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Jul 19, 2019
The first step to selling baseball cards is finding out the value of what you own.
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Jul 19, 2019
Due to recent changes in the tax law, charitable planning is becoming an intricate part of tax, estate and gift planning. It's important to plan now while opportunities still exist.
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Jul 19, 2019
Being open and honest with your parents, your children and yourselves can be daunting, but it's necessary for financial wellness. Here are a few strategies for breaking the ice.
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Jul 18, 2019
Warren Buffett, chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), is renowned for his ability to find bargains, but with markets at record highs, cheap stocks are getting tougher and tougher to find.
That's true even within Berkshire Hathaway's own portfolio.
Indeed, several Buffett stocks have gained some froth of their own. Many, however, still look plenty cheap for new money. After looking at where shares trade relative to expected earnings, in comparison to their own historical valuations, and vs. the Standard & Poor's 500-stock index, numerous Berkshire Hathaway holdings still appear downright cheap.
We sorted through all 48 stocks in the Berkshire portfolio to find the biggest bargains left standing after the market's amazing run so far in 2019. Here are the cheapest Warren Buffett stocks right now.
SEE ALSO: The Berkshire Hathaway Portfolio: All 48 Buffett Stocks Explained
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Jul 18, 2019
Whether you're 30 or 60, risk tolerance is an important part of the picture for retirement savers. Here are the basics that all investors should know.
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Jul 18, 2019
To get the right help, you need to ask the right questions. Here are three questions that will serve you well.
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Jul 17, 2019
Stocks are sitting atop the clouds. All three major indexes have recently surged to surged to all-time highs amid strong signals that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon. Standard & Poor's 500-stock index just closed above 3,000 for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recently made its first finish above the 27,000 mark.
But the question of whether the markets can maintain these lofty heights is something you should seriously consider when making stock picks over the next few weeks.
Consider this: More than three-quarters of S&P 500 companies have issued negative earnings per share (EPS) guidance for the second quarter thanks to trade uncertainty and lingering concerns about global growth. (Those earnings reports will be rolling out over the next couple months.) And while Wall Street is absolutely pricing in an interest-rate cut, no one yet knows for sure whether the Fed will cut, and how deeply it will cut if it does.
So tread carefully in the second half. The key is to find stocks that are not just primed to continue outperforming, but also less vulnerable to slumping along with a broader-market pullback. One way to do this is to seek out stocks with a strong Street sentiment. TipRanks tracks more than 5,200 analysts and compiles their ratings to deliver a picture of just how optimistic (or pessimistic) the pros are about most companies you can invest in.
These are the seven top stock picks for the second half, according to analyst ratings doled out over the past three months.
SEE ALSO: 25 Stocks Every Retiree Should Own
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Jul 17, 2019
The IRS is reducing the number of schedules and improving the form to make it less confusing.
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Jul 17, 2019
Kiplinger is forecasting a 1.6% cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security recipients next year.
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Jul 17, 2019
Children and grandchildren inheriting traditional IRAs could quickly find themselves in the top 37% tax bracket thanks to changes ushered in by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
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Jul 17, 2019
Managing your income by using the right mix of investments and annuities in retirement could help you trim your retirement tax rate to under 10% ... even for those investors with $4 million in assets.
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Jul 17, 2019
The looming threat of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve is putting pressure on savings accounts and CDs.
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Jul 16, 2019
With the decline of traditional pensions, most of us are now responsible for squirrelling away money for our own retirement. In today's do-it-yourself retirement savings world, we rely largely on 401(k) plans and IRAs. However, there are obviously flaws with the system because about one-fourth of working Americans have no retirement savings at all--including 13% of workers age 60 and older.
But help may be on the way. The House of Representatives recently passed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, which would affect your ability to save money for retirement and influence how you use the funds over time if it is ultimately enacted. While some of the act's provisions are administrative in nature or intended to raise revenue, most of the proposed changes are taxpayer-friendly measures designed to boost retirement savings. To get you ready in case this bill becomes law, we've highlighted 10 of the most notable ways the SECURE Act could affect your retirement savings. Learn them now, so you can start adjusting your retirement strategy right away if it is enacted.
