A recession could upend retirement plans. Taking these steps can help

A recession could upend retirement plans. Taking these steps can help

Ascentxmedia | E+ | Getty Images With the Federal Reserve poised to start cutting interest rates, experts are divided on what’s ahead for the U.S. economy. While some worry the economy could be in for a broad decline, or recession, others hope the central bank can effectively avoid a downturn and execute a “soft landing.” … Read more

Trump government cuts could cost House Republicans majority

Trump government cuts could cost House Republicans majority

WASHINGTON — For nearly a decade, former president Donald Trump has rallied voters around a cry to cut the size of the federal government and “drain the swamp.” But now one Republican running in a key House race is trying to distance himself from the proposed cuts, and from Trump’s plan to move 100,000 federal … Read more

Ford joins list of companies walking back DEI policies

Ford joins list of companies walking back DEI policies

The new Ford F-150 and the all-new Ranger trucks are launched at a celebratory event at the Ford Dearborn Plant on April 11, 2024 in Dearborn, Michigan. Bill Pugliano | Getty Images Ford Motor is the latest company to walk back some of its commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The automaker has taken … Read more

Why the McDonald’s value meal is making a comeback

Why the McDonald’s value meal is making a comeback

With fast-food customers revolting over higher prices, chains like McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s are bringing back the value meal. Nearly 80% of Americans said they feel fast food has become a luxury and are eating out less, according to a LendingTree survey. To try to lure them back, fast-food chains have been touting their … Read more

These countries grant workers the right to ignore bosses after work

These countries grant workers the right to ignore bosses after work

A young woman working at a table in a garden. Ute Grabowsky | Photothek | Getty Images Australia has become the latest country to allow employees the “right to disconnect” from work, a measure that has so far been implemented mostly in European nations. Under the new legislation, that came into effect on Monday, organizations … Read more

Here’s why some investors shouldn’t max out 401(k) contributions

Here’s why some investors shouldn’t max out 401(k) contributions

Hispanolistic | E+ | Getty Images There’s still time to boost 401(k) contributions and max out your plan account for 2024, but not everyone should, according to financial advisors. For 2024, employees can defer up to $23,000 into 401(k) plans, up from $22,500 in 2023, with an extra $7,500 for workers age 50 and older. Some … Read more

Children may qualify for Social Security benefits. What to know

Children may qualify for Social Security benefits. What to know

Minnesota Governor and 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz at the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 19, 2024. Charly Triballeau | AFP | Getty Images Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accepted the Democratic vice presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night. In his speech, Walz credited … Read more

This required minimum distribution strategy helps avoid tax penalties

This required minimum distribution strategy helps avoid tax penalties

Aire Images | Moment | Getty Images Retirees may have income from Social Security, a pension, a retirement plan or other sources — and they typically must either withhold taxes or make quarterly payments to avoid IRS penalties. For 2024, the quarterly estimated tax deadlines are April 15, June 17, Sept. 16 and Jan. 15, … Read more

Michelle Obama: Trump DNC speech

Michelle Obama: Trump DNC speech

Former First Lady Michelle Obama directly challenged former President Donald Trump over his decade-long effort to vilify the Obamas in her speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Tuesday. “Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” Obama said. “Doubling down on ugly, misogynistic, racist lies as … Read more

GM lays off more than 1,000 salaried software and services employees

GM lays off more than 1,000 salaried software and services employees

A General Motors sign is seen during an event on January 25, 2022 in Lansing, Michigan. – General Motors will create 4,000 new jobs and retaining 1,000, and significantly increasing battery cell and electric truck manufacturing capacity. Jeff Kowalsky | AFP | Getty Images DETROIT – General Motors is laying off more than 1,000 salaried … Read more