Claim Social Security Early at 62 or Wait Until 70? These Are the Trade-Offs
Sometimes it seems people spend more time researching what smartphone to buy than how to strategize Social Security in retirement. Many don’t realize that starting Social Security benefits too early or too late can cost you considerably. How do…
7 New Tax Brackets Proposed for High Earners: Who Would Pay More?
Every year, millions of taxpayers look at the latest federal income-tax brackets and rates to see where their income falls and how much they might owe the IRS. For the longest time, there have been seven brackets, each with its own marginal tax rate. But…
Who Actually Wins the Great Wealth Transfer?
It’s been billed as the greatest financial windfall in history, a tidal wave of wealth washing from the richest generation ever onto their heirs. But the reality is far more complicated. Aptly named the great wealth transfer, it’s the handoff…
10 States With the Cheapest Car Insurance
Nationwide, the average cost of full coverage car insurance sits at $2,244 per year while liability only coverage averages $1,176, according to insurance — comparison marketplace Insurify. But depending on which state you happen to live in, you could be…
Can Your Family Afford to Live on One Income? 7 Money Moves to Make First
It’s a question that comes up often among new parents and there’s surprisingly little information out there to answer it. With the exorbitant cost of daycare, would you be crazy for even considering having one parent quit their job to stay…
Should You Refuel Your 60/40 Portfolio With Oil and Gas?
For decades, the 60/40 portfolio has been one of the most familiar approaches to investing: Roughly 60% in stocks for growth and 40% in bonds for income and stability. There’s a reason that framework has lasted. Stocks and bonds remain important…
‘Mom’s Plans Are Going to Kill Dad’: How to Stop a Panic-Driven Relocation After a Dementia-Related Diagnosis
This story began with a phone call from brother and sister “Lisa” and “Michael,” who are both in their mid-40s. Their call was like no other I have received in all my decades of law practice. “Mr. Beaver,” Lisa began,…
Is Life Insurance the Missing Piece of Your Retirement Plan? 5 Questions to Find the Right Policy
For most of my career, I’ve watched Americans think about life insurance the same way. It’s something you buy to protect your family if something happens to you. That’s still true, but it’s no longer the whole story. Not only are…
‘Don’t Dwell on the Past’: A Quick Guide to Recovering From Financial Setbacks
We’ve all made at least one financial mistake we wish we could undo. For some, it’s an over-reliance on credit cards. Others may wish they’d set more money aside for emergencies. According to a report from the TIAA Institute, 76% of…
Stocks Slip on AI Safety Worries, Rising Oil Prices: Stock Market Today
Stocks fell Monday as fears that artificial intelligence has advanced too far, too fast escalated. Wall Street also kept a close eye on oil prices, which continued to climb ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting and are now up nearly 20% this…