Today's Personal Finance Pulse
Young Canadians can grow wealth by automating savings despite high living costs
MoneySense advises that professionals should capture at least half of any raise and start modest contributions of $40‑$150 per paycheck. Automating transfers helps eliminate discretionary spending, while tax‑advantaged accounts such as TFSA and FHSA boost long‑term growth.
Crypto Savings Accounts in 2026: Comparing Rates and Features
Crypto savings accounts have become a popular way for investors to earn passive income as traditional bank rates lag inflation. In 2026, major platforms such as Coinbase, Nexo, Binance Earn, and Ledn continue to offer variable APYs ranging from 2% to 8.5%, while the newcomer Varntix introduces fixed‑rate products promising up to 24% APY in USDT or USDC for terms of six to 24 months. Fixed‑rate offerings lock the interest rate at the outset, eliminating the volatility that can cause rates to drop from double‑digit levels to single digits within weeks. The guide highlights each platform’s asset coverage, lock‑up requirements, and fee structures.
Your UK Pension Is No Longer Safe From Inheritance Tax: What Should You Do?
From April 2027 the UK will treat unused defined‑contribution pension pots as part of an estate for inheritance tax (IHT). The standard 40% IHT rate applies above the £325,000 (£~413,000) threshold, meaning many middle‑income retirees could face six‑figure tax bills. Advisors...
Around the Obstacles
At 48, Dan Smith finalized a divorce, keeping his IRAs and 401(k) while his ex‑wife took the house. Facing health issues from three decades as a beer‑truck driver, he leveraged union‑taught bookkeeping skills to launch a tax‑preparation practice that grew...
South Korea to Launch ‘Youth Future Savings’ Account Offering Up to $17,000 in Returns
South Korea’s Financial Services Commission and the Small‑and‑Medium Business Finance Agency announced the June launch of a three‑year “Youth Future Savings” account for 19‑34‑year‑olds. The product lets savers deposit up to 500,000 won ($385) per month and receive a government match...
Attention, Not More Money, Drives Financial Success
I pulled together the most compelling research I found on money behavior for a practical guide that will change how you think about your finances. You do not need more money, you just need to start paying more attention to...
Canadian Investors Face Mixed Market Signals as Oil Shock Looms
Canadian investors were briefed on a volatile market outlook as the TSX fell 0.05% to 33,896.07. Desjardins’ chief economist warned that a temporary oil‑price shock could reshape risk calculations, while U.S. benchmarks posted gains.
HMRC Cracks Down on Property Valuations in Inheritance Tax Returns – How to Reduce Risk of a Dispute
HM Revenue and Customs is intensifying scrutiny of inheritance‑tax property valuations, with referrals to the Valuation Office Agency rising 23.5% to 14,631 cases year‑over‑year. Executors who misvalue estates risk additional tax, 7.75% annual interest, and penalties if valuations are deemed...
Investing Fundamentals: A Simple Guide for Beginners
The article breaks down investing fundamentals for beginners, stressing that cash left in savings loses value to inflation and that owning shares or diversified index funds can preserve purchasing power. It explains how stocks are bought through brokerages and why...
ETFs: Steady Long-Term Wealth Builders, Not Hot Picks
ETFs aren’t the next "hot stock" but they'll build wealth for you over the long term
This 'Sleep Like a Baby' Portfolio Strategy Is Having Its Best Year in Nearly a Century, BofA's Hartnett Says
Bank of America chief investment strategist Michael Hartnett promotes a “sleep like a baby” portfolio that allocates equally to stocks, bonds, cash and commodities. The mix posted its strongest annual gain since 1933 and ranks the third‑best outperformance versus the...
New Online IRS Tax Debt Tool Helps Taxpayers Find the Best Way to Pay
The Internal Revenue Service has introduced a new online Tax Debt Help tool on its Get Help With Tax Debt page. The interactive questionnaire asks six financial‑status questions and then recommends the most suitable resolution, such as a temporary collection...
