Why Shopping at Aldi Isn’t Worth It for Me — and May Not Be for You, Either
Image source: Getty Images I’m not a big Aldi shopper. But when I do find myself in the vicinity, I’ll occasionally pop in for some produce items to refill my supply. And I’m usually shocked — in a good way — at how much savings I’m able to reap by choosing Aldi over my usual […]
5 Travel Hacks to Book Cheap Business-Class Flights
Image source: Getty Images Flying business class is exciting, but airlines usually charge a pretty penny for it. On long flights, a roundtrip ticket in business class could easily cost $3,000 to $5,000. Those lie-flat seats and delicious meals don’t come cheap. Except sometimes, business class does come cheap. With the right travel hacks, you […]
Does Social Security’s 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Spell Trouble for Your Retirement Income?
If you are retired or nearing retirement, you may be uneasy about your financial situation. You wouldn’t be alone. A recent survey from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) — a senior citizen advocacy organization — showed 62% of seniors fear that soon they won’t be able to cover basic essentials like food and utilities. That’s […]
This Is the Average 401(k) Balance Across All Age Groups
Investing in a 401(k) is a powerful way to save for retirement. These plans boast higher contribution limits than IRAs, and some offer other perks like matching contributions — making it easier to save more over time. How much you should have saved, though, will depend entirely on your situation and goals. The average worker […]
Should You Save Money or Invest? Here’s How to Decide
Image source: Getty Images Deciding what to do with some extra cash can be difficult. Putting your money into a high-yield savings account can be a great option, especially with some accounts paying APYs of 4% to 5%. On the other hand, there are certainly times when investing your money is the right decision so […]
4 Ways to Use Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Strategically in Retirement
Just because you’re done saving and growing your money for retirement doesn’t mean you have to stop thinking strategically about it. Indeed, you should make a point of continuing to think. Although your allocation may look different than it did in the past, how you move and manage these assets in retirement arguably matters even […]
Costco’s Halo Effect: Are You Really Saving Money?
Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool I’ve had three dates tell me, “You really like to eat, huh,” out of the blue, in a crowded cafe, for no apparent reason. “Uh, huh,” I say, dabbing my face self-consciously. “Why?” The typical response is a shrug and, “I can just tell.” Some things are tough to hide. […]
54% of Future Retirees Risk Losing Some of Their Social Security Benefits
Many working Americans have a plan that could cause them to lose some of their future Social Security benefits. That plan has to do with working while collecting Social Security retirement checks. Here’s what you need to know about working while on Social Security and why it could lead to a temporary loss of some […]
This Was the Average Social Security Benefit in 1984, and Here’s What It Is Now
I won’t keep you in suspense. The average Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 1984 was $444.85. The average 1984 retired worker’s benefit of $444.85 is equivalent to about $1,332. Meanwhile, the average retired worker’s benefit as of August 2024 is $1,920. So, it’s fair to say that Social Security benefits have significantly […]
The Average U.S. Household Spends $6,440 per Month. How Do You Compare?
Image source: Getty Images Have you ever stopped and wondered whether your monthly spending is higher or lower than the typical American’s? You may be kicking yourself for spending $6,000 a month and skimping on contributions to your savings account, only to realize that $6,000 a month is less than the typical consumer spends. As […]
