Singapore has ‘engineered’ a society that lives to 100 – here’s how

This Asian country has one of the longest-lived populations in the world. Koh Sze Kiat | E+ | Getty Images Singapore is the world’s latest “blue zone” — defined as a place where people live longer and healthier lives. “Singapore has … the highest health-adjusted life expectancy in the world. So whatever Singapore did, it … Read more

Why gray divorce is a significant financial risk for women

Laylabird | E+ | Getty Images Breaking up in old age can be costly, especially for women. The rate of “gray divorce” — a term that describes divorce at age 50 and older — doubled from 1990 to 2019, according to a 2022 study published in The Journals of Gerontology. It tripled for adults over … Read more

How much money Americans in their 30s have in their 401(k)s

Americans in their 30s have another 30 or so years before they reach retirement age, but they may not be saving enough to retire comfortably. On average, Americans believe they’ll need nearly $1.3 million to retire comfortably, according to Northwestern Mutual’s 2023 Planning and Progress study. However, the amount Americans in their 30s currently have … Read more

How Social Security benefits may change under Republican, Democrat proposals

South_agency | E+ | Getty Images House Republicans unveiled a plan this week that calls for raising the Social Security retirement age. Meanwhile, Democrats and advocates for the program are ramping up their calls to tax the rich to enhance benefits. “On the right, there is a line in the sand against tax increases,” said … Read more

This is the easiest way for newbies to start investing, experts say

Kate_sept2004 | E+ | Getty Images Investing can seem overly complicated, and that complexity may paralyze Americans into doing nothing. But investing — and doing so smartly — doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, getting started can be relatively easy, according to financial experts. “You don’t need to be a rocket scientist. Investing is … Read more

How to avoid the ‘survivor’s penalty’ before a spouse passes

Jessie Casson | Digitalvision | Getty Images It’s hard to lose a spouse, and a costly surprise makes it even more difficult, especially for older women — higher taxes. But financial experts say there are several ways to prepare. In 2022, there was a 5.4-year life expectancy gap between U.S. sexes, according to data from … Read more

Why Social Security cost-of-living adjustment may be smaller in 2025

Peopleimages | Istock | Getty Images Early estimates for the 2025 Social Security COLA New government data points to a 2.4% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2025, The Senior Citizens League estimates, based on new government inflation data released this week. To be sure, that estimate is subject to change. The Social Security Administration typically … Read more

Where candidates stand on Social Security, Medicare

Former U.S. President Donald Trump watches a video of President Joe Biden playing during a rally for Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) at the Miami-Dade Country Fair and Exposition on November 6, 2022 in Miami, Florida. Joe Raedle | Getty Images News | Getty Images Former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden issued opposing … Read more

Retirement prospects for women can be bleak. How to prepare

Momo Productions | Stone | Getty Images Women face tough financial prospects in retirement. About 50% of women ages 55 to 66 have no personal retirement savings, a higher share than men (47%), according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Those who do have retirement savings are less likely to have $100,000 or more (22% vs. … Read more