Key Points Investing is less about being the best individual stock picker and more about time and consistency. The longer you invest, the less likely you are to lose money and the more likely you are to experience solid gains. Average returns can still help accumulate significant wealth over time. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook › In today's world, saving for retirement can be very challenging. That's because the cost of living has gotten so exorbitant. High in ...

Investopedia / Photo Illustration by Alice Morgan / Getty Images KEY TAKEAWAYS The percentage of employees in 2024 who took out a hardship withdrawal from the retirement account more than doubled compared to 2018. The costs of emergencies also continue to rise, from unexpected car repairs and hospital stays to an increased number and severity of natural disasters. It is becoming increasingly difficult for many Americans to accumulate sufficient savings, and many struggle to afford emergency expenses ...