Today's Personal Finance Pulse
New student loan repayment options debut on July 1
Starting July 1, borrowers will be offered two new repayment plans and must choose the option that best fits their financial situation. The change aims to give borrowers more flexibility in managing loan payments.
Gold Silver News Releases 2026 Ranking of Gold Investment Companies for Retirement Savers
Gold Silver News released its 2026 ranking of the best gold investment companies for retirement savers, highlighting Augusta Precious Metals, Goldco and American Hartford Gold. Augusta earned a five‑star rating with a $50,000 minimum, positioning it as the top overall choice. Goldco was praised for customer support and its $25,000 minimum, making it a go‑to for Gold IRA rollovers. American Hartford Gold rounded out the list with a $10,000 entry point and the highest flexibility for first‑time buyers.
Define Your Goal, Then Save Purposefully
I stopped asking “how do I save more?” And started asking “what am I actually saving for?” Game changer in the 1st-gen Wealth building 🌱
27 Investing Rules From Warren Buffett's Most Famous Lecture
On July 18, 2001 Warren Buffett delivered a two‑hour lecture at the University of Georgia that distilled his investing philosophy into 27 actionable rules. The guidance spans temperament, valuation, position sizing, mistake avoidance, and business assessment, emphasizing independent thinking, treating...
Multiple Rental Properties Create Fire‑proof Income Streams
Your job gives you one income stream. It can be taken away in a 15 minute meeting. A portfolio of 10 rentals gives you 10 income streams. None of them can fire you.
What Jim Cramer’s Investing Misses Can Teach You
Jim Cramer’s high‑profile buy‑and‑sell calls illustrate why active stock picking rarely outperforms the market. Over the past 15 years, only about 12% of U.S. large‑cap active funds beat the S&P 500, underscoring the difficulty of his approach. The article extracts three...
Should You Dump Bitcoin for Stocks After the S&P 500 Hit a New Record on Apple’s $100 Billion Buyback?
Apple’s board approved a $100 billion share repurchase, helping the S&P 500 close at a record 7,230 on May 1. Bitcoin slipped below $80,000, remaining 12% down year‑to‑date, yet spot Bitcoin ETFs absorbed $629.8 million in net inflows that same day, with BlackRock’s IBIT...
Kevin O’Leary’s ’90-Day Number’ Rule Could Change How You Think About Retirement
Kevin O’Leary’s “90‑day number” asks savers to total income and expenses over the past 90 days, then subtract the two. A positive result shows surplus cash that can be funneled into a 401(k), IRA or other retirement vehicle, while a...
Vanguard’s Ultra‑Low‑Cost ETFs Emerge as Core Retirement Picks
Vanguard’s suite of ultra‑low‑cost exchange‑traded funds—VOO, VTI, VXUS, VIG and BND—has been singled out as the backbone of retirement portfolios, according to a May 2026 Fool.com guide and Vanguard research. The recommendation aligns with a surge in ETF adoption among Gen Z,...
Why I Told My Friend Not to Take $67 Million in Cash.
A founder selling his company faced a choice between a $67 million cash payout and stock in the acquiring public firm. Taking cash would trigger roughly 37% combined federal, NIIT and California taxes, erasing about $24.8 million on day one and creating...
Learn Top Investors' Strategies with Free Resources
You don't need an MBA to understand the markets. You just need to study the greatest investors of all time. I've compiled the top strategies of 10 world-class investors + one FREE resource from each that will sharpen your edge immediately. A...
Boost Credit Score Now, Slash Mortgage Interest Rates
🤑 Better Credit Score Gives You Better Interest Rate 🏡 Fixing your credit score before applying for a mortgage is the best way to keep your payments as low as possible. One of the quickest ways to do that is with...
Alaska, Delaware, Maine Top Fastest Mortgage‑Debt Growth as U.S. Balances Hit $13.2 T
WalletHub’s latest state‑by‑state analysis shows Alaska’s average mortgage balance jumped 2.52% to $248,013, with Delaware and Maine close behind. The surge contributes to a national mortgage‑debt total of $13.2 trillion, underscoring growing affordability pressure for homeowners.
