Among all of the economic indicators released each month, three reports in particular can move the market: the Employment Situation, gross domestic product, and Personal Income and Outlays. The Employment Situation Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes the Employment Situation Summary report based on information from the prior month. The data for
To help you stay informed, here are five changes you can look forward to in the new year. Higher catch-up contributions for some. As of January 1, individuals ages 60 through 63 may be able to make increased catch-up contributions (if offered) to their workplace plan. The catch-up amount for people age 50 and older
The 2.5% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 continues the return to a more typical adjustment after high inflation resulted in big COLAs in 2022 and 2023. The COLA will take effect with December 2024 benefits payable in January 2025. The percentage is based on the Q3 to Q3 change in the Consumer Price
U.S. annuity sales set a new record in 2023, due to investor concern with the potential for market volatility and higher interest rates that allowed insurance companies to offer more appealing withdrawal rates. Fixed annuities dominated the market, and about one-third of those sales were for fixed indexed annuities, which can offer growth in a
In moments of unexpected financial turmoil, having access to emergency funds can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major life disruption. Whether you have a sudden medical bill, car repair, or job loss, knowing where to turn for emergency financial support is crucial. However, not everyone has access to a financial safety
One out of three U.S. adults typically plan to make New Year’s resolutions. Younger people are more likely to make resolutions, and they tend to place more emphasis on finances, happiness, and mental health, whereas older people tend to emphasize physical health. Experts suggest that it’s easier to keep resolutions that are specific and measurable,
Since the startling capabilities of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) first shook the world in 2023, more of us are wondering: could the four-day workweek come sooner than we thought, or is that just wishful thinking? Once considered a far-fetched notion, the prospect of a four-day workweek (with no loss in pay) is now being taken
