You don’t have to cross an ocean to feel like you’ve traveled the world. The United States is filled with places that capture the spirit, sights and flavors of international destinations without the customs line or currency exchange. Whether you’re craving turquoise waters, colonial charm or sun-soaked coastal drives, these destinations deliver an escape that … Read more
A bright yellow toy with a cheerful squeak, the rubber duck has long been linked to children’s playtime. But what if that little duck could also help you uncover surprising questions about your retirement tax plan? If the idea sounds strange, you might not have spoken with a computer programmer in recent decades. A book, … Read more
Big changes might soon be in store for retirement investors. The Trump administration has issued an executive order loosening regulations around company-sponsored retirement plans, which means Americans invested in a 401(k) or other workplace plan might soon be able to diversify into alternative investments such as private equity, private credit and real estate. Is this … Read more
Investors, traders and speculators welcomed President Donald Trump’s latest comments on China and ambitious words from one of his most ardent supporters in Corporate America with a broad open-to-close rally on Monday. Markets seem content with the incoming data we have at the beginning of another important week for earnings. “I think when we finish … Read more
Our September 5 article, The Unsung Hero of Aisle 5: A Tale of Forgotten Change and Compassion at the Supermarket, led to many comments from readers across the country, including this email from “Wyatt,” a grocery store manager in the Midwest: “Your story about forgotten change and kindness has been commented on in blogs by … Read more
You have a good grip on your finances. You have a joint account with your spouse at a brokerage firm, where you buy and sell securities. Each of you also has an IRA account at that brokerage firm to take advantage of the tax benefits available in such accounts. You may even have a 529 … Read more
For millions of Americans, Social Security provides a vital, inflation-adjusted income base that lasts throughout retirement. Yet, navigating the system’s complex rules is notoriously difficult, and a single, uninformed decision can cost you — and your spouse — tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Understanding common Social Security errors — … Read more
While mortgage interest rates for 30-year loans were north of 7% at the start of the year, they’ve been slowly easing down. With interest rates trending lower, you might be wondering if now’s the right time to scoop up a vacation home. A second home can be more than just a weekend retreat. It can … Read more