Missing a Few Top Days Slashes S&P Gains
If you invested $10k in the S&P 500 from 2005 to 2024, you would have ~$71k. BUT if you missed just 10 best days, the value drops to ~$32k. Missed 20 best days, and it's now $19k. Most of the BEST days happen...
When Is The Best Time To Buy Or Sell A Stock (Part 1)
In a recent video, investment strategist Chuck Carnevale argues that timing a stock trade hinges on disciplined valuation rather than market hype. He shows that buying high‑quality companies at inflated prices can underperform, while modest firms purchased at fair value can...
ExxonMobil Vs. Chevron: One of These Energy Stocks Is a Much Better Dividend Buy
ExxonMobil and Chevron are both integrated energy giants with low debt‑to‑equity ratios, but Chevron currently offers a markedly higher dividend yield. Exxon’s market cap stands at $625 billion versus Chevron’s $375 billion, underscoring a size advantage for Exxon. Chevron’s yield of 3.7%...
Minneapolis OB‑GYN Turns Pandemic Pay Cut Into $28K Annual Cash Flow From 16‑Home Portfolio
Jennifer Tessmer‑Tuck, an OB‑GYN in Minneapolis‑St. Paul, used a 2020 hospital salary cut to launch a real‑estate venture that now holds 16 rental properties and produces about $28,000 in annual net cash flow. Her disciplined, physician‑focused approach shows how professionals...
Conservative Groups Push Arkansas to Phase Out State Income Tax in Special Session
Two conservative nonprofits – Americans for Prosperity’s Arkansas chapter and Opportunity Arkansas – have rolled out separate campaigns to eliminate the state personal income tax. Their proposals arrive as Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders summons a special session to cut top...
Here's What It Takes to Join the 1% Club: The Real Numbers and Habits Behind the Super Wealthy
The article clarifies that the U.S. top 1% is defined by net worth—roughly $10 million to $12 million—rather than salary alone. It breaks down wealth tiers, showing how $250 k to $2 million places households in the top 10% and above $10 million lands them...
We've All Heard the Buzz About Roth Conversions, But Not Everyone Will Like the Reality
Roth conversions, moving money from traditional IRAs or 401(k)s into a Roth IRA, have surged in popularity as investors seek tax‑free retirement income. The strategy requires paying income tax on the converted amount now, making it attractive only when future...
These 7 Investment Behaviors Hurt Retirees the Most, But It's Not Too Late to Change Your Ways
Morningstar research shows retirees lose an average 1.2% of portfolio value each year due to behavioral mistakes, a drag that compounds quickly once withdrawals begin. The article outlines seven common habits—excess cash holdings, market timing, tax‑inefficient withdrawals, yield chasing, inconsistent...
How Can I Get the Bank to Take My Husband Off Our €120k Mortgage as Part of Our Divorce?
An Irish couple facing divorce can have the husband removed from their €120,000 (≈ $131,000) mortgage, but the process requires bank approval. The spouse seeking sole ownership must first obtain an approval‑in‑principle, demonstrating sufficient credit, income and ability to service the...
A Tax Guide for Canadians with Disabilities
Canada’s “disability tax” imposes significant costs on roughly 27% of the population, but a suite of federal and provincial credits can offset those expenses. The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) offers up to $7.5k USD for adults and $11.9k USD for children in...
Invest in Businesses, Not Stock Prices, to Avoid Losses
Most investors lose money they didn't have to lose. Here's why, in 3 lines: 1️⃣ They buy stocks, not businesses 2️⃣ They watch price, not value 3️⃣ They sell on fear, not fundamentals Peter Lynch's whole philosophy fits in one sentence: know what you own. If...
Avoid Student Loans, Work Hard, Graduate Debt‑Free Homeowner
I was shamed by college counselors for refusing to take out student loans Instead, I worked full time, had a side gig and paid out-of-pocket, for what I could afford I graduated in seven years instead of four Today I...
