Many of Us Aren’t Saving Enough for Retirement. But There Are Ways to Fix This
A recent Gallup poll shows 69% of American workers fear they aren’t saving enough for retirement, highlighting a widening savings gap driven by stagnant wages and rising living costs. The article argues that the solution lies in two simple levers: boosting income or trimming expenses. It offers concrete tactics such as negotiating higher pay, switching jobs, launching side businesses, upskilling, cutting discretionary subscriptions, cooking at home, and maximizing retirement‑account contributions. By automating savings and adopting disciplined spending habits, individuals can close the retirement shortfall without waiting for policy changes.
Should We Sell Our Arizona Rental to Fund Retirement — or Keep It? Wealth Wise Advises
A New England couple, ages 63 and 65, own an Arizona rental worth $340,000 with a $75,000 mortgage at 3.9% and net $700 of monthly cash flow. They receive Social Security Disability, a pension, and annuities, but worry about inflation...
Why the 4% Rule May Not Be Safe for Today's Retirement—And How to Adjust Your Plan
The traditional 4% withdrawal rule, derived from 1990s research, assumes a 30‑year retirement horizon and balanced stock‑bond returns. Today’s retirees often face 35‑40 years of spending, higher health‑care costs and lower expected market returns, which erodes the rule’s safety margin....
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How to Calculate Principal and Interest
The article explains how to calculate principal and interest for simple‑interest and amortized loans, using a $300,000 mortgage at 4% as a concrete example. It outlines the basic SI = P×R×T formula, shows how fixed‑rate payments stay constant while the...
Best High-Yield Savings Interest Rates Today, Saturday, May 30, 2026: Earn up to 4.1% APY
The national average savings‑account rate sits at 0.38% as of May 30, 2026, up from a mere 0.06% three years earlier. Top high‑yield accounts now deliver up to 4.1% APY, with CIT Bank leading the pack. At a 4% APY, a $1,000...
A Couple Got Burned Out Pursuing FIRE. They Found Another Path that Let Them Cut Back at Work and Still...
Andy and Nicole Hill abandoned a strict traditional FIRE plan after it strained their marriage and daily enjoyment. They adopted Coast FIRE, front‑loading investments to reach a $550,000 portfolio that can grow to about $2 million without further contributions. Hitting that...
Did You Max Out Your 401(k)? Congratulations: Here's How Saving So Well Could Backfire
Maxing out traditional 401(k)s and IRAs has built sizable pretax nest eggs, but large balances now pose a tax liability when required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin and when heirs inherit the accounts under the SECURE Act’s 10‑year rule. Because withdrawals...
I'm a Financial Planner: This Is How Your Kids' Low Tax Bracket Can Wipe Out Your Capital Gains
Financial planners are urging retirees and affluent parents to transfer appreciated stock to their children, allowing the kids to sell at a lower capital‑gains rate. The strategy relies on the child’s taxable income falling below the 0% or 15% capital‑gains...
How to Protect 529 College Savings in Case of Divorce or Death
Many 529 college savings accounts lack a designated successor and are owned by a single individual, creating complications in divorce and upon the owner’s death. About a quarter of accounts have no successor, which can trigger probate and delay tuition...
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The Real Cost of Retirement for a Single American in Every State—And the Nest Egg Needed to Afford It
A single retiree in the United States needs roughly $898,000 in savings to sustain a comfortable lifestyle, based on an average annual spend of $59,600. Social Security contributes about $24,000, leaving a $35,900 shortfall that must be covered by withdrawals...
The Investment Account Mistake That Can Increase Taxes in Retirement
Traditional 401(k)s and IRAs let savers defer taxes, but required minimum distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73 and can turn large pre‑tax balances into hefty taxable income. A 4% RMD on a $5 million portfolio creates a $200,000 ordinary‑income hit, potentially...
Good Financial Reads: Rethinking Retirement in a Flexible World
The article challenges the traditional reliance on income‑only investments for retirees, advocating a total‑return approach that offers greater growth, tax efficiency, and flexibility. It also addresses the growing cohort of workers who feel behind on savings, outlining catch‑up contributions and...
How to Budget for Beginners: The No-Nonsense Guide to Taking Control of Your Money
The article delivers a no‑nonsense, step‑by‑step budgeting guide for beginners, stressing that budgeting is a system that directs money before it disappears rather than tracking every penny. It walks readers through calculating net income, categorizing expenses, selecting a method—such as...
May Is 529 Month: Five Action Steps Every Family Should Take
May marks 529 Month, the 30th anniversary of tax‑advantaged education savings plans, and culminates on May 29 Day. The article outlines five practical steps families can take to strengthen their college‑funding strategy, from reviewing contributions to exploring the plans’ expanded qualified uses. It...
Should You Split Your Retirement Accounts to Reduce Cyber Risk?
A growing wave of cyber attacks on financial firms has investors questioning whether to spread retirement assets across multiple custodians. While the IMF reports cyber‑related losses have risen to $2.5 billion, experts argue that institutional diversification adds fees, coordination headaches, and...