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☆ Where to buy glasses online, according to editors and experts
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-19 | by ( Bethany Heitman | Bethany Heitman Is A Contributing Editor At Nbc Select. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +11 min

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best online eyeglasses retailers | Where to buy glasses online | Why trust NBC Select? To help guide you through buying glasses online we asked experts what to consider before shopping, and we rounded up some of the best online retailers for eyeglasses. Where to buy glasses onlineWe rounded up some of the most popular online eyeglasses retailers to make your online search for glasses easier. Those nervous about shopping online may find comfort in buying glasses from a known name in the glasses world. For this story, she interviewed two experts on where to buy glasses online.

Persons: Yuna Rapoport, — you’ll, ”, Rapoport, “, —, Thierry Hufnagel, Gucci, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Ban, you’ve, Tom Ford, Versace, Prada, Persol, you’ll, Bethany Heitman, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Eyecare, Burberry, Carrera, Nike, Eyebuydirect, Armani Exchange, ”, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Manhattan

Our top pick for buying online contacts is 1-800 Contacts; this company offers an easy-to-use online shop and has over 250 brands to choose from. We also recommend GlassesUSA; we're big fans of GlassesUSA for prescription eyewear, and its contacts store is just as convenient, offering a variety of brand choices at affordable prices. To help you shop, we researched, tested, and rounded up the best places to buy contacts online, from major retailers that offer mainstream brands to smaller startups. Whether you want a yearly supply or prefer smaller quantities to alternate between glasses, these are the most dependable places to order from. If you're also shopping for prescription eyewear, these are best places to buy glasses online using insurance.

Organizations: Business

I had been saving to buy a house, but prices in Southern California have made that unlikely. I decided to stop focusing on trying to buy a house, which means I can put more toward retirement. I'm okay knowing I might be renting for life, as it means I can streamline my finances. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Retirement Planning The best robo advisors can help you start your retirement planning journey.

Persons: —, I've, I'm, homeownership, Roth, it's, There's Organizations: Service, realtors, SoFi Locations: Southern California, Los Angeles

I want to retire early, so I asked a financial planner what mistakes I should watch out for. In an effort to get on track, I chatted with certified public accountant and certified financial planner Ryan Nelson about the most common mistakes people make when they attempt to retire early. He advised people to proactively calculate the cost of health insurance during early retirement before reaching Medicare age, which is currently 65. "Look into private marketplace options, whether individual health insurance plans, health sharing ministries, or short-term health insurance plans to see how much these could cost." Not maximizing health savings account contributionsFor those planning to retire early, Nelson also recommend that they maximize their health savings account contributions.

Persons: —, Ryan Nelson, Nelson, Roth, I've Organizations: Service, Roth IRA, IRA

Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature OverviewIf you're new to investing and want a hands-off way to earn (and invest) rewards from your everyday spending, the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card is an easy starting point. Fidelity Rewards Visa Credit Card RewardsWith the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card, you'll earn 2 points per dollar you spend on every purchase. Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card Benefits and FeaturesNearly all of the Fidelity Visa card's benefits come as a function of being a Visa Signature card, which includes travel benefits, extended warranty, and lost luggage reimbursement. Fidelity Rewards Visa Credit Card Annual Fee and Other CostsThe Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card has a $0 annual fee, so you won't pay anything to keep it long-term. Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature CardTo review the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card, we followed our credit card rating methodology.

Persons: you'll, Roth, —, I've, Schwab Organizations: Business Insider, Citi, Fidelity, Roth IRA, Fidelity Visa, Fidelity Cash Management, Elan Bank, Wells, Cash Locations: Sonoma County, New York

Fidelity vs. Charles Schwab: At a GlanceFidelity and Charles Schwab are two of the largest and most reputable brokerage firms featured in several of our guides, including the best robo-advisors. Making a Choice: Fidelity vs. Charles SchwabFidelity Investments and Charles Schwab are great for all kinds of traders. Charles Schwab is better for higher balances and offers a more comprehensive selection of advanced charting tools like the thinkorswim platform. Fidelity vs. Charles Schwab Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Can I open both Fidelity and Charles Schwab accounts? You can open both a Fidelity and Charles Schwab brokerage account to take advantage of each platform's best features and services.

