Your 50s: How Do You Compare?][401(k) vs. IRA: What's the Difference?][Average Investment Portfolio Size in Your 30s for 2026: How Do You Compare?][Is This the Missing Link to Securing Guaranteed Income in Retirement?][What Beneficiaries Should Know About Handling a 401(k) After Death] -- Trump Says Retirement Accounts For Workers Without 401(k)s Are Coming Next Year—Here's How They'll Work [Stocks Fall After 2 Days of Big Gains][Nvidia Stock Is Slumping While Business Is Booming] [Mortgage Rates Below 6% f ...

Money has a funny way of turning dinner-table conversations into courtroom dramas. One minute it's "pass the salt," the next it's "should we buy rental properties or save our financial lives?" When six figures are involved, even the calmest marriages can start sounding like a board meeting gone wrong. On an episode of the “Suze Orman Show” last year, financial guru Suze Orman took a call from Paula in Texas that hit every nerve. Paula, 43, was expecting a $150,000 inheritance from her late mother. Instea ...

How do I know which of my investments are better off in my IRA, Roth IRA or brokerage account? -Peter It’s great that you’re considering this – many people overlook the importance of where to hold different investments. Often, this is due to a lack of awareness about how significantly it can impact overall returns. A financial advisor can help you decide how and where to invest your retirement savings. Connect with a fiduciary advisor. Tax treatment is the most important consideration when deciding wher ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the choice between owning a $1 million home and having $1 million in a 401(k) for retirement, highlighting the advantages of liquidity and flexibility offered by a 401(k) compared to the stability of homeownership [1] 401(k) Overview - A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement account that provides tax deductions on contributions, with withdrawals taxed at ordinary income rates [1] - Investment options typically include index funds and target-date funds, allowing for flexibility in withdrawals, although penalties apply before age 59½ [1] - Financial planners favor the 401(k) for its liquidity and control over investments, emphasizing the importance of access to funds in retirement [1] Homeownership Overview - Owning a home provides a place to live without monthly rent or mortgage payments, but incurs ongoing costs such as property taxes and maintenance [1] - From Q1 2020 to Q3 2025, home prices increased nearly 55% nationally, though appreciation varies by region and does not account for homeownership costs [1] - Financial planners express concerns about the ongoing expenses associated with homeownership, which can outweigh the benefits of having a physical asset [1] Decision Factors - The choice between a 401(k) and a home depends on individual retirement needs, with a 401(k) offering low fees and easy access to funds, while homeownership may appeal to those wanting to avoid rental payments or pass down property to heirs [1] - Homeownership lacks liquidity but can provide equity access through options like reverse mortgages [1]

Group 1 - The fear of running out of money is common among retirees, regardless of their savings amount [1] - A report suggests that AI could potentially create the world's first trillionaire, highlighting a company described as an "Indispensable Monopoly" that provides critical technology to Nvidia and Intel [2] - Strategies are available to help retirees stretch their individual retirement accounts (IRA) or 401(k) for long-term sustainability [2] Group 2 - It is crucial for retirees to be strategic with their withdrawal rates, ideally consulting a financial advisor to determine a safe rate based on portfolio investments and expected duration of savings [3] - Many retirees follow the 4% rule for withdrawals, but individual circumstances may warrant a more tailored approach to withdrawal strategies [4] - Retirees should keep a portion of their savings invested for growth, maintaining a mix of growth-oriented stocks or ETFs alongside dividend-paying options to generate income [5][6] Group 3 - Retirees need to be prepared for market downturns and may need to adjust their spending to avoid locking in portfolio losses during such periods [7] - Maintaining a cash reserve equivalent to two years' worth of expenses can provide a buffer during market declines, allowing investments time to recover without immediate spending cuts [9]

Changing jobs can be a great way to move your career forward, increase your salary and provide better opportunities for you and your family. Yet, a job change can also have a negative impact on your retirement savings if you don’t know what to look out for. Here are 5 ways job changes can drain your retirement without you even realizing it. 1. Forgotten Employer-Sponsored Plans The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database, which was established through the SECURE ...

Key Takeaways Many workers’ retirement balances trail the value of their vehicles. On average, no age group has reached even 25% of common retirement savings targets. Small contribution increases and spending shifts can help close the gap over time. A new analysis from the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) highlights a stark reality: For many Americans, their car is worth more than their retirement savings. The comparison lands because it swaps abstract percentages with something ta ...

Converting a large sum like $865,000 to a Roth IRA is a strategic move for long-term tax benefits – including tax-free retirement income and eliminating required minimum distributions (RMDs) –  but it often comes with a hefty upfront tax bill. The transition from a traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth IRA means paying taxes on the converted funds. But, with careful planning and strategic execution, it’s possible to minimize the tax impact. Get matched with a financial advisor who can help you convert your ...

LOS ANGELES (AP) — For years, retail investors were dismissed by some on Wall Street as “dumb money.” That typically referred to those prone to trading on hype, or chasing trends rather than company or industry fundamentals, or responding late to big market moves. That's no longer the case. An analysis of where retail investors put their money last year shows they outperformed two of the most popular, professionally managed index funds, SPY and QQQ, whose goal is to mirror the performance of the S&P 500 ...

Core Insights - Home equity is a significant asset for many Americans, but it should not replace actual retirement savings [1][4] - Converting home equity into cash can be challenging, requiring either a home equity loan, line of credit, or selling the home [4][5] - The value of home equity can fluctuate, posing risks if the housing market declines at the time of sale [5][7] Investment Strategy - Home equity can serve as a backup plan for unexpected expenses in retirement, but it should not be relied upon as the primary source of retirement funding [8] - It is advisable to maintain sufficient retirement savings through various liquid assets, including retirement accounts and Social Security [8]