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In March 2023, two of the largest bank failures in history alarmed savers who worried their own bank accounts could be at risk and investors who feared a wider financial crisis. To help restore…

For the second year in a row, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA, will be delayed. The FAFSA for the 2025–2026 school year will open on December 1…

If you have a traditional pension : also called a defined benefit plan : when you retire, your plan may offer several payout options, including a qualified joint and survivor annuity (QJSA) if you…

The Economic Impact of an Aging World During the week of June 10, 2024, French markets were rocked by a government bond sell-off after a strong showing by the far-right National Rally party in…

Your life insurance needs change as your life changes. When you are young, you may not have a need for life insurance. However, as you take on more responsibility and your family grows, your…

If you earn money through a payment app or online marketplace, you may be affected by a tax reporting change enacted by the 2021 American Rescue Plan. The law requires third-party settlement organizations to…

529 plans were created in 1996 to give families a tax-advantaged way to save for college. Roth IRAs were created a year later to give people another tax-advantaged way to save for retirement. Along…

Did you know that if you postpone claiming Social Security past your full retirement age, you have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when you finally…

An equity real estate investment trust (REIT) uses the combined capital of many shareholders to buy and operate residential, commercial, and industrial income properties. Equity REITs of all stripes are listed on the major…

Most home improvements are not tax deductible : with one possible exception. In certain situations, you may be able to deduct improvements deemed necessary for medical reasons (not just beneficial to general health). If…

New vehicle prices have skyrocketed these past few years, with the cost averaging well over $48,000 toward the end of 2023.1 These increased costs, coupled with rising interest rates, mean that buying a vehicle…

Each month, researchers at the University of Michigan ask hundreds of consumers what they think about present market conditions, the job market, their personal finances and buying intentions, as well as the prospects for…

The Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances (conducted every three years) revealed that the average net worth of U.S. families surpassed $1 million ($1,063,700) for the first time in 2022, after increasing 42% from…

The SECURE Act of 2019 dramatically changed the rules governing how IRA and retirement plan assets are distributed to beneficiaries. The new rules, which took effect for account owner deaths occurring in 2020 or…

Scam artists often prey on those who are most vulnerable. Unfortunately, this includes individuals who have recently lost a loved one and are easily taken advantage of during their time of grief. Scammers will…

The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 provided homeowners who sell their principal residence an exclusion from capital gains taxes of $250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for joint filers. At that time, the average…

Real Estate Commission Changes Around the Corner In March 2024, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reached a landmark $418 million settlement after losing an antitrust lawsuit filed by a group of home sellers.…

When your auto insurance policy renews, chances are that your premium will be going up, possibly by a lot. Rates vary by state and location, but nationwide, premiums increased more than 18% between July…

On the road to retirement, be on the lookout for hazards that can hamper your progress. Here are five potential risks that can slow you down. Traveling aimlessly Embarking on an adventure without a…

A growing number of Americans are moving towards a “cashless” society. As a result, credit cards are being used more often than ever : especially by those with higher incomes.1 Credit cards are no…

It’s estimated that almost one in five Americans leases a storage unit. In March 2024, the nationwide price for a climate-controlled storage unit averaged nearly $150 per month. Storage renters may pay more than that…

The median age of the U.S. population rose to a record high of 38.9 in 2022, primarily because birth rates have declined in recent decades. More women have been going to college and focusing…

Traditional economic models are based on the premise that people make rational decisions to maximize economic and financial benefits. In reality, most humans don’t make decisions like robots. While logic does guide us, feelings…

U.S. commercial real estate prices fell more than 11% between March 2022, when the Federal Reserve started hiking interest rates, and January 2024. The potential for steeper losses has chilled the market and still…

Serious accidents don’t happen very often, but when they do, the impact can be devastating. And unfortunately, you could be held legally responsible if a member of your household causes a car wreck or…