusion of tax incentives for employer-sponsored retirement plans in the code. For the 101st anniversary, passage of large retirement savings tax legislation that refines the system is looking increasingly likely. What provisions will make the final bill is still an open question, and there could be several changes

The SEC’s website warns private equity investors to be vigilant about fees and expenses, as well as alert to conflicts of interest. A lawsuit filed on behalf of members of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association demands that the $100 billion State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio end a year-plus of stonewalling teacher public records requests

“The more tied you are to a particular version of the future,” writer Shane Parrish warns, “the less likely you are to adapt as things unfold.” While I believe this quote has nearly universal application in every aspect of life, it’s especially important in the arena of financial planning. Indeed, the ability to adapt to

If you spend time following the financial influencers on TikTok, you may start to get some crazy ideas about money. For example, some of the worst financial advice I’ve seen on TikTok has suggested that you should never put down any money when you buy a home and that anyone can be successful at day

Topline The stock market opened slightly lower on Friday despite solid gains earlier this week, as investors assessed a stronger-than-expected jobs report amid ongoing fears that the Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hikes could plunge the economy into a recession. Key Facts Markets opened lower: The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3%, nearly 100 points, while

Analysis by the Social Security Administration, as reported by Stephen Goss, the chief actuary of the SSA, shows that the increase in Social Security Benefits could increase as much as 8% for 2023. This is based on how the cost of living adjustment (COLA) is calculated for SSA benefits. The index, the “Consumer Price Index