2 Closed-End Funds At Discounted Bargains
Investors are eyeing two closed‑end funds that have recently traded at deep discounts to their net asset values, offering unusually high effective yields. Both funds distribute monthly dividends that are amplified by the price gap, delivering income that exceeds the...
Financial Independence and Travel: Can You Have Both?
A growing chorus of financial experts and business owners says travel can coexist with financial independence (FI) when it’s treated as a planned expense rather than a luxury. Strategies such as geo‑arbitrage, credit‑card points, house‑sitting, and "bleisure" trips let FI...
Advisors Highlight NFL 401(k) for Standout 200 Percent Match
Financial advisors are spotlighting the NFL’s Second Career Savings Plan, a 401(k) that provides a 200% employer match—two dollars for every player‑contributed dollar. Rookie contracts range from $16 million to $55 million, and players can contribute up to $24,500 in 2026, potentially...
Jet Fuel Surge Forces Canadian Airlines to Raise Fares, Travelers Seek New Ways to Save
Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines and Air Transat have announced fare hikes or new surcharges as jet‑fuel prices more than double since the Middle‑East conflict began. Experts warn the upward trend will persist, prompting travelers to lean on early‑booking strategies,...
Empower Unveils Five-Block Blueprint to Combat $246 Billion Financial Illiteracy Gap
Empower introduced a five‑building‑block financial‑literacy framework, citing that U.S. adults collectively lost $948 per person in 2025—more than $246 billion—due to knowledge gaps. The plan targets budgeting, saving, investing, credit management, and goal setting to lift the average 2025 FICO score...
The Right College Fit Can Save Your Clients Money
College costs have more than doubled since 1990, with average public tuition now exceeding $27,000 for in‑state students and $37,000 for out‑of‑state. Up to 80% of undergraduates change majors, and late‑stage switches often add semesters and extra tuition. The article...
A Beginner’s Guide to Owning Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana
Money.com’s beginner guide walks new investors through the fundamentals of buying Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana, explaining how each token works and why they differ. It outlines the two main custody options—exchange‑based storage and self‑custody via hot or cold wallets—highlighting the...
Caution: Record‑High Markets May Not Be Wise Investment
Should we invest when the stock markets are at record highs? The UK government and big investment platforms have launched a campaign helped by a Savvy squirrel 🐿️ but the Bank of England says financial markets are too high....
Tax Planning as the Backbone of a Durable Retirement Income Plan
A durable retirement income plan hinges on proactive tax planning, not just cash‑flow generation. While tax preparation reports past liabilities, tax planning strategically shapes withdrawals, Roth conversions, and Social Security timing to manage taxable income over decades. Without coordination, retirees...
#709: The Financial Reality of Developmental Disability, with Keith Wargo
In this episode, host Paula Pant talks with Keith Wargo, CEO of Autism Speaks and father of an adult with autism, about the unique financial planning challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities. Wargo emphasizes the importance of...
How to Have Hard Talks with Overspending Clients
Advisors warn that retirees often splurge on cars, boats, second homes and frequent dining, which can erode portfolio longevity. Emotional motivations drive roughly 70% of these purchasing decisions, making candid conversations essential. Tools such as spending simulations, regular check‑ins and...
Cut Costs Ruthlessly to Truly Pay Yourself First
everyone wants to talk about the “pay yourself first” part of profit first, but no one wants to take the steps to implement the ruthless elimination of expenses part that actually allows you to pay yourself first & well. (most...
Rethink 60/40: Adopt 60/20/20 with Uncorrelated Assets
With bonds and stocks once again positively correlated (per the chart below), the current/recent market episode served as another reminder to look beyond the 60/40 for that balance between returns and risk. Since 2022 I have been advocating for a 60/20/20...
