Today’s article highlights how, in the search for stable and predictable retirement income, some people are choosing to “be the bank”: “As an alternative to a 401(k) account or investing in the stock market, they become private lenders for people who are investing in real estate. And just as borrowers send monthly payments to a bank or mortgage company to…
When it comes to amassing enough wealth to be able to fund the retirement lifestyle of your choosing, there are a number of potential sources to consider beyond a 401(k), including Social Security, pensions…and employee stock options. In regards to the latter, how can employee stock options be best incorporated into one’s overall retirement plan? Acknowledging that “the answer can…
If you have a 401(k) you are probably invested in gun stocks – and in the wake of the Parkland, Florida school shooting and the ensuing debate over gun control, some 401(k) participants are looking to take a stand by divesting from such stocks. Today’s article outlines some considerations for individual investors before making such a move, including what options…
How do you compare to the average American when it comes to your household income (and household debt), charitable giving, 401(k) balance, personal savings rate, and other key financial metrics? Today’s article outlines “10 Financial Statistics of the Average American” – including the aforementioned five – so that you can find out. To see where you are financially average, above…
Despite concerns that the Republican tax plan would deliver a major blow to retirement savers by dramatically reducing how much they could stash away in their 401(k)s each year, that provision has not come to pass. So retirement savers can breathe a sigh of relief…right? Not necessarily. The author of today’s article warns that “while it’s good that Republicans backed…
They correctly forecasted last decade’s financial crisis and its devastating effects on many Americans – and now they are getting nervous about another meltdown when the current bull market ends. Today’s article goes to three market skeptics – including Yale economist Robert Shiller, who warned of a “catastrophic collapse of the housing and stock markets” three years before the ’08…
If you’re close to retirement you can thank them for helping to give the return on your retirement savings a boost. But if your retirement is still a ways off, the author of today’s article warns that “you’re going to have a devil of a time getting a decent return on your retirement savings” because of them. The “them” in…
Dipping into your 401(k), taking out a loan, or turning to high-interest credit card debt when life throws one of its unpleasant (and expensive) little surprises your way has its cost. As the author of today’s article notes, “any of these steps will set you back in growing your net worth and hinder your ability to reach your goals.” Thus…
In the wake of their failure on health care reform, Republicans in Washington are determined to pass tax reform – and as today’s article notes, “among the tax reform proposals currently being discussed is one that would convert part or all of workers’ tax-deferred 401(k) contributions to Roth 401(k) contributions, which are made after taxes have been removed.” What would…
A significant percentage of Americans are not saving enough (or at all) for retirement – and the U.S. government seems to be doing everything it can to exacerbate this problem. The latest example of this is the Treasury Department’s canceling of the Obama-era myRA program for individuals who did not have access to a 401(k) or other retirement plan at…