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☆ Don't believe these money misconceptions: 3 things to know that can help improve your finances
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Part of the problem: People continue to believe common misconceptions about managing and investing their money. When it comes to your retirement savings, target-date funds can be another smart option. Young couple managing finance and investment online, analyzing stock market trades with mobile app on laptop and smartphone. "People feel like, I can get a higher return with no risk … but basically, a higher return is always a reward for higher risk." There's almost no risk to money in federally insured deposit accounts, unlike investments that are subject to the daily changes in the stock, which can result in much higher risk.

Persons: Witthaya, Annamaria Lusardi, Paul Yakoboski, Young, Lusardi, There's Organizations: TIAA, Global Financial, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, TIAA Institute, Target, CNBC, Financial Wellness, Board Locations: U.S

Despite a challenging fundraising environment, women-led venture capital funds made gains in 2023. According to research by Venture Capital Journal, women-led funds' share of total fundraising increased to about 3% of the $107 billion raised last year by venture funds worldwide, up from less than 2% of the 2022 total. While it's a small fraction of the total pool, venture capital funding in the U.S. for companies founded by women has been trending up in recent years. The upswing has had some help from the creation of incubators for women founders, more new companies founded by women and more venture capital funds focused on underrepresented founders. Portfolia creates and manages about 16 venture funds designed for individual investors who want to invest in a portfolio of mostly women-led startups and want to learn more about venture investing.

Persons: Trish Costello, Portfolia, Costello, Elizabeth Clayborne, Steve Washington, Clayborne, wouldn't Organizations: Venture Capital Journal, YourChoice Therapeutics, CNBC Locations: U.S

watch nowTalking about personal finances is harder than talking about religion, politics or death — and almost as hard to talk about as sex, a new survey finds. And women are more likely than men to find talking about money difficult. The only money topic women were less reluctant than men to talk about is how much they earn, the survey found. The survey also found generational differences in how women feel about money discussions. More than half, 53%, of Gen Z women ages 14 to 26 said feeling judged made them avoid talking about money, versus 35% of women across all generations.

Persons: Wells, Michael Liersch, Lindsay Bryan, Podvin, we'll, John Howard Organizations: Versta Research, Wells Fargo, Bank, Getty Locations: Wells Fargo, Ann Arbor , Michigan

Payment apps have come under scrutiny by lawmakers and regulators as their usage skyrockets. That ease of use has 80% of Americans using mobile payment apps, according to a recent survey by NerdWallet. Transaction volume across all payment app service providers in 2022 was estimated at about $893 billion, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Lawmakers are also calling on payment app companies to clarify their reimbursement policy if consumers get scammed and to make it easier for users to report fraud. In the meantime, experts say that consumers need to understand how these apps work, the fees that may be charged and the risks involved in storing money in a mobile payment app.

Persons: Amy Zirkle, Sen, Sherrod Brown Organizations: Consumer Financial, Finance, Democratic, Capitol, Banking Locations: Ohio

☆ 5 caregiving terms to help you access essential services and reduce expenses for an aging parent
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The highest level of care is "skilled nursing care" for those who are chronically ill or disabled and can no longer care for themselves. Medicaid pays for most long-term care services — but only for people with low incomes and little savings. Long-term care insuranceDepending on the plan, long-term care insurance pays for services from at-home care to assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, and hospice. Long-term care insurance may have annual premiums that increase over time or may be included as a rider to a life insurance policy. Employers are increasingly offering long-term care insurance as a workplace benefit.

Persons: Abbe Udochi, AARP's Goyer, Ivory Johnson, Johnson, Couples, Goyer Organizations: Maskot, Getty, Healthcare Consulting, National Investment Center, Seniors Housing & Care, Medicare, Delancey Wealth Management, Washington , D.C, CNBC FA, American Association for, Care Insurance, Employers Locations: New York, Washington ,

Once the new "love interest" gains your trust, they may claim that someone close to them is sick, hurt or in jail. Another frequent lie from an online "love interest" is an offer to help invest in cryptocurrency. How to avoid romance scams: Talk to friends or family about a new love interest and pay attention if they're concerned. Don't share with a love interest any personal information, usernames, passwords or one-time codes that others can use to access your accounts or steal your identity. Employment scamsBusiness and job-related scams are another top category of financial fraud, and with companies laying off workers, these schemes are likely to continue in 2024.