The 4 Streaming Services I Swear by - and My Bill Is Just $40 a Month
Jada Jones outlines a personal streaming lineup—Apple Music, YouTube Premium Lite, Peacock, and Netflix’s ad‑supported plan—that keeps her monthly entertainment bill near $40, far below the industry average of $71 for four services and the $122 typical cable bill. She...
Ramsey Expert George Kamel Unveils Four Wealth-Building Strategies for 2026
Ramsey Solutions personality George Kamel released a TikTok video detailing four wealth‑building tactics for 2026, urging Americans to live below their means, eliminate all debt, adopt a 50‑30‑20 budget, and automate savings. His advice comes as U.S. workers face rising...
Wealth Specialists Warn of Risks to Estate Planning as IHT Receipts Reach Record £8.5bn
Inheritance tax (IHT) receipts rose to £8.5 billion (about $10.8 billion) in the 2025‑26 tax year, marking a fifth straight record. The surge stems from the freeze on the £325,000 nil‑rate band and the £175,000 residence nil‑rate band until 2031, combined with...
Many Resist Early Retirement Despite Craving Freedom
Today I was talking to a friend turning 50 who works long grueling hours, but may be getting a new job that pays much more. So I talked to them about retiring early which I help thousands do who...
Affordable Home Budget on $10/Hour, 21‑Hour Weeks
How Much You Can Afford For a House If You Make $10/ Hour working 21 hours per week
Giving Up My Sports Club Membership Despite the Health Benefits
The author chose not to renew a Bay Club membership that cost about $2,500 for 13 months, citing recent car repairs and rising guest fees. Guest fees surged from $25 to $75 per person, making a typical Sunday swim session...
Five Tax‑Smart Accounts to Grow Your Child’s Wealth
5 ways to build wealth for your kid: 1. 529 plan. Get tax deduction for contributing in many states. Grows tax free and withdrawals are tax free for education. 2. UTMA account. Taxable account that child owns. Reduces financial aid. 3. Trump account....
DIY Investing Surge in Canada Sparks Investor Risk Concerns
A sharp increase in self‑directed investing among Canadians is prompting industry experts to warn that many newcomers may be making costly errors. The trend reflects the appeal of low‑cost platforms, but regulators and wealth managers say the lack of professional...
Economics-Based Financial Planning -- My Presentation to Wade Pfau's Retirement Income Institute
Larry Kotlikoff delivered a presentation to Wade Pfau’s Retirement Income Institute, showcasing how his MaxiFi Planner software can apply economics‑based financial planning to retirement strategies. The session, recorded on YouTube, walks advisors through consumption‑smoothing models, optimal asset allocation, and the...
Pre‑tax Contributions Still Win Despite Future Tax Hikes
While the idea that we currently live in an anomalously low-tax environment that will inevitably reverse course has its appeal, basing one's tax planning decisions around that assumption is still risky. Because even if taxes do creep up nationally, individuals...
Retirees Are Thinking of Annuities the Wrong Way — and It May Trip Them up, Advisors Say
Annuity sales are rising as retirees seek guaranteed lifetime income, but most buyers gravitate toward variable and indexed annuities instead of the lower‑cost, higher‑payout options like single‑premium immediate annuities (SPIAs) and deferred income annuities (DIAs). In 2025, consumers purchased roughly...
Community Champions: JPMorganChase Partners With Sports Legends to Help Athletes Master Their Money
JPMorgan Chase launched the Athlete Council, a partnership with top sports legends to deliver financial‑education programs for athletes at every career stage. The council, chaired by Dwyane Wade, includes figures such as Tom Brady, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, and...
‘I’m Spending My House Deposit Savings to Pay Off My Postgrad Student Loan’
Britain’s government announced a 6% interest‑rate cap for Plan 2 undergraduate and Plan 3 postgraduate student loans effective September 2026, aiming to curb soaring debt. Despite the cap, most Plan 2 borrowers will see rates rise to between 4.1% and 6% as they...