SEE ALSO: State-by-State Guide to Taxes on Retirees
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Jul 16, 2019
Don't buy the chorus of "This time is different."
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Jul 16, 2019
Though Social Security cuts appear to be looming, it's not too late for Americans, namely millennials, to create a retirement plan they will undoubtedly need to make up for any pending reductions.
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Jul 15, 2019
The stock market's major indices are at or near all-time highs, and as stocks go up, dividend yields go down. As a result, many of the best dividend stocks to buy right now sport relatively modest yields.
That's OK. Because your focus also should be on dividend safety and payout growth that will enhance your yield over time.
Not every stock has been caught up in 2019's surge to new peaks. GameStop (GME), CenturyLink (CTL), Vodafone (VOD), Pitney Bowes (PBI), L Brands (LB), Deutsche Bank (DB) - all of these well-known companies have either cut or outright suspended their dividends this year. Those moves were a blow to all existing shareholders, but especially those who were relying on the income from these sometimes generous dividend payers to tackle regular expenses in retirement.
How do you ensure the dividend stocks you're invested in won't do the same? One way is to monitor the DIVCON system from exchange-traded fund provider Reality Shares. DIVCON's methodology uses a five-tier rating to provide a snapshot of companies' dividend health, where DIVCON 5 indicates the highest probability for a dividend increase, and DIVCON 1 the highest probability for a dividend cut. And within each of these ratings is a composite score determined by cash flow, earnings, stock buybacks and other factors.
These are 13 of the safest dividend stocks to buy right now. Each stock has not only achieved a DIVCON 5 score, but a composite score within the top 15 of all stocks that DIVCON has evaluated. This makes them the crème de la crème of dividend safety - and more likely to keep the dividend increases coming going forward.
SEE ALSO: 25 Stocks Every Retiree Should Own
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Jul 15, 2019
Does it make more sense to pull money out of your Roth IRA or your brokerage account for your income? Consider the full picture when deciding whether to hold onto your taxable investments for the potential future step-up in basis.
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Jul 12, 2019
Easier-to-read form highlights retirement income streams and other tax benefits for citizens 65 and older.
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Jul 12, 2019
A million bucks in liquid assets puts a household into pretty elite company these days.
Once you strip out the value of real estate like the family home, employer-sponsored retirement plans and business partnerships, only 6.2% of American households qualify as actual millionaires. To clarify, that means they have at least $1 million in investable assets. Examples of investable assets include cash, stocks, bonds and funds, among a bunch of other types of investments and financial products.
In raw numbers, 7,698,765 out of America's 123,942,960 total households have at least a million dollars in investable assets, according to Phoenix Marketing International (PMI), a firm that tracks the affluent market.
Most of these millionaire households are found in and around big cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago - just as you would expect. But some millionaires prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of major metropolises. Indeed, pockets of millionaires can be found in some far-flung places.
PMI annually ranks 933 urban areas, large and small, based on the percentage of millionaire households in each location. The following list of cities is limited to Census Bureau-defined metropolitan areas with populations of at least 50,000.
By PMI's reckoning, the following 13 metro areas boast the highest concentrations of millionaire households in the U.S.
SEE ALSO: 25 Small Towns With Big Millionaire Populations
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Jul 12, 2019
Do you know the difference between a GLWB and a GMIB? A roll-up rate and a payout rate? If you're contemplating a fixed indexed or variable annuity with an income rider, make sure to understand the key terms so you can effectively compare your options and see which offers the best bang for your buck.
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Jul 12, 2019
If a utility company causes a power surge that kills your old (but perfectly functional) appliances, you may not like the answer to this question. The words "actual cash value" could be a costly problem for you.
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Jul 11, 2019
The U.S. economy is putting up some impressive numbers in GDP, jobs and wages, but many pundits fear that a slowdown is pending. Trade-war fears with China and the European Union remain front and center in the news. And the yield curve is threatening to invert, meaning short-term interest rates may be moving higher than long-term rates. That's often a sign of pending recession on its own.