Gen Z Faces Near‑Six‑Figure Debt, Turns to Gig‑Economy Income Streams, Study Finds
A Fortune analysis shows Gen Z now carries an average $94,101 in personal debt—the highest of any generation—while unemployment sits at 10.8% for 16‑24‑year‑olds. To cope, many are stacking gig‑economy jobs, house‑hacking rentals and online content creation, a trend economists...
Apply the 3‑Pitch Rule to Boost Portfolio Diversification
Moontower Sunday 🌙"3 pitches" rule 🌙 Investment Beginnings Class #4: Risk 🌙 See how much diversification benefit you have in your portfolio https://t.co/vnQ5pVjjxQ refs: @DavidEpstein @BalesBets https://t.co/VgAeGFpRTk
Five Global Shifts Set to Shape Investments and Savings, Experts Advise Strategies
Financial analysts have pinpointed five macro‑level shifts that could reshape personal investment and savings plans. With gold swinging 29% and the FTSE 100 moving 10% in three months, experts urge a focus on diversification, low‑cost global trackers, and thematic exposure...
Money Happens: Expert Tips for Managing Medical Debt
Jennifer Vall, a Minnesota health‑care specialist, faced $21,000 in medical debt after battling cancer herself and caring for her son’s leukemia. Despite a strong credit score, the ongoing bills forced her to enlist a debt‑management firm to negotiate repayment. Financial...
Chase Cashback Cards: Which One Should You Get?
Chase offers six cash‑back cards—three consumer and three small‑business—each with a $0 annual fee except the Ink Business Premier’s $195 fee. The consumer Freedom Unlimited and Freedom Flex provide $200 sign‑up bonuses and tiered earnings, while Freedom Rise targets beginners...
Start Small: Messy Steps Beat Perfect Planning
You don’t need to be ultra organized to start getting better with money. Your messy middle is good enough. Saving $5 Opening up a HYSA Setting a real budget Negotiating 1 bill Buying a fractional share of stock Creating a sinking...
Divorce Settlements Target Spouses' Retirement Accounts, Lawyers Advise New Safeguards
Family law attorneys are fielding more requests to split retirement accounts in divorce, prompting advice on qualified domestic relations orders, prenups and trusts. Experts warn that gifts and inheritances can become marital assets, especially when mingled, and recommend proactive planning...
The 3 Bank Fees Retirees Pay Without Realizing — And How to Eliminate Every One
Retirees often overlook small bank fees that can erode their fixed incomes, with typical costs running a few hundred dollars each year. The three most common charges are monthly maintenance fees, overdraft or non‑sufficient‑funds (NSF) fees, and out‑of‑network ATM or...
7 Ways Retirees Can Save Money at Costco
Costco’s executive membership adds a $65 annual fee but returns 2% cash back on purchases, breaking even after $3,250 of annual spend. Retirees can also tap Costco’s lower‑priced pharmacy, travel bundles, gas stations, and in‑store hearing‑aid and eyeglass centers for...
‘Saver’s Paralysis’: Why Having Too Many Options Is Keeping You From Growing Your Wealth
The article warns that an abundance of savings and investment options can trigger "saver's paralysis," where consumers delay any allocation of funds. This inaction leaves money stuck in low‑yield checking accounts, eroding purchasing power as inflation bites. It stresses the...
Buffett’s First Venture: A Pinball Machine Earning Passive Income
Warren Buffett’s most successful investment wasn’t Apple $AAPL or Coca-Cola $KO. It was a $25 pinball machine he bought when he was 16. By the time he graduated high school, he was clearing $50 a week in pure passive income (roughly $800...
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Launches Nationwide Financial Literacy Campaign
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a nationwide campaign on May 2, 2026 urging Americans to steer clear of quick‑cash schemes and to adopt disciplined budgeting and saving habits. The initiative arrives as households grapple with rising costs for housing, groceries...
Why Keeping More Than $250,000 in One Bank Account Could Put Your Money at Risk
Saving large cash balances in a single bank can expose more than $250,000 to uninsured risk. The FDIC and NCUA each insure deposits up to $250,000 per depositor per institution, and any amount above that is not protected if the...