Persons: —, Fraudsters, General Merrick B, Garland, Michael Bruemmer, Ted Rossman, you've, they've, it's Organizations: Istock, Getty, U.S, CNBC, FTC, cryptocurrency Locations: cryptocurrency

When employees who contribute to a 401(k) plan leave a company, they have options for what to do with that money. The guidance investors receive from a financial professional or firm about handling old 401(k)s has been exempt from investment advice rules. And, there are different standards for financial advice. The Biden administration wants investment advice given when making these decisions to come from a fiduciary — and the Department of Labor has proposed rules to make that happen. They also argue that existing laws have been established to safeguard consumers seeking financial advice.

Persons: Biden, Labor Department's, Ann Wagner Organizations: Department of Labor, Finance, Labor, Financial, Capital Markets

watch nowHigh schools have been buzzing about financial education. They earned an "A" because in those states, high school graduates in the class of 2023 were required to have taken a personal finance course before graduation. Studies show personal finance education can make a significant difference in young adults' financial behaviors, from improving credit scores and lowering loan delinquency rates to reducing payday lending and helping students make better decisions about college loans. A few states still have 'virtually no requirements'Meanwhile, four states — California, Connecticut, Massachusetts and South Dakota — as well as Washington, D.C., got failing grades, receiving "F"s in this report because they have "virtually no requirements" for personal finance education in high school. Still, advocates in "failing" states, such as California, are working to change the laws to ensure students are guaranteed financial education.

Persons: Virginia —, John Pelletier, Champlain, " Pelletier Organizations: Center for Financial, Champlain College, Champlain College's Center, Financial, South Dakota —, D.C Locations: Burlington , Vermont, — Alabama, Iowa , Mississippi , Missouri , Tennessee , Utah, Virginia, U.S, — California , Connecticut , Massachusetts, South Dakota, Washington, California

☆ As more consumers struggle with credit card debt, here's what to know heading into the holiday season
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

That climbing "credit card delinquencies" rate may trend higher this holiday season. Knowing what the words credit card delinquencies mean is important because being delinquent or late with card payments can lower your credit score. Annual percentage rate (APR)If you're paying for holiday purchases with a credit card, you should know the annual percentage rate, or APR, on it before you buy. The average APR on a credit card is more than 21%, according to Bankrate, and nearly 30% for retail store credit cards. A LendingTree survey of 100 cards found some retail cards can have interest rates as high as 35%.

Persons: Matt Schulz, LendingTree Organizations: Federal Reserve Bank of New

watch nowTraditional retirement plans aren't enoughFor years, employers' financial benefits mostly focused on offering robust workplace retirement plans. Yet, when asked where they would put an extra $600 provided by an employer, workers in the EBRI survey said they would spread it out — putting $192 toward funding retirement, $171 to emergency savings and $89 toward a health savings account, followed by paid time off, college savings and paying down college debt. Yet those numbers may increase as employers recognize the upsides for the worker and the workplace. New law gives employers more benefits flexibilityThe passage of Secure 2.0 legislation last year also gives employers more flexibility to offer emergency savings accounts. Starting next year, as much as 3% of an employee's paycheck can be automatically placed in an emergency savings account, up to a total of $2,500.

Persons: Jamie Grill, Buck, Chantel Sheaks Organizations: Center, U.S . Chamber of Commerce

☆ 5 ways to reduce credit card debt ahead of the holiday shopping season
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

But it's also important to consider the rising cost of carrying credit card debt. Overall, credit card debt in the U.S. has reached a staggering record high of $1.03 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The average consumer carries about $6,000 in credit card debt — a 10-year high. While the free credit reports on annualcreditreport.com will not include your credit score, many credit card companies offer their customers a free look at their credit scores. Work with your card issuerIf you don't qualify for a 0% card or personal loan, contact your card issuer and ask for a lower credit card rate.

Persons: Bankrate, Ted Rossman, they're, it's, Matt Schulz, Louis, —, Schultz, Rod Griffin, Oleksandra, Griffin Organizations: Federal Reserve Bank of New, Federal Reserve Bank of St Locations: U.S, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, annualcreditreport.com

"Financial inclusion," defined as individuals and businesses having access to useful and affordable financial products, has declined in the U.S., according to new industry research. The U.S. fell to fourth place, from second, this year in the second annual Global Financial Inclusion Index compiled by the Centre for Economics and Business Research in London and Des Moines, Iowa-based Principal Financial Group. Singapore's small size, with a population of just six million people, helps it in the ranking, but it is also boosted by its commitment to financial literacy, financial technology adoption and employer support. Consumer sentiment in the U.S. is down across financial systems and employers but is especially pronounced when it comes to the government. "It creates uncertainty and causes people to delay decisions that they might otherwise make about purchase around savings, and you don't want to paralyze people's decision-making around financial security," Dan Houston, Principal Financial Group Chair and CEO, told CNBC in an exclusive interview.