By some measures, the current expansion is now 10 years old, making it one of the longest on record. That seems ancient, but there's no rule that says it can't continue. Australia is in its 28th consecutive year of economic growth.
Even so, all good things do eventually come to an end. And for the U.S. (and for Australia, for that matter), economists are looking for slowdowns. Even the Federal Reserve has indicated it is ready to lower short-term interest rates to combat any problems that may arise.
Professional investment managers may look to sell a good deal of their holdings to step aside as the market falls. However, for most individuals, timing the market by selling when conditions seem dicey, and buying back when conditions firm up, is a big mistake. Even the pros don't always get it right, and they have armies of analysts and rooms full of technology at their disposal.
Here are six ways to prepare for the next stock market decline. The key is to make smaller adjustments to your portfolio to reduce risk and still be ready to participate when the market resumes its upward march.
SEE ALSO: 25 Stocks Every Retiree Should Own
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Jul 11, 2019
Financial frustrations can be major sources of tension in any marriage. Here are some practical tips and strategies to work through the most common money issues together.
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Jul 11, 2019
Here's a specific strategy to help avoid paying taxes on RMDs while maximizing your Social Security benefits at the same time. The key? Carefully converting your 401(k) and traditional IRAs into a Roth.
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Jul 10, 2019
Free cash flow (FCF) is one of the most important financial metrics you can study - especially if you're a buy-and-hold investor.
FCF is the cash remaining after a company has paid its expenses, interest on debt, taxes and long-term investments to grow its business. And if a company generates more cash than it needs to run its business, it can do a number of useful things with it, such as pay dividends, buy back its stock, acquire other companies, expand its business and knock out its debts.
There's no right answer as to the best way to use free cash flow. But the ability to consistently grow FCF over the long haul - however it's put to use - is a proven recipe for higher share prices.
Pacer ETFs compiled FactSet data on the Russell 1000 between Dec. 31, 1991, and Dec. 31, 2018. It found that the 100 stocks with the highest free cash flow yields over this period delivered an annualized total return of 17% - almost seven times the annual returns of the 100 stocks with the worst FCF yields. In short, the higher the free cash flow yield, the better.
With that in mind, let's look at 10 free cash flow stocks to buy for the long haul. These companies not only generate high amounts of FCF, but put it to good use via dividends, buybacks and more. We'll use the Pacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF (COWZ), and its 100 high-FCF-yield components, as a guide.
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Jul 10, 2019
Life insurance can offer income and saving options for the long term.
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Jul 10, 2019
If the higher standard deduction have kept you from getting any tax benefits from your charitable giving, there is a way around that.
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Jul 09, 2019
Retirees have access to ample extracurricular activities including music, sports and arts in this Maine town along the Kennebec River, home to Colby College.
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Jul 09, 2019
Stellar health care options, affordable living and engaging community activities make this Ohio town a great choice for retirees.
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Jul 09, 2019
Enjoy the tax-friendly city's wine trails and college courses.
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Jul 09, 2019
Explore Claremont's vast range hiking trails or try out lectures and performances at one of its seven colleges.
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Jul 09, 2019
Retirees can enjoy biking, skiing and a "brewery trail" in this high-altitude corner of the Grand Canyon State.
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Jul 09, 2019
Affordable living and proximity to family make this Ozark city a great place to settle down.
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Jul 09, 2019
The "City of Churches" on Lake Michigan provides retirees outdoor activities and iconic architecture.
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Jul 09, 2019
Retirees can get a taste of college life again in this town, home to Dartmouth College, through leadership positions and fitness classes.
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Jul 09, 2019
The Pennsylvania small town features an inclusive liberal arts college and an active retiree community.
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Jul 09, 2019
Opportunities in the arts abound in this vibrant eastern city for retirees.
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Jul 09, 2019
The Florida beach town has everything from golf to belly dancing for retirees.
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Jul 09, 2019
This city's well-known historical district offers plenty of fascinating museums and local traditions.
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Jul 09, 2019
Small towns can pack in big benefits for young retirees: little to no traffic, tight-knit communities, typically lower living costs and some peace and quiet. And you don't necessarily have to lose out on important big-city amenities--such as ample job opportunities (should you decide to dip back into the workforce for some extra income in your early retirement), diverse cultural attractions and an active nightlife--to settle down in one.
