Harris proposed 28% capital gains tax rate for top earners—what to know

Harris proposed 28% capital gains tax rate for top earners—what to know

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris arrives at Portsmouth International Airport in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Sept. 4, 2024. Joseph Prezioso | AFP | Getty Images ‘We don’t make any changes until the law has passed’ Currently, investors pay 0%, 15% or 20% for long-term capital gains, plus an extra 3.8% net investment income tax, … Read more

Here’s when it makes sense to buy vs. rent

Here’s when it makes sense to buy vs. rent

Owning isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. For many reasons — including affordability — more Americans are choosing to rent everything from cars and apartments to clothing and furniture these days, according to a report by Intuit Credit Karma. Far beyond the traditional tuxedo, the rental industry has expanded in recent years to … Read more

How much cash you need to set aside to prepare for a recession

How much cash you need to set aside to prepare for a recession

Pascal Broze | Onoky | Getty Images As investors face economic uncertainty, financial advisors have guidelines for how much cash they should have set aside. Despite second-quarter economic growth, nearly 60% of Americans wrongly think the U.S. is currently in a recession, according to a June survey of 2,000 adults from Affirm. While Goldman Sachs … Read more

How to ’emotionproof’ your portfolio ahead of the presidential election

How to ’emotionproof’ your portfolio ahead of the presidential election

Adamkaz | E+ | Getty Images Stock market volatility could increase in the run up to the U.S. presidential election, strategists predict. That’s making some investors more anxious about what the election outcome could mean for their money.  In a survey by the American Psychiatric Association this spring, 73% of people said they felt anxious … Read more

As Dow nears 40,000, here’s what experts say to do in case of a pullback

As Dow nears 40,000, here’s what experts say to do in case of a pullback

A man sits on the Wall street bull near the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on November 24, 2020 in New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images The stock market could reach a milestone if the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaches 40,000. However, even as stocks have climbed higher, investors are worried there could … Read more

Nearly half of young adults have ‘money dysmorphia,’ survey finds

Nearly half of young adults have ‘money dysmorphia,’ survey finds

Overwhelming evidence suggests social media has a negative effect on self-esteem. That’s not only true for how people feel about their appearance and social status, but also their financial well-being and economic standing. A new term, “money dysmorphia,” aims to describe the distorted view of one’s finances that nearly one-third, or 29%, of Americans say … Read more

You can still buy a sofa for $399 — here’s why you may not want to

You can still buy a sofa for 9 — here’s why you may not want to

  Hispanolistic | E+ | Getty Images Don’t expect the sofa you buy today to go the distance. “In the last 15 years, there’s been a shift to disposable furniture,” according to David Koehler, chairman of Johnny Janosik, a furniture retailer with stores in Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. For most consumers, that’s okay. Attitudes have … Read more

How parents can gain from two child credits this tax season

How parents can gain from two child credits this tax season

Maskot | Maskot | Getty Images The cost to raise a child has become expensive for parents in the U.S. As tax season approaches, it’s smart to pay attention to tax breaks related to children and care expenses. Costs for child care have increased significantly due to inflation. Many child care centers also bumped their … Read more

Here’s what to know about the first bitcoin ETFs

Here’s what to know about the first bitcoin ETFs

Recep-bg | E+ | Getty Images The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Wednesday approved the first U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds. But experts urge caution before piling into the long-awaited ETFs. The agency signed off on 11 bitcoin ETF applications, including funds from BlackRock, Fidelity, Ark Invest, WisdomTree and Grayscale. The new investment provides … Read more

Here are moves investors can make when the market is soaring, advisors say

Here are moves investors can make when the market is soaring, advisors say

Rear view of woman sitting on top of mountain against cloudy sky during sunrise. Simonkr | E+ | Getty Images It was a very good year for the stock market. The benchmark S&P 500 ended the year with a 24.2% gain, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose more than a 13% this year and and the Nasdaq … Read more