Holding too much cash can be a mistake, experts say

Holding too much cash can be a mistake, experts say

Skaman306 | Moment | Getty Images It wasn’t long ago that investors earned practically 0% returns on cash. As the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates high to combat high inflation, you can easily earn 5% annual percentage yields on savings accounts and other low risk vehicles. Some experts are now warning it’s possible to … Read more

Biden, Trump spar over Social Security, Medicare in presidential debate

Biden, Trump spar over Social Security, Medicare in presidential debate

Republican presidential candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic Party presidential candidate U.S. President Joe Biden speak during a presidential debate in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., June 27, 2024 in a combination photo. Brian Snyder | Reuters The future of Social Security and Medicare may be greatly impacted by whoever occupies the White House following … 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

Here’s the average 401(k) savings rate and where your target should be

Here’s the average 401(k) savings rate and where your target should be

Hispanolistic | E+ | Getty Images The average 401(k) savings rate — including employee deferrals and company contributions — has maintained historic levels as plan designs make it easier for workers to set money aside. In 2023, the average combined savings rate was an estimated 11.7%, which matched a record high from 2022, according to … Read more

Kyla Scanlon on Gen Z’s divided investing attitudes

Kyla Scanlon on Gen Z’s divided investing attitudes

Economic commentator Kyla Scanlon is noticing a potentially worrying trend in the investing outlook among younger generations. “It’s a bifurcated world,” she told CNBC’s “ETF Edge” this week.  Scanlon, 26, who rose to prominence through her social media videos on the market and economy, explained why some members of Generation Z are aggressively saving for … Read more

Older voters want candidates who will protect Social Security

Older voters want candidates who will protect Social Security

Joe Biden and Donald Trump Getty Images Voters, ages 50 and older, will have a strong influence on the November election. And politicians who want to win their vote would be wise to emphasize personal economic issues that affect them, particularly Social Security, according to a new AARP poll of likely voters from the 44 … 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

Second-quarter estimated tax deadline for 2024 is June 17

Second-quarter estimated tax deadline for 2024 is June 17

D3sign | Moment | Getty Images The second-quarter estimated tax deadline for 2024 is June 17, and you could owe a penalty if you don’t send a payment, according to the IRS. You typically owe estimated tax payments for income without withholdings, such as from contract jobs, freelancing or gig economy work, or if you … Read more

Why Gen Z is investing earlier than millennials did

Why Gen Z is investing earlier than millennials did

Eternity In An Instant | Stone | Getty Images The financial benefit of starting to invest early The time element is crucial for investing. A teenager opening a retirement savings account could end up with hundreds of thousands more dollars compared to someone who began saving in their 20s. For example, say you put aside … 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