10 Real Assets vs 10 Fake Assets (Most People Get This Wrong)
The post contrasts ten "real" assets that generate cash flow with ten "fake" assets that drain money, arguing that wealth hinges on what you buy, not how much you earn. Real assets include rental properties, dividend stocks, REITs, index funds,...
25% All‑
BofA on Asset Allocation: - The “sleep like a baby” portfolio (25% Stocks/Bonds/Commodities/Cash) is having the best year since *1933*. - Up 26% YTD, its third-best outperformance versus 60/40 (Stocks/Bonds) in a *century*. - Commodities have shined, despite remaining a significant underweight in...
Credit Score Influences Home Insurance Like Disaster Zones
Your credit has as much of an impact on your homeowners insurance premium as whether or not you live in a disaster-prone area. https://t.co/PQ2K1kvGSE
I've Earned Nearly $700 Just by Using Rakuten - Here's How I Did It
ZDNet shopping editor Kayla Solino reports earning roughly $700 in cash back over two years using Rakuten’s rebate platform. She details six tactics—consistent use, timing big purchases, monitoring rate changes, holiday shopping, leveraging amplified offers, and stacking with promo codes...
AI Tools Can Streamline Your Retirement Planning
Want to use #AI to plan your retirement? Here’s how to proceed by Betsy Vereckey @MITSloan Learn more: https://t.co/950iah57tk #ArtificialIntelligence #MachineLearning #ML https://t.co/NGJF9uqj4l
Retiring at 55 Requires More Than $1M Savings
45 year old (+wife & 2 kids) has $1 million saved Spends $12k/month Saves $130k/year Wants to retire at age 55 b/c he hates his job Can he retire early? How much does he need? https://t.co/18Hm2FUrJG https://t.co/GEsbZqyuqw
Copy Trading UK: Is It a Good Idea or Too Risky in 2026?
Copy trading lets UK investors automatically mirror the trades of seasoned market participants, a service popularized by platforms such as eToro’s CopyTrader™. The model has surged in 2026 because it offers a low‑skill entry point and real‑time automation, appealing to...
Ask the Tax Editor, April 24: How Can I Resolve My IRS Tax Debt?
Millions of Americans face unexpected IRS tax bills, but the agency offers several relief pathways. Taxpayers can request a temporary collection delay, enroll in an online payment plan, or submit an Offer in Compromise (OIC) to settle for less than...
Advisers Add Value by Preventing Costly Mistakes
Where advisers really add value Good advice is about avoiding costly mistakes, not picking winners. #FinancialPlanning #InvestorBehaviour https://t.co/LQ2FOLhpBT
Stocks and Shares ISA UK 2026: Is It Worth It or Risky?
In 2026 UK savers face a choice between cash ISAs offering 4‑5% interest and Stocks and Shares ISAs that provide tax‑free growth but expose capital to market swings. The annual ISA allowance stays at £20,000 (about $25,000), and investors can...
Citi Wealth Study Finds 848‑Basis‑Point Gap Driven by Six Investor Biases
Citi Wealth’s new report shows the average equity‑fund investor earned 16.54% in 2024 versus the S&P 500’s 25.02% return, an 848‑basis‑point gap. The study attributes the shortfall to six pervasive cognitive biases and offers advisors concrete tactics to mitigate them.
AI‑Driven Crypto Scams Cost U.S. Victims Tens of Billions, IRS Warns
Federal investigators say AI‑enhanced cryptocurrency scams have already drained tens of billions of dollars from U.S. investors, with the IRS highlighting a surge in “pig‑butchering” schemes. Law‑enforcement agencies warn the rapid evolution of AI tools is outpacing detection efforts.
Warren Buffett Explains Passive Income: Making Money While You Sleep
Warren Buffett frames passive income as the long‑term result of owning high‑quality businesses and letting compounding work, not a quick‑cash hack. He emphasizes front‑loading effort—saving, learning, investing—and then allowing assets to generate cash flow for decades. Buffett’s own portfolio, from...