We pinpointed 50 great places in the U.S. for early retirees--one in each state--focusing on living costs, median incomes and poverty rates for residents ages 45 to 64, as well as local tax environments and labor markets. Of our 50 picks, these 16 destinations also offer metro-area populations of less than 150,000.
See Also: College Towns: 12 Smart Places to Retire
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Jul 09, 2019
You probably shouldn't believe any retirement advice that starts out with "never do this" or "always do that." When plotting your retirement journey, make sure you're considering all of your options.
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Jul 09, 2019
Are you a risk-averse investor? Watch out, because the way you're wired might steer you into claiming Social Security early, rather than "risking it" to wait for a bigger payout later. Your desire for a sure thing could cost you a LOT of money.
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Jul 08, 2019
Amazon Prime Day fast approaches, bringing a boatload of deals over a record two days, beginning on Monday, July 15, at 3 a.m. ET on the East Coast (midnight on the Pacific Coast, where Amazon is parked). And once again, questions beg about this blowout sale: What do I buy? What do I avoid? Do I even play into the hype of what some consider an overblown garage sale?
As in Prime Days past, Amazon Prime Day 2019 will feature deep discounts on a few cool products -- and deep discounts on lots of mediocre merchandise you probably wouldn't otherwise consider. Expect a mix of hours-long deals and "lightning" deals. The latter pop up quickly and then disappear, either sold out or taken down for lack of interest.
You must be an Amazon Prime member, of course, to shop on Prime Day. But if you're considering forking over $119 to join Prime just to shop Prime Day, read this first. Here are some of the best deals so far for Amazon Prime Day 2019.
SEE ALSO: 31 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2019
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Jul 08, 2019
Amazon.com (AMZN) has left a trail of devastated companies in its wake, unable to compete with the e-commerce giant's lower prices and seemingly infinite selection. In being all things to all people, Amazon is now everywhere, having created its own sort of self-contained ecosystem.
That narrative is convincing. But Amazon.com isn't steamrolling every company that stands in its path.
It took some time to fully figure out what makes Amazon click for so many consumers. Then it took some effort and money to actually do something about it. But as the dust finally settles on a largely unfettered exposition of its footprint, how and why some organizations still are standing is becoming clearer. Other outfits facing Amazon - not to mention investors - would be wise to note these survivors' nuances and common threads.
Here's a rundown of eight stocks that are resisting the Amazon juggernaut. The fact that AMZN hasn't yet knocked them out suggests they're here to stay.
SEE ALSO: The 19 Best Stocks to Buy for the Rest of 2019
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Jul 08, 2019
Putting aside money for a rainy day (and it WILL rain one day, don't kid yourself) can pay off in many ways, including lowering your stress.
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Jul 08, 2019
Because you value diversification, you might think if one adviser is good, two would be better, right? Well, not so fast.
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Jul 05, 2019
There's a wealth of experience out there just waiting for a chance.
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Jul 05, 2019
After witnessing the accomplishments that retirement savers have achieved, and the mistakes they've made, a few helpful truths become clear.
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Jul 04, 2019
Early retirement can be more than just a daydream for those long Tuesday afternoons at work. With some smart planning, you can make leaving the workforce early a reality. You just have to keep in mind the unique challenges facing early retirees.
First of all, entering retirement at a relatively younger age means needing to stretch your nest egg further (hopefully). One way to do that is to find the right retirement destination for you. That's because where you live makes a big impact on your budget. After all, settling down in a place where the cost of living is below the national average means your retirement savings pack in more purchasing power.
With that in mind, we pinpointed 50 great places in the U.S. for early retirees--one in each state--focusing on living costs, median incomes and poverty rates for residents ages 45 to 64, as well as local tax environments and labor markets (just in case you want a second act to stretch your retirement savings further). Of our 50 picks, these 31 destinations offer particularly low living costs, which heightens the chances of your money lasting through your extra-long retirement and beyond.
