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

How to use required minimum distributions to improve your portfolio

How to use required minimum distributions to improve your portfolio

Richard Drury | Digitalvision | Getty Images After funneling money into pretax retirement accounts, you will eventually face mandatory withdrawals in retirement known as required minimum distributions, or RMDs. Since RMDs can trigger higher taxes, the withdrawals can be a nuisance for some retirees who do not need the money. But the yearly activity could … Read more

The case for a 40-year mortgage

The case for a 40-year mortgage

MoMo Productions | Taxi | Getty Images Homeownership has long symbolized the American Dream, embodying stability, wealth creation, and community investment. Yet, for millions of Americans, especially younger generations and first-time homebuyers, that dream is slipping away. Rising home prices, stagnant wages, and restrictive mortgage terms have made it increasingly difficult to take that crucial … Read more

Most households can weather moderate expense shocks, research finds

Most households can weather moderate expense shocks, research finds

JGI/Jamie Grill | Blend Images | Getty Images How people would handle a surprise $400 expense The Federal Reserve has found 13% of all adults would have been unable to pay for an unexpected $400 expense in 2023. Yet, JPMorgan Chase Institute finds the share of individuals who are unable to cover such an expense … Read more

What TikTok’s ‘underconsumption core’ trend means for your money

What TikTok’s ‘underconsumption core’ trend means for your money

Sophie Hinn with a pencil holder her mom made out of trash. Courtesy Sophie Hinn Using only one water bottle. Finishing that tube of makeup before buying another. Owning furniture that’s been passed down through generations. This isn’t the lifestyle that social media influencers promoting their Amazon storefront or their brand discount codes show. So-called … Read more

Some families say back-to-school shopping will put them in debt

Some families say back-to-school shopping will put them in debt

A Target store in Queens, New York. Lindsey Nicholson | UCG | Universal Images Group | Getty Images The back-to-school shopping season is in full swing, with the hefty bills to prove it. Nearly one-third — 31% — of back-to-school shoppers said that buying supplies for the new year will put them into debt, according to a … Read more

Money moves to consider ahead of a Fed rate cut

Money moves to consider ahead of a Fed rate cut

The Federal Reserve could start lowering interest rates as soon as next month, based on the latest inflation data. “We think that the time is approaching,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said at a press conference after the last Federal Open Market Committee meeting in July. For Americans struggling to keep up with sky-high interest charges, a likely September rate cut may bring some … Read more

Federal minimum wage has been $7.25 for 15 years. How that may change

Federal minimum wage has been .25 for 15 years. How that may change

Activists demonstrate in support of a $15-per-hour minimum wage and tips for restaurant workers in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 8, 2022. Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images The federal minimum wage recently marked a new anniversary. But for affected workers, that may not be something to celebrate. The federal minimum wage has now been … Read more