Persons: people's, Dan Houston Organizations: Centre for Economics, Business Research, Financial Group, Finance, Consumer, Supreme, CNBC Locations: U.S, London, Des Moines , Iowa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Sweden

Sisters Shelia Miller, Debbie Taylor and Daphne Taylor of the Washington, D.C., area care for their mother, Ernestine Taylor. Managing health-related and long-term care expenses is also a challenge. Still experts say taking these five steps can help prevent burnout and financial stress for many family caregivers. You may also qualify for a dependent care tax credit for a percentage of up to $3,000 in qualified care expenses for one person or $6,000 for two people. Find support from a group or care specialistEmotional stress and burnout can add to the financial strain of caregiving.

Persons: Daphne Taylor, Debbie Taylor, Shelia Miller, Miller, Daphne, Ernestine Taylor, Debbie, There's, Barry Glassman, Glassman, there's, —, Anne Sansevero, they've, Sansevero Organizations: AARP, D.C, Finance, CNBC FA, Wealth, Medicaid, American Council, U.S . Department of Veteran Affairs, Resource Center, Caregiving, Life Care, Istock, Getty Locations: Alexandria , Virginia, Washington ,, Washington, Vienna , Virginia, North Bethesda , Maryland, U.S, medicaidplanningassistance.org

☆ Few families pay the full price for college: Take these 3 steps to help cover rising higher education costs
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The average sticker price for college, or published costs for tuition and fees, has been rising — but most families don't pay full price. Here are three strategies that can help you pay for college now and save for rising costs in the future. Last year, about 30% of parents used college savings plans such as 529 plans to pay for about $7,800 of college costs, on average, according to the Sallie Mae report. For families who remain concerned about making ends meet based on the financial aid award they've received, it is possible to ask the college financial aid office for more aid. If your circumstances are now different, that should be brought to the financial aid office's attention.

Persons: Sallie Mae, Adam Nguyen, Ivy Link, Roth IRAs, Ivy, Nguyen, Rob Franek, Mark Kantrowitz, they've, you've Organizations: College Board, Istock, Getty, Ivy, The Princeton, ACT, College

☆ Maui fire losses could rise to $10 billion: Steps to take to recover financially after a natural disaster
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The extent of the losses in life and property in Maui are still unknown. The economic loss of the Maui fires could total as much as $10 billion, according to AccuWeather. As residents start to pick up the pieces, many of them may be wondering what crucial steps they need to take to recover financially. After ensuring loved ones are safe, many victims of these wildfires may not be sure where to turn to start to rebuild their financial lives. Also, contact your auto insurer and, if you own a small business, your business property insurance company.

Persons: Michael Barry Organizations: Pacific Disaster Center, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Finance, Hurricane Iniki, Insurance, Institute Locations: Maui, Hawaii

The ADA is a federal law requiring employers to make "reasonable accommodations" — adjustments or modifications — for qualified job applicants or employees with a "known disability." How companies can create 'a culture of inclusion'Rob Koch speaks to CNBC on Zoom with ASL interpreter, Amelia Fruehsamer. Yet, employees with disabilities make up a sizeable share of the global workforce, by some estimates. PSEG held a yearlong campaign to try to build empathy and destigmatize what it means to have a disability. After its awareness campaign, PSEG found the percentage of people who identified as disabled in its workplace tripled.

Persons: Rob Koch, Amelia Fruehsamer, Koch, " Koch, Emily Ladau, PSEG, Steven Fleischer, Fleischer Organizations: CNBC, Slalom, Microsoft, Boston Consulting Group Locations: Seattle, Newark , New Jersey

You also may find more time to review your financial goals and decide whether you need a reboot. Here are three key actions financial experts suggest you take midyear. Oscar Wong | Moment | Getty Images"Make practice payments to yourself," said Corbin Blackwell, a CFP and senior financial planner at Betterment. Check your tax withholdingTo avoid having too little tax withheld from your pay and facing an unexpected tax bill or penalty at tax time next April, check your tax withholding. Adjusting your tax withheld now can also help with your cash flow and ensure you receive a bigger paycheck and smaller refund at tax time.

Persons: Stacy Francis, —, Jordan Awoye, Oscar Wong, Corbin Blackwell, Tim Maurer, Blackwell Organizations: Francis Financial, Awoye, CNBC, IRS Locations: New York, Bay Shore , New York, Atlanta, Charlotte

After the Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration's plan to wipe away about $430 billion dollars in student loan debt, many borrowers are now scrambling to figure out exactly when their next payment is due, how much they owe and whether they'll be able to afford that bill. President Joe Biden has promised to continue to work on a proposal to forgive student loan debt. Yet, "under the law, this path could take time," admitted U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, vowing to keep borrowers updated in the months ahead. For now, the Biden administration is taking action to help provide some relief to borrowers by offering a more affordable income-driven repayment plan.