See Also: Great Places to Retire Early Near the Beach
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Jul 04, 2019
For people like doctors, lawyers and engineers, success takes time ... and sacrifices along the way. Once you finally make it, you probably have the urge to start living large, but that could be a mistake.
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Jul 04, 2019
The most valuable retirement asset you have is time, so use it well. Do what you love while you still can, and don't waste time working if you don't love it and you've already saved what you need.
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Jul 03, 2019
We are committed to our mission--delivering accurate, accessible and actionable financial advice in a monthly magazine.
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Jul 03, 2019
With falling costs and hefty tax credits for solar systems, more homeowners are harnessing the sun to save money.
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Jul 03, 2019
The best returns come from time in the market, not timing the market.
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Jul 03, 2019
Pay off debt with the highest interest first, stick to a schedule and automate payments.
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Jul 03, 2019
Before buying in a new place, rent for at least one year, or one season, to see if you like it.
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Jul 03, 2019
Here are six signs that the relationship with your financial professional is not working.
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Jul 03, 2019
Get more points by signing up for reward-program partnerships.
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Jul 03, 2019
This new-ish international fund continues Grandeur Peak's winning ways.
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Jul 03, 2019
Unexpected charges are on the rise as insurers shrink their provider networks and you're stuck with paying the balance billing.
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Jul 03, 2019
Before you start using your 529 plan to pay private-school tuition, check with your state's plan.
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Jul 03, 2019
Some states are providing a savings option for workers without an employer-sponsored plan.
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Jul 03, 2019
New retirement plan options seek to improve on standard target-date funds.
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Jul 03, 2019
Few stock-fund managers match the S&P 500, but most fixed-income managers beat their index.
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Jul 03, 2019
These managers have stellar track records, delivering strong gains in weak categories.
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Jul 03, 2019
The Dow seems to prove that a reasonably diversified portfolio of 30 stocks will perform close to the broad market.
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Jul 03, 2019
Part defense, part offense and all bargain, health care stocks should thrive.
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Jul 03, 2019
Regulatory and trade risks mean investors must tread carefully.
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Jul 03, 2019
If you are among the growing number of people thinking about moving in retirement, we have some great suggestions--in fact, 12 of them.
Each of the cities and towns here is home to at least one college or university that offers access to concerts, interesting lectures and sports (without final exams and 8 a.m. French class). Most of our cities have a moderate cost of living, and all are located in states that exempt all or a portion of retirement income from taxes. Because health care is an important concern for retirees, our cities also have at least one hospital nearby that has received four or five stars--the highest rating--from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
SEE ALSO: 50 Great Places for Early Retirement in the U.S.
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Jul 03, 2019
Some Chase credit card holders will have a binding arbitration clause added to their card agreement. Here's what you need to know.
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Jul 03, 2019
Let's be honest: At some point every parent has resorted to Googling "things to do with kids near me" out of desperation. Finding activities to do with your children that they'll actually enjoy, especially during the summer months when school is out, can be a challenge. It's great to get them out of the house, but younger kids fade fast, while older kids can be hard to impress. Camps offer one solution, but the high costs are prohibitive for many families on tight budgets.
We've looked far and wide to craft a list of kid-friendly things to do on weekends and during school breaks that won't put a serious dent in Mom's and Dad's wallets. From taking a cooking class to touring your local fire station, there's something free or cheap to do near you in our round-up for kids of all ages. Take a look.
SEE ALSO: Best Freebies: 70 Valuable Things You Can Get for Free
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Jul 03, 2019
Goldman Sachs' analysts last month homed in on an investing strategy designed to generate outsize returns for investors. The strategy focuses on stocks that are dominating their respective industries - aka, "superstar stocks." Interestingly, the number of these giant, dominant companies are on the rise due to a wave of consolidation across multiple industries.
"The market positioning of superstar firms often allows for greater bargaining power over consumers and workers and higher profitability," the firm's chief U.S. equity strategist, David Kostin, explained to clients. "Superstar firms have been one driver of the explosion in US corporate margins post-crisis."
And the numbers speak for themselves. Kostin writes that companies with the highest share of industry sales have returned 49% since 2015. In contrast, companies with the lowest share of industry sales have delivered returns of just 16% during the same period.
