Chance of Biden dropping out of presidental race is 40%, Stifel says

Chance of Biden dropping out of presidental race is 40%, Stifel says

There’s a 40% chance President Joe Biden will not seek reelection, according to Stifel. Brian Gardner, the firm’s chief Washington policy strategist, is out with a research note that calls it a “make or break week” for the president’s campaign as Congress returns from its Fourth of July recess. “There’s a 60% chance, more likely … Read more

Young, wealthy investors are turning to alternative investments

Young, wealthy investors are turning to alternative investments

pixelfit | E+ | Getty Images Young, wealthy investors don’t want their parents’ investments. If you’re between the ages of 21 and 43 and have at least $3 million in investable assets, your preferred investments likely aren’t your traditional mix of stocks and bonds, according to new research from Bank of America. Nearly one-third of … Read more

Why consumers are spending so much this summer

Why consumers are spending so much this summer

Taylor Swift fans queue outside Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 6, 2024. Her fans, known as Swifties, had made the superstar $200 million in Eras merchandise sales as of November 2023. Jeff J Mitchell | Getty Images News | Getty Images The price of ‘funflation’ Some ticket prices have surged in recent months, … Read more

Here’s how to be a retirement ‘super saver’

Here’s how to be a retirement ‘super saver’

Hispanolistic | E+ | Getty Images A retirement savings crisis is looming for people who have 401(k) plans and other retirement balances woefully short of what they will need to live on. But some workers — called “super savers” — are managing to successfully grow their retirement nest eggs. Super savers are workers who are … Read more

The pitfalls of this viral savings challenge

The pitfalls of this viral savings challenge

TikTok is chock-full of tips for building wealth. The latest money-saving trend taking over is the “no-spend month,” which encourages TikTok users to cut out all non-essential purchases for a set period. But, in this case, even the best intentions can backfire. Here is what you should know before swearing off unnecessary spending. The no-spend rules The … Read more

80% of Americans say grocery costs have increased since pandemic started

80% of Americans say grocery costs have increased since pandemic started

A customer shops at a Safeway store on June 11, 2024 in Mill Valley, California.  Justin Sullivan | Getty Images The rate of price increases for food has subsided in recent months, according to the latest government inflation data. However, shoppers still report feeling burdened by the prices they’re seeing in the grocery store aisles. … Read more

As Social Security faces fund depletion, plans for reform commission spur debate

As Social Security faces fund depletion, plans for reform commission spur debate

zimmytws | iStock | Getty Images A protester interrupted a January congressional committee hearing to consider a bill that would create a bipartisan commission to address Social Security. “A vote for a commission is a vote to cut Social Security,” the man shouted before he was escorted off the floor. While there was a protest … Read more

Industries where workers tend to have higher 401(k) balances

Industries where workers tend to have higher 401(k) balances

To gauge your retirement preparedness, you may compare your 401(k) balance to other savers’ progress. But you might find people in your field are a better comparison point than those in your age group. Recent data from Fidelity finds that 401(k) plan investors on the firm’s platform had a $125,900 average 401(k) balance in the … Read more

Supplemental Security Income marks 50 years. How benefits may change

Supplemental Security Income marks 50 years. How benefits may change

Martonaphoto | Moment | Getty Images A federal program for people with disabilities and older adults made its first benefit payments 50 years ago. In 1974, Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, began sending the first monthly checks starting at around $140 per individual, or $210 per couple. In 2024, the maximum monthly benefit is $943 … Read more

Great wealth transfer or retirement savings crisis? It can be both

Great wealth transfer or retirement savings crisis? It can be both

Ascentxmedia | E+ | Getty Images It can feel like the U.S. economy has divided consumers into groups of haves and have nots — and retirees are no exception. Research has found a great wealth transfer is underway, with research and consulting firm Cerulli Associates estimating an $84 trillion to shift from older to younger … Read more