The Fed Just Cut Interest Rates Again. Make These 3 Moves ASAP
Image source: Getty Images In September, there was a lot of buzz in the weeks leading up to the Federal Reserve’s mid-month meeting. The Fed was expected to cut its benchmark interest rate for the first time in years. And sure enough, it made the decision to implement a rather aggressive half-point rate cut. In […]
Here’s How Costco Members Save Nearly $500 on a Peloton Bike
Image source: Getty Images A Costco membership can be a valuable investment. Many shoppers have a Costco card in their wallets to access members-only deals on household goods and groceries. But there are other ways Costco helps its members keep more money in their checking accounts. The warehouse club retailer sells affordable exercise equipment and […]
Save an Extra $50 to $300 With These Limited-Time Deals From Costco
Image source: Getty Images Many retailers are promoting early holiday sales to help shoppers stretch their dollars further. Costco is no exception. The warehouse club retailer has some timely deals that could help you save even more as you finalize your holiday shopping. But you must act fast: These additional discounts expire after Nov. 17. […]
I Absolutely Prefer a 401(k) to an IRA for Retirement Savings: Here’s Why
There is a cornucopia of choices available to people who want to save for retirement. However, the 401(k) plan and the Individual Retirement Account (IRA) are the two most common. Both are solid choices, and there’s some overlap in how they work and the rules investors must follow to use them properly. However, there are […]
Forget Extended Warranties. Here’s Why You Don’t Need One
Image source: Getty Images It might seem smart to buy an extended warranty if you’re purchasing a big-ticket item, like a laptop, TV, or major appliance. But is it really necessary to accept this extra hit to your checking account? Most often, the answer is no. Here’s why. The retailer may let you return the […]
What Happens if You Don’t Take Your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) in Retirement?
All retirees 73 and older must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) — mandatory annual withdrawals — from certain retirement accounts by Dec. 31. There are exceptions for Roth accounts and employer-sponsored plans if you’re still working and own less than 5% of the company. Also, those who just turned 73 this year have until April […]
Are You Allowed to Contribute to a Roth IRA in 2025?
To contribute directly to a Roth IRA, your income must be under a certain threshold, even if you don’t have a retirement plan at work. In this video, Certified Financial Planner® Matt Frankel discusses the 2025 limits the IRS just announced. *Stock prices used were the midday prices of Nov. 4, 2024. The video was […]
4 Costco Perks You Aren’t Taking Advantage of — but You Should
Image source: Getty Images If you shop at Costco often, you may not mind the fact that you need to pay for a membership to access the warehouse. A basic Gold Star Costco membership costs $65 a year, while an Executive membership that gives you cash back on your purchases costs $130. But even if […]
It’s Official: 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2025 Are Here
The countdown to 2025 has started, and the IRS just dropped the new contribution limits for 401(k)s. If you’re thinking about tucking money away in a 401(k), you’ll want to pay attention to the new limits so you can plan ahead. Plus, a new contribution perk kicks in for 2025 that could sweeten your retirement […]
This Massively Underrated Holiday Shopping Hack Could Earn You Up to 15X More Credit Card Rewards
Image source: Getty Images The average American is expected to spend $1,638 on holiday shopping this year, according to a recent PwC survey. That’s not easy for those who struggle to pay their regular bills each month. Shopping sales and using the best rewards credit cards can help you lower your costs, but they’re not […]