Here are five "superstar" stocks to buy, according to Goldman Sachs. We'll look at the bull theses behind each one, and see what the rest of Wall Street thinks about these stock picks.
SEE ALSO: 25 Stocks Every Retiree Should Own
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Jul 03, 2019
It can be easy to go astray if you're going it alone. Here are three areas where retirement savers tend to get tripped up.
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Jul 03, 2019
Sometimes skipping the costs and hassles of commercial bank loans can make perfect sense, saving the borrower some money and helping the lender with their estate planning goals.
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Jul 03, 2019
You'll need to crunch some numbers before you contribute more toward your qualified longevity annuity contract for retirement.
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Jul 02, 2019
Regular trading hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, but the major U.S. stock exchanges close early on certain days ahead of or just after market holidays.
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Jul 02, 2019
Retirement is a major life milestone, eclipsed only by marriage or the birth of your first child in terms of financial impact. For many, it's an exhilarating leap into the unknown. In your working years, you can take investing setbacks in stride, as portfolio losses can be offset by new savings or working an extra year or two.
But once retired, you no longer have that luxury. Your portfolio must last for the the rest of your life, and that of your spouse as well. So, the decision of what retirement stocks you should include your portfolio is an important one.
An ideal retirement stock will pay a healthy dividend. As Sonia Joao, president of Houston-based RIA Robertson Wealth Management, explains, "Four out of five of our clients are in or near retirement, and essentially all of them tell us the same thing. They want safe, secure streams of income to meet their living expenses and replace their paychecks."
While a good dividend is probably the most important characteristic to look for, it's certainly not the only one. Yields across most asset classes are lower today than in years past, and retirees need growth to stay ahead of inflation. So, while a retirement portfolio should have a large share of income stocks, it also will include some growth names for balance.
The following are 25 stocks every retiree should own. This group of retirement stocks includes both pure income plays and growth companies, with a focus on very-long-term performance and durability.
SEE ALSO: The Berkshire Hathaway Portfolio: All 48 Buffett Stocks
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Jul 02, 2019
All local Social Security field offices close for Independence Day, a federal holiday, and this year some offices will close on July 2 and July 3 as well.
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Jul 02, 2019
Your adult children may be depleting your nest egg -- and it's probably your own fault.
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Jul 02, 2019
The higher interest rates offered by online banks sure are tempting, but do your research first.
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Jul 02, 2019
Let's face it...the IRS isn't the most popular government agency out there. It's not just that they take your money. They also have a (undeserved?) reputation for tough stances on deductions and credits, aggressive tax collectors, poor customer service and generally being difficult if you happen to disagree with them.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a kinder, gentler IRS? You'd still have to pay your taxes, but at least you wouldn't have to deal with some of the IRS's rougher edges anymore. Well, guess what...President Trump just signed a bill that will reform the IRS and make it a little more taxpayer-friendly. It's called the Taxpayer First Act, and it's the result of some rare bipartisan cooperation in Congress. Here are 12 ways the new law will improve the IRS's bad reputation.
SEE ALSO: All 50 States Ranked for Taxes
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Jul 02, 2019
Retirees have a bevy of options to explore areas most tourists don't see.
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Jul 02, 2019
These health savings tools can offer a triple tax advantage for some.
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Jul 02, 2019
For many new retirees it can be easy to go overboard having a ball checking off bucket-list items. To avoid overspending, and jeopardizing everything you worked so hard for, you need to have a realistic budget and stick to it.
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Jul 01, 2019
The stocks market is closed on Independence Day, and trading ends early on July 3. The bond market also closes early ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
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Jul 01, 2019
After a decades-long Wall Street career, Russell Abbott was ready for a change. He had worked as a hedge fund manager and a director in the fixed income department at Credit Suisse, and the long hours and high intensity took a toll. "You start to age out of financial services," says Abbott, 67. His two children were grown and he was in a financial position to retire, but he wasn't ready to step out of the working world for good. He just hadn't figured out what might come next.