Persons: Morningstar, Charles Schwab Insider’s, Schwab, Charles Schwab, It's, Charles Schwab's, Schwab's Organizations: Fidelity Investments, Fidelity, Business Daily, Investment, Financial Products Fidelity, Teen, Charles, U.S, Fidelity Wealth Services, Technology, Pro, screeners, Schwab, Ameritrade, Charles Schwab Fidelity Investments Locations: cryptocurrencies, Chevron

The Best Free Stock Trading AppsCharles Schwab: Best overall free stock trading appFidelity Investments: Best trading app for index fundsSoFi Invest: Best for beginnersWebull: Best trading apps for options tradingRobinhood Investing: Best trading apps for active tradingE*TRADE: Best trading apps for all types of investorsInteractive Brokers: Best trading apps for advanced tradersPassive and active investors can benefit from commission-free trading on investments like stocks and ETFs. Compare the Top Free Stock Trading AppsThe best free stock trading apps offer low account minimums, commission-free trading, research, financial tools, educational resources, and more. Interactive Brokers reviewBest Free Stock Trading Apps FAQsWhich app is best and free for trading? SoFi is our top pick for the best free stock trading app for beginners because of its automated trading services and low-cost investment strategies. How to Choose the Best Free Stock Trading AppThe best free stock trading apps for beginners will offer low fees, low minimums, easy-to-use platforms, and access to educational resources like webinars and blogs.

Persons: Charles Schwab, Charles Schwab's, Schwab, You'll, you'll, Morningstar, SoFi, Webull, Robinhood, litecoin, Brian Fry, Charlotte Geletka, Kaysian Gordon, isn't Organizations: Fidelity Investments, Invest, Interactive, Free, Business, Business Daily, Fidelity, SoFi, Financial, SoFi Invest, Nasdaq, Robinhood, Gold, Robinhood Gold, Apple, Traders, IBKR Pro, Paxos Trust, Traders Academy, Interactive Advisors, CDFA, CFP, Investors

☆ I read the acclaimed book that's helped tons of people achieve financial independence. Here are the 2 main takeaways, who it's for, and who should avoid it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-02 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewWhen you cover one topic for many years — such as money, in my case — you start to notice patterns. You start to hear the same advice (invest early), strategies (use index funds), and even book recommendations. His portfolio consists of two index mutual funds (VTSAX and VBTLX) and a money market or bank account to keep cash. AdvertisementFor younger investors in what he calls the "wealth accumulation" phase, the strategy is even simpler: Buy stocks via Vanguard's Total Stock Market Index Fund. Collins is a fan of the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund.

Persons: —, JL Collins, Collins, Jack Bogle's, He's, he's, Kathleen Elkins, I'm, you'll Organizations: Service, Business, Vanguard, Vanguard's, Market Index Fund, Market Index

☆ A millennial who had a mini-retirement at 38 shares her strategies for achieving financial independence — and why she wants to return to the workforce
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

When her daughter enrolls in kindergarten soon, Horrocks said she will return to the workforce but not to the high-stress position she held. Instead, given the luxury to pursue her passions, she's considering financial coaching or planning as options. "I think work is not the goal. She no longer needs to strive for the highest-paying or most prestigious position, and she's considered becoming a financial coach to help people achieve their financial goals. "Also, a lot of financial advisors don't have their client's best interests at heart and aren't wealthy themselves."

