If the economy had a personality, it would be that one friend who texts “we need to talk” and then disappears. Suddenly everyone’s anxious, headlines get dramatic, and you’re wondering if buying eggs now qualifies as a long-term strategy. The truth is much calmer—and far more practical. The economy isn’t a mysterious force controlled by Wall Street or Washington alone.
Retirement. The grand finale. The victory lap. The moment you trade in your alarm clock for… whatever people who sleep past 6 AM use instead. Whether you’re five months or fifteen years away from clocking out for the last time, retirement planning doesn’t have to feel like you’re deciphering ancient hieroglyphics carved into a 401(k) statement. It can be clear, manageable, and—dare we say—kind of fun.
Money is an emotional creature. It can spark joy, spark stress, or spark that moment at 1 a.m. when you google “Can I retire on vibes alone?” (Unfortunately, no. The math people would like a word.) But while finance often feels overwhelming, here’s a fun fact: studies show that people who have a written financial plan are far more confident about their future. According to a recent Schwab survey, 65% of people with a written plan feel financially stable, compared to just 40% without one.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the 10-year tab to meet the country’s basic infrastructure needs is about $6 trillion. The report, published in March, includes $125 billion needed for bridge repairs, $435 billion for roads, and $176 billion for the nation’s transportation systems. Today, two-thirds of infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, highways, and airports are financed by municipal bonds.
Thelma Sutcliffe turned 114 years old in April, making her the oldest living American and the seventh-oldest person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group. The Omaha, Nebraska, resident attributes her relative good health and longevity to the fact that she never had children, never smoked, and made it a habit not to worry. It’s also a good idea to establish a plan that provides a confident retirement.
According to the most recent Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum, 50% of employees will need new skills training by 2025 as the pace of technological innovation continues to grow. Among business leaders, 94% say they expect employees to learn new skills while on the job, compared to just 65% who made that claim in 2018. However, the amount of time it takes to reskill will depend on the industry.
Oil prices are influenced by supply and demand, and 2020 was a great demonstration of this principle. With global and local shutdowns due to the spread of the coronavirus, there was less demand for products and services. While online shopping was up, foot traffic in stores languished and retailers suffered from reduced consumerism. Wholesale orders dropped, as did the need to transport them from manufacturers to distributors to vendors.
A recent article in The New York Times tackled the challenge of how the federal government can pay for its list of to-do items, such as nationwide infrastructure updates, investing in clean energy, ensuring every American has access to affordable health care, and paying down the massive $28.1 trillion in debt. The recommendation was simple: Don’t raise individual or corporate taxes — just collect was is owed under current rules and legislation.
Planning for retirement income may seem like a daunting task, but can help you get a handle on preparing for your financial future.
If the economy had a personality, it would be that one friend who texts “we need to talk” and then disappears. Suddenly everyone’s anxious, headlines get dramatic, and you’re wondering if buying eggs now qualifies as a long-term strategy. The truth is much calmer—and far more practical. The economy isn’t a mysterious force controlled by Wall Street or Washington alone.
Some people stay in place when they retire, while others buy a second home or relocate entirely. If you’re thinking of buying a new home, should you plan the purchase before you stop working, or is it possible to get to a mortgage after you’re retired? Plenty of retirees can qualify for a mortgage while on a fixed income, but it can be more difficult. It’s easier if you’re looking to buy a primary residence, as a vacation home could be more of a challenge if you still have a mortgage on your main home.
In its midyear review, market analysts at Charles Schwab say that economic growth in the United States may have peaked in the second quarter of this year. They also note that the rollout of Europe’s largest-ever stimulus plan should aid growth and the region still has some way to go before peaking — meaning eurozone stocks could deliver further gains.
As hard as retirement saving and investing may seem, that’s the easy part. The real challenge is figuring out how to make your accumulated savings last throughout your and your spouse’s retirements. You need a strategy, and it’s best to have that strategy developed before retirement begins.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the 10-year tab to meet the country’s basic infrastructure needs is about $6 trillion. The report, published in March, includes $125 billion needed for bridge repairs, $435 billion for roads, and $176 billion for the nation’s transportation systems. Today, two-thirds of infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, highways, and airports are financed by municipal bonds.
Thelma Sutcliffe turned 114 years old in April, making her the oldest living American and the seventh-oldest person in the world, according to the Gerontology Research Group. The Omaha, Nebraska, resident attributes her relative good health and longevity to the fact that she never had children, never smoked, and made it a habit not to worry. It’s also a good idea to establish a plan that provides a confident retirement.
If the economy had a personality, it would be that one friend who texts “we need to talk” and then disappears. Suddenly everyone’s anxious, headlines get dramatic, and you’re wondering if buying eggs now qualifies as a long-term strategy. The truth is much calmer—and far more practical. The economy isn’t a mysterious force controlled by Wall Street or Washington alone.
Young adults have weathered difficult times the past two decades: mass school shootings, extreme weather conditions, student loan debt and a global pandemic. But now they’re witnessing an unprecedented job market, where even those with little to no work experience can dictate their own terms. It’s important that we steer our young adults to good saving and investing habits now, while they have the capacity to earn increased income. This job market may not always be the reality, so it’s good to build a treasure chest when they have the opportunity.
Some people stay in place when they retire, while others buy a second home or relocate entirely. If you’re thinking of buying a new home, should you plan the purchase before you stop working, or is it possible to get to a mortgage after you’re retired? Plenty of retirees can qualify for a mortgage while on a fixed income, but it can be more difficult. It’s easier if you’re looking to buy a primary residence, as a vacation home could be more of a challenge if you still have a mortgage on your main home.
In its midyear review, market analysts at Charles Schwab say that economic growth in the United States may have peaked in the second quarter of this year. They also note that the rollout of Europe’s largest-ever stimulus plan should aid growth and the region still has some way to go before peaking — meaning eurozone stocks could deliver further gains.
As hard as retirement saving and investing may seem, that’s the easy part. The real challenge is figuring out how to make your accumulated savings last throughout your and your spouse’s retirements. You need a strategy, and it’s best to have that strategy developed before retirement begins.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the 10-year tab to meet the country’s basic infrastructure needs is about $6 trillion. The report, published in March, includes $125 billion needed for bridge repairs, $435 billion for roads, and $176 billion for the nation’s transportation systems. Today, two-thirds of infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, highways, and airports are financed by municipal bonds.