Back in October 2018, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index reached its highest level since September 2000, even in the midst of a stock market slide and fears of inflation and rising interest rates. Another measure of consumer confidence, the Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment, remained higher in 2018 than in any year this century. [...]
Back in December, the Fed established benchmark federal funds rates at 2.25 to 2.5 percent, and we’ve all been watching for (and trying to predict) news of any changes. Now, after the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on March 20, along with other news, we have an answer: It looks like the Fed won’t [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Ask ten people about their dreams for retirement, and you’re likely to receive ten different answers. However, one common theme might recur: Most of us would love to have our homes paid off before we retire. Is that possible? The most common mortgage repayment terms include a 30-year payment plan. We tend [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: You already know that because Social Security won’t provide enough income for most retirees to live comfortably, establishing your own retirement account is incredibly important. You took that step years ago, and have been saving faithfully ever since. On the flip side, many people never stop to think about how detrimental early [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: Many workers hope to retire around age 65, and expect that they will begin required minimum distributions from a retirement account at that time. However, some hope to continue working and saving a bit longer. Others go ahead and retire on time, but want to wait on those distributions for a few [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: For most of us, Social Security has been around as long as we have. It was created back in 1935, as a supplemental income source for retirees. And so, for all of our lives, we have counted on the program to be there when we need it someday. Now, with your [...]
For Mark Roberts' Use: While we all hope to manage our debt loads during our lifetimes, it’s normal to pass away still owing money to one or more creditors. It might only be last month’s bills, or it might be a more significant amount like a mortgage. Either way, most of us hope not to [...]
These days, it’s rare for an individual to stay with the same company throughout the duration of their career. You will probably face the decision of moving on to greener pastures someday… But what about your employer-sponsored 401(k)? Do you have to leave it behind? No, luckily you will have options. Generally speaking, most workers [...]
For most of us, Social Security will comprise a significant part of our retirement income. So naturally you want to access the maximum benefit possible for your situation. But you might also be curious to know what is the maximum possible Social Security payment? Just out of curiosity, we investigated this issue for you. Social [...]
When we talk about saving for retirement, we’re often speaking to those who have access to an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan. But what if your company doesn’t offer this option? You wouldn’t be alone; about 38 million working Americans don’t have access to this type of retirement opportunity. But you still have options… First, talk to [...]