Persons: Sabina Horrocks, Horrocks, isn't hustles, Nobody's, We've, They've, we've, she's Organizations: Service, Business, Advisors Locations: Chicago

☆ This investment account offers 'rare triple-tax benefits' that are easily overlooked—and you can contribute even more next year
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Health savings accounts are vastly underused as a retirement investment tool by people who have them, even though thousands of dollars can be invested every year. Crucially, HSA funds aren't strictly limited to medical expenses, since they can be withdrawn for any reason after age 65 without triggering a 20% penalty on non-medical expenses. In effect, HSAs are potent retirement investment accounts, too. But despite the benefits, only about 13% of people invest the funds in their HSAs, according to recent data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Here's a look at how HSAs work and why you might want to invest the funds in that account.

Persons: Ben Smith Organizations: IRS, Research Institute Locations: Milwaukee

Social Security trust fund reserves are projected to be depleted by 2035. The 2023 Social Security and Medicare Trustees annual report projects that the program's trust fund reserves will be depleted by 2035. "It's not that Social Security will disappear completely, but rather, the surplus bucket we rely on is at risk." The average Social Security check for a retired worker is only $1,907 per month, according to the Social Security Administration. Without sufficient action, reduced Social Security benefits might not be able to keep pace with rising costs.

Persons: Emily Millsap, you've, Roth, HSAs Organizations: Social Security, Avantax Wealth Management, Social, Social Security Administration, Workers

☆ A '9-to-5 millionaire' shares 2 ways to increase your day job income — and the 'offense-defense' strategy that propelled him to financial independence
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Shao Chun Chen built wealth by sticking to simple principles: live below your means and invest early and regularly. Shao shared the strategies he used to increase his income while working his day job, plus the formula he used to achieve financial independence. Shao Chun Chen worked at Google Singapore for eight years. Shao Chun Chen"I forced myself. To play good offense, start by evaluating your day job.

Persons: Shao Chun Chen, He's, Merrill Lynch, Shao, you've, You've Organizations: Business, NTU Singapore, Google, BI, Google Singapore, National University of Singapore Locations: Singapore

☆ IRS boosts health savings account contribution limits for 2025
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The IRS has unveiled the 2025 contribution limits for health savings accounts, which are triple-tax advantaged for medical expenses. The new HSA contribution limit for 2025 will be $4,300 for self-only health coverage, up from $4,150 in 2024, based on inflation adjustments, the IRS announced Thursday. The contribution limit will also increase for savers with family coverage. The IRS will release the 2025 catch-up contribution for savers age 55 and older later this year. The IRS defines "high-deductible" as at least $1,650 for self-only plans or $3,300 for family coverage for 2025.

Persons: Roth, HSAs Organizations: IRS, Finance, of America Locations: HSAs

☆ Saving in a 401(k) can come with unexpected tax bills. Here's what to check right away to avoid a surprise and 4 ways to reduce your taxes as you withdraw.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Depending on your tax bracket at the time of withdrawal, your 401(k) money could be taxed at around 20% or 30%. Note that if you have a Roth 401(k), which is funded with after-tax dollars, you won't be taxed when withdrawing. The longer you can wait to touch your 401(k) money, the longer you'll delay owing taxes. Finally, there's the "non-taxable portion," he said, which would be money in accounts like a Roth 401(k), Roth IRA, and HSA. Or do they have a Roth IRA that they can take it from tax-free to benefit them?"

Persons: —, Grant Neiland, there's, you'd, Roth, Neiland, you've Organizations: Service, Business, Carson Wealth, IRS, Roth IRA

Where to buy glasses online using insurance FAQsWhat is FSA/HSA? A FSA, or flexible spending account, is an account provided by your employer in order to save on taxes and pay for qualified expenses. An HSA, or health savings account, is a type of flexible spending account geared towards qualified medical expenses. By enrolling in a High Deductible Health Plan and opening an HSA, your monthly insurance premium is usually lower, while tax exempt dollars from your HSA pay for higher deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other health-related costs. When ordering glasses online, you'll be prompted for your PD, or pupillary distance.

