Americans think they need $1.46 million to retire. What experts say

Aleksandarnakic | E+ | Getty Images When it comes to retirement, Americans have a new number in mind — $1.46 million — for how much they think they will need to live comfortably, according to new research from Northwestern Mutual. That estimate is up 53% since 2020, when Americans said they would need $951,000, as … Read more

Tips to prevent caregiver burnout as world population grows older

The WHO estimates that people aged 60+ will be approximately 22% of the global population by 2050. Momo Productions | Digitalvision | Getty Images People are living longer now than ever before. As medical technology advances and medicines become more effective, mortality rates have also fallen. While this is a major success for humanity, signaling … Read more

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

What Social Security beneficiaries need to know about overpayment policies

Mstudioimages | E+ | Getty Images Social Security beneficiaries who owe money to the Social Security Administration may see much lower default withholding rates from their monthly checks, thanks to new policies that are going into effect. As of March 25, the Social Security Administration will no longer collect 100% of a total monthly Social … Read more

Why consumers might be getting less for their money

Pixelseffect | E+ | Getty Images Some grocery store products are providing less for your money. And everyone from President Joe Biden to Cookie Monster has noticed. Blame shrinkflation. The term — which is increasingly used in conversation — refers to products becoming smaller in size, weight or quantity as their prices stay the same … Read more

Here’s where prices fell in February 2024 — in one chart

A customer shops for food at a grocery store in San Rafael, California, March 12, 2024. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images News | Getty Images The U.S. is still grappling with higher inflation, government data released this week shows. But there are some bright spots for consumers. Inflation is lower than its 2022 peak. And … Read more

Here’s the inflation breakdown for February 2024 — in one chart

Shoppers are seen in a Kroger supermarket in Atlanta on Oct. 14, 2022. Elijah Nouvelage | AFP | Getty Images Consumers continued to contend with higher inflation in February, according to new government data. The consumer price index — an inflation measure that tracks changes in the prices of consumer goods and services over time … Read more

Millionaires reach limit for Social Security payroll taxes for 2024

Ezra Bailey | Getty Images Most Americans can expect to pay Social Security payroll taxes throughout 2024. But for top earners with gross annual wage income of $1 million, March 2 marks the date at which they will stop paying into the program, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research. The reason why … Read more

Amid FAFSA issues, it’s a good time to lobby for more financial aid

PeopleImages | E+ | Getty Images Above all else, the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid was designed to improve college access. However, problems with the rollout have left many students and their families frustrated with fewer students applying overall. As of the last tally, nearly 4 million students have submitted the 2024-25 FAFSA form so … Read more

Biden calls shrinkflation a ‘rip off.’ How to spot downsized products

Anna Bizon | Gallo Images Roots Rf Collection | Getty Images President Joe Biden took to social media ahead of the Super Bowl on Sunday to take a jab at snack companies that are giving consumers less food for their money. The phenomenon called shrinkflation — where consumer products become smaller in quantity, size or … Read more