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
The level of the federal funds rate affects many short-term interest rates, including the yield on money market funds, which invest in high-quality, short-term debt instruments and cash equivalents. Investors often use money market funds as “sweep accounts” for clearing brokerage transactions. They can also be a good place to keep cash set aside for
A growing number of Americans are moving towards a “cashless” society. As a result, credit cards are being used more often than ever — especially by those with higher incomes.1 Credit cards are no longer viewed solely as a debt instrument for cash-strapped individuals. Instead, they are prized for a variety of benefits, such as
Did you know that if you postpone claiming Social Security past your full retirement age, you have the option of receiving a lump-sum payment for up to six months of benefits when you finally apply? Receiving retroactive benefits in a lump sum might be helpful if you face a change in health or need cash
Taxpayers are required to pay most of their tax obligation during the year by having tax withheld from their paychecks or pension payments, or by making estimated tax payments. Estimated tax is the primary method used to pay tax on income that isn’t subject to withholding. This typically includes income from self-employment, interest, dividends, and
Remember when you turned 16 and rushed to get your driver’s license? Or earned the right to vote at 18 and enjoyed the privileges and responsibilities of adulthood at 21? There aren’t many legal changes associated with birthdays after that until you turn 50, and then there are plenty. Can you match these ages to
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, seven out of 10 people age 65 and over will need some type of long-term care. Medicare only pays for skilled services or rehabilitative care in a nursing home for a maximum of 100 days, and unfortunately, it does not pay for non-skilled assistance with
There’s no “right” age to begin receiving Social Security retirement benefits. It’s a personal decision based on multiple factors, including how long someone wants to work and how much retirement income is needed. Workers are entitled to full benefits at their full retirement age (FRA) — 66 to 67, depending on year of birth. Claiming
In a 2023 survey, nearly nine out of 10 workers said it was extremely or very important to have a job that offers paid time off (PTO) for vacations, doctor appointments, and minor illnesses. Yet almost half said they take less time off than their employers allow. Here are the top reasons they gave for
The U.S. personal saving rate — the percentage of personal income that remains after taxes and spending — was 3.8% in October 2023. The saving rate spiked to an all-time high during the pandemic, when consumers received government stimulus money with little opportunity to spend, but fell quickly as stimulus payments ended and high inflation
