You may be at risk for fraud this holiday season, particularly if you shop at the last minute. Here’s why

KEY POINTS Holiday shopping this year is expected to reach record spending levels, according to the National Retail Federation. But as consumers open their wallets, they may also be making themselves vulnerable to potential fraud, particularly when shopping… Read More »You may be at risk for fraud this holiday season, particularly if you shop at the last minute. Here’s why

Turkeys are cheaper, but inflation is ‘clearly impacting’ Thanksgiving food costs, economist says. Here’s how to save

KEY POINTS Families preparing for Thanksgiving will find that turkeys are cheaper this year. The U.S. bird population recovered from last year’s avian flu, boosting supply and helping push down prices. This year, a 16-pound frozen… Read More »Turkeys are cheaper, but inflation is ‘clearly impacting’ Thanksgiving food costs, economist says. Here’s how to save

These behavioral traits lead to greater retirement savings, research finds. Yet only 10% of workers have them

KEY POINTS People who find it easiest to financially prepare for retirement have four behavioral traits, a new survey shows. Yet just 10% of workers have all of these “optimal” characteristics, according to the survey findings, from… Read More »These behavioral traits lead to greater retirement savings, research finds. Yet only 10% of workers have them

US consumers keep spending briskly even in the face of persistent inflation and high interest rates

WASHINGTON (AP) — An inflation gauge that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve showed price increases remained elevated in September amid brisk consumer spending and strong economic growth. Friday’s report from the Commerce Department showed that prices… Read More »US consumers keep spending briskly even in the face of persistent inflation and high interest rates

‘You only get Social Security while you’re alive,’ expert says. What happens to benefits after you die

KEY POINTS Social Security retirement benefits provide guaranteed monthly income for the duration of your retirement. But when you die, your checks stop coming. “You only get Social Security while you’re alive,” said Bruce Tannahill, a director… Read More »‘You only get Social Security while you’re alive,’ expert says. What happens to benefits after you die

The Future of Financial Management in the Gig Economy: A New Era of Freelancer-Friendly Financial Management

Since even before the global coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of thousands of employees have shifted from the traditional nine to five job structure, instead embracing the flexibility and adaptability of the gig economy. Since the coronavirus… Read More »The Future of Financial Management in the Gig Economy: A New Era of Freelancer-Friendly Financial Management

What does it take to be wealthy? Well-being is a more important measure than money or assets, survey finds

KEY POINTS Many Americans feel wealthy — but don’t necessarily measure it in dollars and cents. Well-being, not money, has become the leading measure of wealth for most adults today, according to the new Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey.… Read More »What does it take to be wealthy? Well-being is a more important measure than money or assets, survey finds

Share of six-figure earners living paycheck to paycheck jumps, report finds. Advisor offers ways to break the cycle

KEY POINTS Even as inflation cools, consumers still show signs of strain. As of April, the share of adults feeling stretched too thin held nearly steady at 61%, according to a new LendingClub report. However, high-income earners are… Read More »Share of six-figure earners living paycheck to paycheck jumps, report finds. Advisor offers ways to break the cycle

How to Retire in 5 Years

Preparing for retirement is something most adults will do their entire working lives, but ensuring a successful post-retirement life has many different phases. The last five years before you retire are particularly important, as you’ll… Read More »How to Retire in 5 Years

As inflation starts to subside, a lower Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2024 may be on the horizon

KEY POINTS New government inflation data shows inflation is cooling — and that could point to a lower cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for Social Security beneficiaries next year. The Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers, or… Read More »As inflation starts to subside, a lower Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2024 may be on the horizon