Persons: Biden, they'll, Joe Biden, Miguel Cardona Organizations: Education

☆ What does it take to be wealthy? Well-being is a more important measure than money or assets, survey finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-13 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Many Americans feel wealthy — but don't necessarily measure it in dollars and cents. Well-being, not money, has become the leading measure of wealth for most adults today, according to the new Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey. It takes an average net worth of $2.2 million to be considered "wealthy," the survey found — but that's the estimate respondents gave for other people. Yet their average net worth is $560,000 — about a quarter of what they think others need to be rich. For millennials who say they feel wealthy, their average net worth is about $530,000.

Persons: Charles Schwab, Gen Z, X Organizations: Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey, Finance, GOP

So they helped to create a cohousing development for LGBTQ+ seniors and allies, making it easier to offer support to one another. "These things are going to happen, but we also find that we are really good at taking care of each other." How to avoid 'the closet' while ensuring good careOlder adults in the LGBTQ+ community are twice as likely to be single and four times less likely to have children as their non-LGBTQ+ peers, according to SAGE, a national advocacy organization for LGBTQ+ elders. The Village Hearth is a 55-plus cohousing community for LGBTQ+ adults, friends and allies located in Durham, North Carolina. When you're in the hospital or a care facility, "if you're heterosexual, the spouse automatically gets visiting rights," Lee said.

Persons: Margaret Roesch, Pat McAulay, Roesch, McAulay, Stephanie Lee, Kyle Young, Lee, That's, they're, Young, Allison O'Shea, O'Shea Organizations: Finance, Nonprofit, SAGE, East Rock Financial, CNBC Experts, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Morgan Stanley Wealth, Local Locations: Durham , North Carolina, Florida, San Francisco, New York, Durham, Tennessee

☆ Making these 5 moves can help you save big on the massive cost of college
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

As the mother of a college sophomore and high school senior, I know thinking about paying for college is daunting. Financial aid is determined by income information that is not necessarily up to date. If your circumstances are now different, that should be brought to the financial aid office's attention, he said. If you're concerned about making ends meet based on the financial aid award letter your child has already received, you can still ask for more aid. "So performing well throughout your high school career is not only important for admission but also for scholarship awards."

Andy Tenke, CNBCCompanies across the U.S. are dealing with both a shortage of workers and a shortage of child care. The personal lending company has workers in 44 states in corporate offices, operations centers and branches. Tara McCurrie, CNBCThe company worked to address the different needs of its workforce by adding new flexibility and care benefits. Branch employees were in the office, facing customers, throughout the pandemic, while many central operations and corporate office workers had hybrid options. "We want to meet our employees where they are; we want to give them the access to the care that they need," McHale said.

The Marcy Lab School in Brooklyn, New York, however, has created an alternative path — a one-year program to help students get lucrative tech jobs that typically go to college graduates with a four-year degree. Partnering with the business communityThe Marcy Lab School co-founders Reuben Ogbanna and Bhattacharjee-Marcantonio share ideas at the whiteboard. Tara McCurrie, CNBCThe co-founders worked with the local community to design a program to prepare students for upwardly mobile careers. "We think The Marcy Lab School can scale to thousands of students here in New York City, and potentially have impacts across the country," said Ogbonna. Overcoming degree requirementsDevonte Duncan was part of the orginal class of nine students at the Marcy Lab School in Brooklyn, New York.

☆ Scoring the best deals on Presidents' Day holiday sales: 3 smart money moves to make as you shop
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"For two reasons – the impact of inflation during a pandemic era and interest rates – what appears to be a deal may not be." Before you charge the purchase to a credit card, remember this is one of the most expensive ways to borrow money. The annual percentage rate on a credit card is at an all-time high of nearly 20%. Credit experts say that a cash-back rewards credit card with a 0% interest introductory offer may be an even better deal. Look for lower loan rates at a credit union: Many car brands offer Presidents' Day deals that lower the purchase price or interest rates or make lease deals more attractive.

Businesses need to remain diligent in their diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts as layoffs continue, according to McKinsey senior partner Shelley Stewart. Stewart told CNBC that Black Americans have historically been disproportionately affected during economic downturns. Because Black workers are underrepresented in the tech industry, he said, they may not be hit disproportionately in that sector. Stewart encourages companies to continue their DEI efforts by working with diverse suppliers, saying partnering with diverse businesses is "the biggest lever that corporations have to directly impact society other than wages." "Inclusive growth is better for companies, better for society, better for our global economy and our domestic economy," he said.

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