Persons: Read, you'll Organizations: IRS

☆ Don't overlook these 3 tax moves that could save you thousands, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

It could also mean taking a few minutes to click around the deductions page on your tax software to make sure you're not leaving money on the table. Here are three tax moves that experts say people tend to overlook. If you didn't hit your maximum contribution for 2023, you can retroactively direct funds to those accounts for the 2023 tax year. If you have children or other dependents, for instance, your tax prep software will likely guide you to the Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit. "You're not going to enter something in wrong and the program's not going to give you the Child Tax Credit.

Persons: Mark Jaeger, Hunt, Jaeger, Ed deHaan, deHaan, de Haan Organizations: Child Tax, Care, American Opportunity, Tax, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Research Locations: TaxAct

☆ The average tax refund is $3,109. Here's where to save and invest your return right now.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"The goal is usually to be as close to zero as possible: either a minimal return refund or a minimal tax payment. Where to save your money right now: high-yield or money market accountsOnce you've received your refund, a good initial step is to send that money from your checking account to a savings account. A few key differences: Your cash will be more accessible in a money market account, as you can write checks and use a debit card linked directly to the account. Note that money market accounts usually have a higher minimum balance requirement, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Interest rates are expected to drop in 2024, but you'll still earn more in these accounts than in traditional savings accounts, which typically offer rates under 0.5%.

Persons: Grant Nieland, you've, you'll, You'll, Roth, Nieland, we're Organizations: Business, Carson Wealth, IRS, Wealth, Roth IRA

☆ I opened an account that the wealthy like to save and invest in, thanks to its major tax benefits. It was a smart money move, but I made 2 mistakes
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-16 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

But I let my money sit in the non-bearing cash account for two years. The author started investing her HSA money in 2024. That number looks very different if I chose to leave the money in the cash account for those 26 years: It would amount to about $112,000. Touching the HSA money also cost me. Now that I've spoken with Weiss, I'm building my cash balance up to the one-year deductible amount before I invest more.

Persons: —, they're maxing, Brent Weiss, That's, Weiss, Kathleen Elkins , me Organizations: Service, Business, Vanguard

☆ I finally invested my HSA money after writing about millionaires who take advantage of a 'triple tax threat strategy.' I could pocket an extra $233,000 by the time I retire.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

After 65, you can use your HSA money to cover any expense without incurring a penalty, but the funds are subject to income tax. I happily used my HSA money to cover the $1,075 bill. An even smarter move would have been to invest my HSA funds (which I eventually did) and not touch them until age 65. I was relieved when Weiss told me that he also invests his HSA money in a retirement date fund. I asked about how often I should be transferring money from my cash account, where my HSA funds land automatically, to my investment account.

Persons: I've, Brent Weiss, Roth IRAs, HSAs, It's, Weiss, Max, don't, Kathleen Elkins, —, I'm Organizations: Business, Vanguard, IRS Locations: That's, Epsom

I wondered if ChatGPT would give me good retirement adviceSpeaking of tiresome work, I've spent many years putting off my retirement plan beyond my husband's 401(k). First, I asked Rush and ChatGPT the same question: What are the best retirement strategies for self-employed people? They recommended similar types of accountsRush and ChatGPT had similar suggestions regarding which kinds of retirement savings accounts freelancers should consider. ChatGPT also mentioned determining your risk tolerance and diversifying your investment portfolio accordingly, as well as including healthcare expenses in your retirement plans by contributing to an HSA, and reassessing and adjusting your retirement plans regularly. I'm happy getting retirement advice from a humanBut Rush had a few other suggestions that ChatGPT didn't list in its response to my question.

