Claim Social Security vs Tap Savings: Which Should You Do First?
Once you retire, you’re going to need access to steady income in the absence of having a regular paycheck to fall back on. And in that regard, you may have choices. If you’re at…
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Maurie Backman
Claiming Social Security at 62? Ask Yourself This Question First
There’s a reason 62 has long been a very popular age to claim Social Security. It’s the earliest point in life you can sign up for benefits. But there’s a big downside to claiming…
My Boomer Dad Retired 2 Years Late With Only a 401(k). Is He Unique?
Many Americans reach retirement age with no money saved at all. So if you have a parent who’s retiring with only a 401(k), they’re ahead of the game to some degree if it means…
401(k)s Have New Maximum Limits in 2025 – Are You Getting the Most From Your Plan?
Employer-sponsored 401(k)s have long had a couple of benefits over IRAs. First, many 401(k) plans come with an employer match, which is free money for your retirement. Secondly, 401(k) plans have long had…
Are Dead People Getting Social Security Like Trump and Musk Claim?
When President Trump announced plans to form his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), it was pretty clear that Social Security would wind up a target. Social Security is facing serious cuts in about a…
I’m 43 and my stress is taking a toll on my body and I’m being told by friends I should retire now – are they right?
When I was in my 20s, I worked an extremely stressful job that paid well. Had I continued in that field through my early 40s, I might’ve made a ton of money. But…
4 Ways Your 2025 Tax Refund Could Improve Your Finances
At this point, the 2025 tax-filing season is well underway. And some filers may be within days of getting their refunds, or sitting on that money already. It’s easy to look at a tax…
Annuities Are Worse Than People Think, and High Yield Savings Accounts Are Better
There’s a reason people are often drawn to annuities, especially as retirement gets close. The nice thing about an annuity is that it could set you up with steady, guaranteed income for life. Plus,…
Gary Vee says “Skills are cheap. Passion is priceless” – The real currency in the hustle economy
Gary Vaynerchu wasn’t born rich. The famed businessman and internet personality worked his way to fame and fortune by hustling and being passionate about the things that were important to him. In fact,…
Suze Orman Thinks You Need a 12-Month Emergency Fund. Is She Right?
Life has a way of surprising us with unplanned bills. You could wake up in the morning to take a shower only to find that your water heater can stopped working. Or, you could…
Retirees Need to Stop Making These Common Medicare Mistakes
Once you turn 65, you’re generally eligible for health coverage through Medicare. And it’s for this reason that many older Americans opt to retire at 65. But Medicare is a complex program that’s loaded…
Millennials: Ask These 3 Questions Before Envisioning Your Dream Retirement
If you’re a millennial, it means that barring an early workforce exit, retirement is probably quite a ways off. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start planning for it now. The reality is…
I’m in my mid-30s and my savings have ballooned into the millions – how do I continue to find motivation and purpose?
Many people in their mid-30s aren’t close to having enough money to retire. Rather, a good number still have debt, whether it’s of the credit card or student loan variety. This Reddit poster,…
How to Determine Exactly How Much Medicare Will Cost You in Retirement
Did you know that the typical 65-year-old on Medicare today is looking at spending a whopping $165,000 on healthcare costs throughout retirement? That number might seem exaggerated, but it’s true, according to Fidelity.…
Suze Orman Calls This Popular Retirement Rule “Dangerous.” Here’s Why
Saving money for retirement is not an easy thing to do — namely, because it means giving up one thing or another. For example, if you’re someone who contributes $800 a month to a…
What does a financial advisor know that I do not?
Hiring a financial advisor is a personal choice. And it’s not something you automatically have to do. But before you write off the idea, it’s important to understand what a financial advisor can…
After Maxing Out Your 401(k), These Are the Next Steps
Maxing out a 401(k) could set you up for a very rich retirement. In 2025, maxing out a 401(k) means contributing $23,500 if you’re under 50, or $31,000 if you’re or older. And this…
Don’t Leave Free Money on the Table: Savings Yields Have Rebounded
There was a time not so long ago when you could barely get a savings account to pay you 1% on your money. But if you’re thinking that’s still the case, you’re sorely mistaken.…
I’m Not Yet 50 And Want To Retire In A Decade, Spending $600K Per Year. Am I On Track?
Some people are thankful if they’re able to retire with $600,000 in total. But this Reddit poster is a very different story. Here, we have a 48-year-old who’s a high earner with a…
5 reasons to stop using your debit card and switch to a credit card instead
I got my first credit card around the same time I got my first debit card. I was a freshman in college and needed both cards for different reasons. But I soon learned…