401(k) Contribution Limits Are Rising in 2025: Here’s What Retirement Savers Need to Know
The last thing you’re going to want to do in retirement is rely too heavily on Social Security to cover your living expenses. For one thing, those benefits will only replace a fraction of your pre-retirement income — about 40% of it, on average. Even more troubling, there’s a Social Security funding crisis looming on […]
3 Little-Known Perks of Having a Credit Score of 800 or Higher
Image source: The Motley Fool/Unsplash Your credit score is a number you may not think about until it’s time to apply for a new loan or credit card. But you should know that once your score reaches 800, your options for borrowing are likely to increase. Experian, one of the three big consumer credit reporting […]
This Age-Old Social Security Rule Could Hurt More Retirees in 2025
Millions of older Americans rely on Social Security to make ends meet in retirement. And for some people, those monthly benefits are their only source of income. If that’s the case for you, then you may not have to pay taxes on the benefits Social Security provides you with. But generally speaking, Social Security benefits […]
Is It Better to Collect Social Security at 62, 66, or 70? A Comprehensive Study of Retired-Worker Claims Provides a Clear Answer.
In September, more than 68 million Americans took home a Social Security benefit, including almost 51.5 million retired workers. Even though the average retired-worker check is a modest $1,921.56, this income has proven vital to the financial well-being of retirees. Based on an analysis from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the poverty rate […]
Kohl’s Black Friday Deals Are Coming Soon. Here’s What to Expect
Image source: Getty Images It used to be that Black Friday deals would first become available to consumers on — wait for it — Black Friday. You know, the actual day after Thanksgiving. But these days, Black Friday deals tend to start showing up in early November and last the entire month. Whether that’s a […]
These 3 Changes to Your Costco Shopping Could Save You Hundreds of Dollars a Year
Image source: Getty Images There’s a reason so many people are willing to spend money on a Costco membership. While you’ll hand over $65 a year for a Gold Star membership or $130 a year for an Executive membership that gives you cash back on your purchases, your savings might more than make up for […]
3 Reasons Relying on Social Security Alone Could be a Risk. And 3 Stocks to Invest in Today.
It’s smart to be thinking about and planning for retirement long before it arrives. Social Security benefits are likely part of your plan, but you shouldn’t be expecting too much from them. Here’s why you shouldn’t rely too much on Social Security and a look at three solid dividend-paying stocks you might consider. Investing in […]
How Much Cheaper Is It to Buy a Home With Excellent Credit?
Image source: Getty Images Mortgage rates have come down significantly since peaking in late 2023 and are widely expected to continue to fall for the foreseeable future. However, it isn’t just the current interest rate environment that determines the mortgage rate you get — your credit score can also have more of an impact than […]
3 Reasons You Shouldn’t Stress About Not Having Perfect Credit
Image source: Getty Images FICO, the most commonly used method of calculating credit scores, generates scores that range from a low of 300 to a perfect 850. As of 2023, only 1.54% of U.S. consumers had perfect credit, according to Experian. If your credit score is close to 850, you may want to reach that […]
Do You Need a Credit Score? Here’s the Surprising Truth
Image source: Getty Images Your credit score plays a huge role in your ability to borrow money, whether in the form of a credit card, mortgage, or auto loan. A higher credit score indicates that you’re good at managing your debts and paying on time. But when lenders see a lower credit score, they often […]
