You can still lower your tax bill with a ‘spousal IRA’ contribution

10’000 Hours | Digitalvision | Getty Images There’s still time to lower your 2023 tax bill or boost your refund with a lesser-known retirement savings strategy for married couples. One requirement for individual retirement account contributions is “earned income,” such as wages or salary from a job or self-employment earnings. But there’s an exception for … 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

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

Peopleimages | Istock | Getty Images High inflation has prompted higher Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. But as the rate of price growth subsides, the annual increases for Social Security may fall in 2025 and beyond, predicts Mary Johnson, a Social Security and Medicare policy analyst at The Senior Citizens League, a nonpartisan senior group. In … Read more

How women can build wealth

The author, Bola Sokunbi Credit: Bola Sokunbi When it comes to managing money, women commonly use the word “fear” to describe what stands between them and the life they want. But achieving financial success means stepping out of our comfort zone, said Bola Sokunbi, founder of Clever Girl Finance and author of “Choosing to Prosper” — … Read more

Many workers believe pensions are key to achieving the American Dream

A United Auto Workers union member holds a sign outside the Stellantis Sterling Heights Assembly Plant to mark the beginning of contract negotiations in Sterling Heights, Michigan, on July 12, 2023. Rebecca Cook | Reuters Many Americans long for the days when companies guaranteed workers income in retirement. That includes Sara Schambers, a fourth-generation Ford … Read more

93% of women are stressed about money — a cash reserve can help

There’s a wealth gap between women and men that has been stubbornly hard to shake. Gender pay gaps have persisted despite women’s increasing levels of education and representation in senior leadership positions at work. Women are still more likely to take time out of the labor force or reduce the number of hours worked because of caretaking responsibilities, often referred … Read more

Why is it becoming so hard to retire in the UK? – podcast | News

The age at which people in the UK can access the state pension keeps rising. Economists say it is inevitable that young people entering the workforce now will need to keep working into their 70s to start tapping the social safety net. Every time the pension age inches upwards, more people find themselves stranded if … Read more

He got his student debt forgiven. And then a $56,801 refund

Marlon and his dog, George. Courtesy: Since 1988, Marlon Fox has been paying down his federal student debt. He didn’t see an end in sight. Then, on Aug. 25, 2023, an email popped up in his inbox with the subject line: “Your student loans have been forgiven!” His $119,500 balance was reset to zero. “I … Read more

40-year-old millionaire who retired early only lasted 5 months—here’s what made her go back to work

My entire life used to be about maximizing my time for work. I spent over a decade building a career in New York’s tech scene. I worked at Foursquare and Google, and in 2014, I started my business, Tech Ladies. My goal was to help women in the industry find jobs, negotiate and network. I hired … Read more

How much to save monthly to retire at 64 with over 1 million dollars

Many Americans want to retire before turning 65, and they’re pretty optimistic about achieving that goal. Nearly three quarters of American adults — 74% — are confident they’ll be able to retire at 64, per New York Life’s recent “Wealth Watch” survey. The life insurance firm polled around 2,200 people of various ages, genders, races … Read more