Persons: ChatGPT, I've, Justin Rush, Rush, it's, they've, doesn't Organizations: Service, Business, Google, IRA

☆ Fidji Simo, Instacart
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Cnbc.Com Staff | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Starting last year, profitability became a more consistent story for the largest online grocery marketplace in North America, with millions of monthly active orderers and Instacart+ members. The company says it has now delivered over one billion orders across its 85,000-store network encompassing 1,500 retail partners. "There were a lot of questions about whether Instacart would be just another pandemic fad," CEO Fidji Simo told CNBC . Simo, who took the top role at the company in 2021 and launched the Instacart Health delivery service in 2022, has made health care a personal passion. "Patients often go through years-long diagnostic odysseys, bouncing around from specialist to specialist with no one looking at the whole picture," Simo wrote on her LinkedIn.

Persons: Fidji Simo, Instacart, NBCUniversal's Peacock, Simo Organizations: Google, CNBC, Kroger, Costco, Amazon Prime, Paramount, Metrodora Institute Locations: North America

Many parents do try to anticipate and plan for the expected costs that come with raising a family like food and clothing, but other costs can come out of nowhere. Here are 4 unexpected expenses you should be aware of if you have a family or are planning on starting one:Advertisement1. Accidents and medical careFrom bicycle accidents as kids to car accidents when they start driving, children come with the potential for accidents. Raising a family may include broken bones, tonsil surgery, and appendectomies, kids can result in big medical bills. It's also best to start saving for college as early as possible, using a 529 plan or another savings account.

Persons: babysit, It’s, It's Organizations: Service, Brookings Institution, Business, IRS Locations: United States

☆ Millennial millionaires are maxing out an investment account that offers a triple tax benefit. Here's how it works and who's allowed to open one.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

BI verified the Schlagbaums' net worth by looking at account screenshots and a copy of their personal balance sheet. The Schlagbaums max out their HSA but don't touch the money so it can grow and compound over time. After 65, you can use your HSA money to cover any expense without incurring a penalty, but the funds are subject to income tax. While they technically can use their HSA funds for medical costs, they opt not to touch that money so it can grow. Like the Schlagbaums, the Keyses could use their HSA funds for their medical costs, but they prefer to pay out of pocket with their cash flow so their HSA funds can remain untouched.

Persons: —, Brennan Schlagbaum, Erin, Brennan, Erin Schlagbaum, HSAs, It's, Schlagbaum, Lauren, Steven Keys, I'm Organizations: Service, Business, Medicare

☆ A couple in their 30s who hit a net worth of over $1 million and retired early explains how they invest their money — and why they didn't max out their retirement accounts
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-13 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

About six months later, after doing their own research, they discovered low-cost index fund investing , a relatively low-risk and hands-off strategy that aims to match the returns of a specific market index. Putting their money to work in stock market index funds helped them reach their current net worth of just above $1 million — but it’s not their only investment. BI verified their net worth by looking at investment account screenshots and property appraisal documents. Bond market index funds“While stocks and rental real estate can generate high returns, they’re also volatile,” they write. “To smooth out the ride, we hold bonds.”Specifically, they hold the Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund ( BND ).

Persons: Lauren, Steven Keys, “, ” Steven, Steven, we've, it’s, ”, they’re, Keys, “ It's, Roth IRAs, Roth Organizations: Business, Vanguard, Market Index, Index, ” Employees, HSAs Locations: Gainesville , Florida, We're

☆ Here are some last-minute options to spend down your flexible savings account ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ funds
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-01 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

It's common for workers to not know what their employer's FSA rules are. Stock up on over-the-counter medications The CARES Act of March 2020 removed prescription requirements to use FSA funds for many over-the-counter medicines. Buy certain skin care products You can use your FSA savings for eczema-approved creams and lotions. Plan ahead for a new baby New and expectant parents can use their FSA funds for baby products such as diaper rash cream, baby breathing monitors and baby sunscreen. How to use FSA funds wisely

Persons: Tom Werner, Digitalvision, Carolyn McClanahan, Jake Spiegel, you've Organizations: Getty, Planning Partners, CNBC's, Research, CNBC, Invest, Garmin, IRS Locations: Jacksonville , Florida

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