How to Analyze Funds, and You May Retire Sooner Than Planned
In this episode of the Motley Fool Hidden Gems Investing Podcast, host Robert Brokamp and CFP/Chartered Financial Analyst Amanda Kish break down how to evaluate mutual funds and ETFs, emphasizing the importance of expense ratios, manager tenure, and fund composition....
5 Hidden Costs You Don't Think About When Buying A Used Car
Buying a used car often looks cheaper upfront, but hidden expenses can erode the savings. Financing a pre‑owned vehicle typically carries a 10.8% APR—about 4% higher than new‑car rates—adding thousands in interest over a standard loan. Buyers also face extra...
Does Your 401(k) Balance Beat the Average Millennial's?
Fidelity reports that the average 401(k) balance for millennials hit $80,700 in Q3 2025, outpacing Gen Z’s $17,000 but lagging far behind Gen X ($217,500) and Baby Boomers ($267,900). The data suggests many mid‑career millennials are not on track to meet the rule‑of‑thumb...
She Never Merged Finances with Her Husband and He's Been Accumulating Debt. Why Ramsey Says She Has No Right to...
Anne kept her finances completely separate from her husband for a decade, only to discover he carried an $18,000 Amex balance at 30% interest and a larger disability pension than she believed. Host Dave Ramsey argued she forfeited any right...
5 Surprise Costs to Expect When Relocating in Retirement
Retirees increasingly consider relocation for climate, cost of living, and lifestyle benefits, but the move can introduce unexpected expenses. New state or international taxes, higher Medicare Advantage premiums, and increased homeowners insurance can erode savings. Frequent travel back to family...
TIPS and High‑Yield Bonds Preserve Purchasing Power
Bond Funds That Have Offered Some Inflation Protection ➡️Returns data indicate that Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) funds and high-yield bond funds offered purchasing power protection during the past decade (including the recent inflationary period), while many investors in short- and...
Become a ‘Lazy’ Millionaire: This One Habit Can Add a 20% Bonus to Your R...
After the S&P 500 recorded its best monthly gain since 2020, MarketWatch columnist Mark Hulbert reminded investors that the most reliable way to capture that upside is to ignore short‑term market noise. He argues that the single habit of avoiding...
‘They’ll Be Rich’: Trump Reveals How Americans Can Build a $465,000 Nest Egg on $165 a Month — with Help...
President Donald Trump announced an executive order to launch TrumpIRA.gov by Jan. 1, 2027, a federal portal that will compare low‑cost individual retirement accounts for workers lacking employer‑sponsored plans. The White House highlighted a scenario where a 25‑year‑old saving $165 a month...
Netflix’s 'Beef' Highlights a $5,000 Deductible — How to Handle Your Own Healthcare Costs
Netflix’s drama “Beef” uses a hospital scene to spotlight a $5,000 health‑insurance deductible, illustrating widespread confusion about cost sharing. A 2024 NAIC survey finds only one‑in‑four Gen Z adults can define a deductible, while KFF data shows 88% of workers now...
Buffett‑Backed S&P 500 ETFs Flagged as Must‑Holds for Long‑Term Investors
Warren Buffett reiterated that most investors should anchor their portfolios with a single S&P 500 index ETF, such as SPDR's SPY or Vanguard's VOO. The Oracle of Omaha’s endorsement comes amid data showing that nearly 90% of large‑cap funds have lagged...
WhatsApp Scams Pretending to Be ICE Agents Drain $10,000 From Immigrant Savers, ProPublica Finds
ProPublica uncovered a wave of WhatsApp scams in which fraudsters masquerade as ICE agents or immigration lawyers, extracting almost $10,000 from asylum seekers. The scheme targets people already stretched thin by legal fees, exposing a new frontier for consumer‑financial abuse.
5 Money Lessons From People Caring for Their Elderly Parents
A recent New York Times piece gathers money lessons from Generation X caregivers handling elderly parents, highlighting the hidden costs of home repairs, health care, and long‑term housing. The article notes that roughly 11,400 Americans turn 65 each day, and many underestimate how...
Diversify to Avoid Losing Everything when One Investment Crashes
When you concentrate a large portion of your money into one asset, you don’t have much to fall back on if that investment plummets. https://t.co/ZmzFL1fdHb