"I felt I still had more to give, and I wanted to brainstorm with people I respected and find out where my perceived wisdom would be of value," Abbott says. After a few years of exploring an alternative career path--first at a start-up that recruits young executives for nonprofit boards, then through a paid fellowship at a local nonprofit--Abbott found the balance he sought and built an entirely new professional network.
These days Abbott works three days a week as the chief administrative officer for Extreme Kids & Crew, a New York City nonprofit that provides after-school enrichment programs and other activities and support for children with disabilities and their families. He earns well below six figures--nowhere close to his corporate salary--but money is not his primary motivation. He's using his skills where they are valued, and the additional income is a plus. Abbott can delay taking Social Security until age 70, and he and his wife can still afford the high cost of living in New York City. His flexible schedule allows him to hit the gym five or six days a week and indulge in his passion for reading, something he couldn't squeeze in during his hectic financial-services career.
"My friends are starting to retire, and I can see the ones who are doing well have some kind of function that gives them a purpose," Abbott says. "I like the balance I have now between having fun, going to the gym and having that purpose."
More Americans like Abbott are work
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Jul 01, 2019
Once you've made that difficult climb to achieve financial independence early, why not enjoy some literal climbs in your early retirement? America's mountain majesties can be found in many locations all over the country, and many provide a perfect setting for you to get outdoors, stay fit and gain some perspective on your new life. Plus, higher altitudes also give you cooler weather and less humidity.
We pinpointed 50 great places in the U.S. for early retirees--one in each state--focusing on living costs, median incomes and poverty rates for residents ages 45 to 64, as well as local tax environments and labor markets (just in case you want to dip back into the workforce and stretch your retirement savings further). Of our 50 picks, these 21 destinations offer the added benefit of nearby peaks and valleys to explore.
SEE ALSO: Great Places to Retire Early Near the Beach
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Jul 01, 2019
These 17 states offer a break from sales tax on back-to-school essentials, clothing, hunting gear and even appliances this summer.
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Jul 01, 2019
Amazon.com has expanded its Christmas-in-July Amazon Prime Day sale to a record 48 hours in 2019.
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Jul 01, 2019
We've identified the banks and credit unions that offer the best combination of high rates, low fees and a customer-friendly focus.
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Jul 01, 2019
Large nationwide banks offer customers extensive networks of branches, a range of advisory and wealth-management services, and digital tools for account management.
Here's a look at our top picks for national banks.
SEE ALSO: The Best Banks for You, 2019
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Jul 01, 2019
Retirees can find a lot to like about these accounts and institutions--low or no minimums, free checks and paper statements, and ample access to financial advice and investment options, to name a few.
Here's a look at our top picks for senior-friendly banks.
SEE ALSO: The Best Banks for You, 2019
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Jul 01, 2019
Banks court customers who can keep big balances by dangling lots of free and discounted benefits, preferred rates on loans and deposit accounts, and financial guidance, such as investment and wealth-management services.
Here's a look at our top bank picks for high-net-worth families.
SEE ALSO: The Best Banks for You, 2019
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Jul 01, 2019
Many regional banks (by our definition, those with branches in fewer than 15 states) offer accounts and services that are just as robust as those of nationwide institutions--and they may be more involved in their communities. These banks are all contenders for top regional bank but operate in different regions.
Take a look at our top picks for regional banks.
SEE ALSO: The Best Banks for You, 2019
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Jul 01, 2019
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial institutions owned by their members, so they can reward account holders with higher rates and lower fees.
Our top credit union picks are open to anyone in the U.S. Take a look.
SEE ALSO: The Best Banks for You, 2019
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Jul 01, 2019
According to the 2019 Direct Banking Satisfaction Study by J.D. Power, direct (or branchless) banks continue to beat traditional banks in overall customer satisfaction.
Our picks have low fees, solid savings accounts and slick digital tools that make online-only banking easy. Take a look.
SEE ALSO: The Best Banks for You, 2019
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Jul 01, 2019
The ideal bank for travelers eliminates sneaky ATM and foreign-transaction fees. Take a look at our top bank picks for travelers.
SEE ALSO: The Best Banks for You, 2019
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Jul 01, 2019
Understanding your place in your adviser's business can change your future result.
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