The 2025 Social Security COLA Will Be Announced This Month. Here’s What That Means for Retirees.
Are you currently receiving Social Security retirement benefits? If so, you’ll want to mark Oct. 10 on your calendar. That’s when you’ll hear how much bigger 2025’s monthly payments will be. Hopefully it will be enough of an improvement to offset the rising prices of… well, pretty much everything so far this year. But how […]
Here’s Why It May Be Time to Consider Ditching One or More of Your Streaming Subscriptions
Image source: Getty Images Streaming subscriptions offer a convenient way to enjoy entertainment at home and on the go. But these services come at a cost. While streaming services used to be very affordable, some of the most popular subscriptions now have a much higher price tag. If you’re paying for apps like Hulu or […]
Will It Be Easier to Buy a Home After the Federal Reserve Cut Interest Rates?
Image source: Getty Images The Federal Reserve recently cut its benchmark interest rate for the first time since March 2020, when an emergency cut was enacted at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. As anyone who has tried to buy a house, car, or pretty much anything else requiring financing can tell you, high interest […]
Move Over, Credit Score: These 3 Financial Numbers Are Way More Important
Image source: Getty Images There’s no question that having an excellent credit score can make life easier. You might get a better mortgage rate, qualify for an excellent rewards credit card, or even rent an apartment more easily. It’s easy to become obsessed with what feels like a magic number, especially if you have a […]
Should You Retire in Texas?
Many people wonder whether they should relocate in retirement. Doing so might lower their cost of living, bring them closer to loved ones, or offer more opportunities to participate in activities they like, such as hiking or golfing. One state many consider for retirement is Texas. Here are some pros and cons for the state. […]
3 Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Open a New Credit Card
Image source: The Motley Fool/Upsplash With the kinds of benefits that top credit cards offer, it’s always tempting to add a new one to your wallet. Maybe you have your eye on a card with a big sign-up bonus, high cash back rates on your biggest expenses, or luxurious travel benefits. But there are situations […]
The 3 Smartest Ways to Save Money at Costco This October
Image source: Getty Images Saving money is a big reason why so many people choose to join Costco. But in many cases, saving money boils down to using the right shopping strategies. With that in mind, here are some tips to maximize your savings at Costco this October. 1. Don’t go overboard on Halloween At […]
This Is the Average Social Security Benefit for Age 70
If you’re looking to maximize your income in retirement, delaying Social Security benefits until age 70 is one of the simplest and most effective ways to do so. Age 62 is the earliest you can file, but for every month you delay benefits past that age, you’ll receive larger monthly payments. By waiting until age […]
Prediction: Your Credit Card Balance May Soon Be Cheaper
Image source: Getty Images The biggest news in the world of personal finance on Sept. 18, 2024 was the first of what is likely to be multiple federal funds rate cuts. The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point, a bigger cut than many experts expected. As a result, we’re […]
1 Important Conversation to Have With Your Spouse Before Retirement
Retirement planning is one of the most important financial exercises you’ll do with your spouse. Some aspects of your plan, such as saving and investments, have well-documented blueprints for success. However, there are some essential aspects of budgeting that you have to determine yourself. It’s important to have a conversation with your spouse to set […]
