Don’t Claim Social Security at 62 Before Doing This
There’s a reason age 62 is an important one in the context of retirement. It’s the earliest age people can sign up for Social Security. If you’re eligible for Social Security, you may be…
All Work
Maurie Backman
Should I take a severance package or stick it out at a toxic job with little work?
Getting laid off from a job can be both frustrating and scary. Suddenly, you’re scrambling to pay your bills. And unless you have a solid emergency fund, you may be looking at serious…
I Asked a Debt Collector for Validation and They Hung Up—What Should I Do Next?
There may come a time when you fall behind on debt payments. That could come as a result of losing your job or getting hit with a string of unplanned expenses. When you…
My dad passed away and Social Security says he was owed benefits – why are they asking for my SSN?
Social Security pays benefits to millions of retired Americans. But until recently, certain retirees weren’t eligible for their benefits in full — or at all. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government…
Can You Still Count on Social Security for Retirement Income if You’re in Your 40s?
There are millions of older Americans today who use their monthly Social Security benefits to cover their essential retirement expenses. And without that money, many would struggle. If you’re in your 40s and retirement…
These 2 Moves Could Make it Easier to Ride Out a Recession
If you’ve been investing for quite some time, you’ve probably experienced your fair share of stock market corrections and a recession or two. And if you’re new to investing, buckle up. At some point…
I just discovered my 401(k) has a hidden clause forcing half into an annuity if I die – is this normal?
It’s a pretty common thing for employers to offer a 401(k) plan. And different 401(k)s can have different rules. Many 401(k) plans have a Roth savings feature that allows your money to grow…
President Trump said he “will not raise the retirement age by one day” – will he keep his promise?
Social Security is a program that millions of older Americans rely on. Yet it’s facing its share of financial challenges. In the coming years, Social Security expects to owe more in benefits than…
At $5 Million Net Worth, I Upgraded My Lifestyle: Here’s What Others Did Too
Years back, I reduced my working hours and income significantly to focus on raising my kids when they were very young. I still held down a job, but with three kids ages three…
Facing a Terminal Illness: How I’m Planning My Financial Future with Just 4 Years Left
Dealing with a terminal illness is a devastating thing. And it’s important for people in that situation to prioritize their health as much as possible. But it’s also natural to have some financial…
I Received My Truck Title Saying My Loan is Paid Off, But I Still Owe $7K—What Should I Do?
Financing a car usually goes something like this: You sign a loan, put some money down, and make payments every month until your loan balance is whittled down to $0. You might also…
My net worth grew from $400,000 to $9.5 million in five years – how do I figure out what’s next?
Seeing your net worth rise in a short period of time is a good thing. And that’s what’s happened to this Reddit poster. Here, we have someone in their mid-30s whose net worth…
My Parent’s Financial Advisor is Charging 1.5% Fees—Should I Move Her Funds Now or Wait a Year?
There are few things in life that are actually free. And when it comes to financial advice, you can’t expect to get it for nothing — at least not customized guidance. In this…
My Company Is Switching Us to Secured Credit Cards – Is This Truly Beneficial or Too Good to Be True?
A lot of people get paid with a check that’s either handed to them or that goes into their bank account directly each month. But in this Reddit post, we have a more…
Claiming Social Security at 70 Isn’t the Great Deal You Think it Is. Here’s Why
One of the nice things about Social Security is that you’re not locked into filing for benefits at one specific age. Rather, you can choose when to take benefits based on your personal financial…
71% of Americans Want Lower Top Rates… Yet 54% Say the Rich Should Pay More
No matter how much money you earn or where you get your income from, taxes are something you’re going to have to deal with. In 2023, more than 162 million people filed a…
Our household makes over $400k per year and we want to have the option to retire in 20 years – are we on track?
A lot of people dream of retiring on the early side. And in this Reddit post, we have a couple in their mid-30s who are hoping to retire in their mid-50s. Since have…
DOGE Has its Sights on Social Security. Here’s Why That’s Not a Bad Thing
When President Trump took office, one of the first things he did was greenlight his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). And now, many people may be worried that DOGE will come in and mess…
My wife and I earn $425,000, but my $10 million inheritance complicates our financial planning – how do we ensure fairness?
Inheriting money can be a positive thing — especially when there’s lots to go around. But it also has the potential to complicate matters. In this Reddit post, we have a couple who…
Is Social Security Going Broke? The Answer May Surprise You
Whenever you have a program as talked about as Social Security, there tends to be a lot of misinformation swirling around. For example, some people assume that the only age to sign up for…