“After all the bills for the month, we have $3,500 a month left for living, food etc.” (Photo subjects are models.) - Getty Images/iStockphoto Dear Moneyist, I am 41 years old and have just retired from the service. I have $1.2 million in four different accounts, three of which are IRAs. I bring in $7,200 a month from my pension and disability benefits. That is the only source of income currently for a family of five. We have $46,000 in credit-card debt and we are struggling to find a way forward. It’s ...

Here's why a fast-rising pharmaceutical trimmed—and not abandoned—by a specialist fund signals ongoing conviction in the stock.San Francisco-based 5AM Venture Management reduced its stake in Centessa Pharmaceuticals (CNTA +0.17%) by 150,000 shares in the third quarter, according to a November 14 SEC filing.What HappenedAccording to a filing published with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 5AM Venture Management disclosed a reduction in its Centessa Pharmaceuticals position. The fund rep ...

Core Argument - The article discusses the growing trend among social media influencers advocating for early Social Security benefits at age 62, contrasting with traditional advice to delay benefits until age 70 for a larger monthly payout [1][2]. Group 1: Early Claiming vs. Delayed Benefits - Social media influencers suggest that claiming Social Security at 62 and investing the funds could yield higher returns than waiting for a larger benefit [1][3]. - Traditional financial advice recommends delaying benefits until age 70 to maximize monthly payouts, which can increase by approximately 8% for each year of delay [2][4]. - Claiming early can result in a reduction of benefits by up to 30% compared to the amount received at Full Retirement Age (FRA) [4]. Group 2: Investment Returns and Risks - The S&P 500 has returned about 14% in the current year, with a decade-long average annual return of over 12%, leading to the argument that investing early benefits could compensate for lower Social Security checks [5]. - However, the article emphasizes that future investment returns are uncertain, while delayed Social Security benefits provide a guaranteed, risk-free income with annual inflation adjustments [5][6]. Group 3: Importance of Inflation Protection - Social Security benefits are highlighted as the primary source of income for most retirees, with annual cost-of-living adjustments serving as a crucial protection against inflation [6].

Few stocks have been better than this one.A-X-O-N is the ticker symbol for the stock of law enforcement technology company Axon Enterprise (AXON +1.22%), which has been a great investment over the past five years and the past decade. Those who invested $10,000 five years ago have over $41,000 today. And those who invested a decade ago have nearly $300,000.Many investors are likely familiar with Axon's most famous product, the Taser. Many are also likely aware of the company's Axon body cameras used by law e ...

Core Insights - The S&P 500 has ended a historically long streak of 138 consecutive trading days above its 50-day moving average, the longest since 2006-2007 and the fifth-longest since 1950 [1][5][7] - The Nasdaq Composite also experienced a similar streak, marking its longest since 1995 [2] - The end of such streaks can indicate short-term weakness, but the more critical measure is whether the market remains above its 200-day moving average, which is currently 6,166.05, with the S&P 500 being 8% above this level [3] Historical Context - Historically, the end of the S&P 500's streak has not always led to negative outcomes, as past instances have shown positive returns three and six months later [5][6] - Notable examples include 2007, where the S&P 500 saw a short-term dip but eventually reached a new all-time high, closing the year with a 5.5% total return [6] - Conversely, the end of the streak in 2007 also foreshadowed a bear market that began months later, as did a similar occurrence in 1961 [7][8]

Core Insights - Affirm has experienced an average increase of 9.1% in stock price during the week following Black Friday [1] Company Performance - The surge in Affirm's stock price indicates strong market performance and investor confidence post-Black Friday [1]

Core Viewpoint - Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ:RKLB) is considered a speculative stock with potential, but it is not inexpensive and carries significant financial losses [1][2]. Company Overview - Rocket Lab Corporation provides launch services, spacecraft design, manufacturing, and on-orbit management solutions, focusing on small and medium-class rockets like the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles [2]. Investment Sentiment - A recent discussion highlighted RKLB as a speculative pick, with acknowledgment of its potential but also a warning about its substantial financial losses [2]. - The company is viewed favorably as a speculative investment at current prices, but caution is advised due to its financial performance [1][2].

Core Viewpoint - Iron Mountain Incorporated (NYSE:IRM) is experiencing significant stock price declines, leading to a reevaluation of its investment potential, with a current yield of approximately 4% [1] Group 1: Stock Performance and Analyst Opinions - Jim Cramer noted that the stock is being negatively reassessed, suggesting that if there is any rally, investors should consider selling due to limited upside potential [1] - Baron Real Estate Fund initiated a new REIT position in Iron Mountain, citing compelling valuation and attractive long-term growth prospects, particularly in record storage management and a growing data center segment [2] Group 2: Investment Comparisons - While Iron Mountain shows potential, certain AI stocks are perceived to offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk, indicating a competitive investment landscape [3]

Group 1 - Jacobs Solutions Inc. is viewed as undervalued, with a recent recommendation from Goldman Sachs supporting its potential [1] - The company has seen a significant increase of nearly 48% from its lows in April, particularly in the data center construction sector [2] - Jacobs Solutions has been involved in the data center construction business since 2007, utilizing cost-saving technologies like the digital twin concept [2] Group 2 - The company provides a range of services including consulting, design, engineering, and infrastructure delivery across various industries [2]

Core Viewpoint - Astera Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALAB) is recognized for its strong margins and impressive triple-digit revenue growth, but its high valuation at 82 times earnings raises concerns about investment viability at current prices [1]. Company Overview - Astera Labs develops semiconductor-based connectivity solutions and software tailored for cloud and AI infrastructure, offering products such as intelligent connectivity platforms, smart retimers, cable modules, memory controllers, and system management software [2]. Market Sentiment - Jim Cramer expressed regret for not recommending Astera Labs as a buy, indicating that he frequently considers the stock and acknowledges its potential [2]. - Despite the positive outlook for Astera Labs, there are suggestions that other AI stocks may present better investment opportunities with higher upside potential and lower downside risk [2].