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☆ How one nonprofit is turning to AI to help boost women's financial literacy
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

One women-focused nonprofit has launched a new way to help them get faster answers to their queries through the use of an online AI chatbot. The organization, Savvy Ladies, was founded more than 20 years ago by Stacy Francis, a certified financial planner and president and CEO of Francis Financial in New York City. After seeing her grandmother stay in an abusive situation because she lacked financial resources, Francis created the nonprofit with the goal of helping other women avoid similar situations. watch nowThe new chatbot — provided through Microsoft Copilot — allows visitors to the Savvy Ladies website to type in their financial questions and receive immediate answers curated from the website's content written by CFPs and other financial professionals. Investors are more likely to trust advice from generative AI tools than from social media, according to a survey released last year from the CFP Board, a professional organization representing professional financial planners.

Persons: Stacy Francis, Francis, CFPs, Judy Herbst, Michael Roberts, William H, Lawrence, Roberts Organizations: Francis Financial, Microsoft, CNBC's FA, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, CFP Locations: New York City, CNBC's

☆ I hired a life coach for $400 a month and finally understand what it means to 'invest in yourself.' It's the best money I've ever spent.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Hiring a life coach at age 31 and understanding what it means to 'invest in yourself'While I wasn't actively seeking advice in my 20s, my job as a personal finance reporter meant I was regularly surrounded by money, career, and life advice. My job involved talking to financial planners about smart money moves and to self-made millionaires about how to build wealth. Courtesy of Kathleen ElkinsIn August 2023, weeks after turning 31 and after a nine-year hiatus from having a coaching figure in my life, I hired a life coach. How is a life coach different from a therapist? It's the easiest money I "spend" every month because it doesn't feel like spending — it feels like (and is) an investment.

Persons: —, I'd, didn't, wasn't, It'll, Bill Gates, …, Kathleen Elkins, we've, He's, — aren't Organizations: Service, Business, IRA Locations: Boston

☆ How much money Americans in their 30s saved in 2023—and how to save more, according to a CFP
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Annie Probert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

In your 30s, your list of financial burdens is probably growing, including everything from paying for child care to saving up for a first home. Despite these challenges, Americans in their 30s managed to save the most money out of any age group in 2023, according to data from New York Life. Parents in the U.S. spend around 24% of their household income on child care each year, a recent report from Care.com found. "But child care, we have to pay for that once the baby's born. If you're in your 30s and want to save more this year, here are two strategies to help stash away more cash.

Persons: it's, Shaun Melby, Care.com, you've Organizations: New York, Melby Wealth, CNBC Locations: New, U.S

☆ Self-made millionaire who retired at 35 shares his No. 1 money regret: I was doing the 'bare minimum'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The 42-year-old retired from his corporate job in 2016 with about $900,000, a total that market gains soon pushed over $1 million. 'At least I was doing that'Adcock recalls his early 20s as a time where he was doing the "bare minimum" financially. "Thanks to [advice from] my dad, I contributed enough to get the match in my 401(k) — that was literally free money." By contributing enough in his 401(k) to receive a full match, Adcock was theoretically earning a 100% return on his money. 'We wanted to achieve early retirement as quickly as possible'

Persons: You'd, Steve Adcock, he'd, Adcock, Roth, Adcock's Organizations: Roth IRA, IRA Locations: Arizona

☆ How to manage your money in your 40s, according to CFPs: As your investments grow, 'mistakes can get bigger' too
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Annie Probert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

In your 40s, financial priorities can range from taking care of aging parents to funding the activities and futures of your kids. Here are four steps certified financial planners recommend taking with your money throughout your 40s. You generally have two options for life insurance: term or permanent. Term life insurance provides coverage for a set amount of time, often somewhere between 10 and 30 years, while permanent life insurance, also known as whole life, provides coverage for the rest of your life. Term life insurance is generally fitting for people looking for affordable, temporary coverage, while permanent life insurance is more flexible and can earn interest.

Persons: Andrew Fincher, Fincher, you've, Joe Conroy Organizations: Financial

☆ The No. 1 mistake people in their 50s make with their money, according to a CFP—and how to fix it
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Annie Probert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

You might feel like your life, retirement savings and finances are set in stone at this age. But this mindset can be one of the biggest financial mistakes you make in your 50s, says Autumn Knutson, certified financial planner and founder of Styled Wealth. Here are three smart decisions to make with your money in your 50s, according to three certified financial planners. Secure long-term care insuranceAs you inch closer to retirement, your 50s are a good time to consider long-term care insurance, says Andrew Fincher, a CFP and financial advisor at VLP Financial Advisors. Separate from health insurance and Medicare, long-term care insurance covers expenses that often arise in your later years, such as assisted living care and at-home care.

Persons: —, Andrew Fincher, Fincher, Marguerita Cheng, Cheng Organizations: Financial, Blue Ocean, Fidelity Investments

If you choose to forgo life insurance, it might still make sense to include an unmarried partner in a will. Compare life insurance rates online with Ethos Life. If so, then you may need life insurance. Term life insurance is a better choice for most individuals since they don't need coverage for their entire lives. Get Life Insurance Quotes Compare the best life insurance companies with a quote from Ethos Life.

Persons: —, Justin Pritchard, doesn't, Pritchard, Jay Zigmont Organizations: Service, CFP, Childfree

☆ Here are some big money blind spots you need to avoid, advisors say
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-04 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Here are some of the biggest financial blind spots, according to several certified financial planners on CNBC's Digital Financial Advisor Council. 1. Credit scoresConsumers often don't understand the importance of their credit score, said Kamila Elliott, CFP, co-founder and CEO of Collective Wealth Partners based in Atlanta. The average person with a credit score between 760 and 850 would get a 6.5% interest rate, according to national FICO data as of April 1. The latter's monthly payment would cost $324 more relative to the person with a better credit score — amounting to an extra $116,000 over the life of the loan, according to FICO's loan calculator. "Ten out of 10 people couldn't explain how the tax withholding system works," said Ted Jenkin, CFP, CEO and founder of oXYGen Financial based in Atlanta.

Persons: Kamila Elliott, Wills, Barry Glassman, I'm, Glassman, Elliott, That's, Ted Jenkin, Uncle Sam, Jenkin Organizations: Getty, Digital Financial, CFP, Wealth Partners, Consumer Financial, Bureau, Wealth Services, Westend61, Collective Wealth Partners, Business, Employers, Workers Locations: Atlanta

☆ 3 money moves to make in your 30s to set yourself up for financial success
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-31 | by ( Annie Probert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Your 30s are a decade often marked by big financial steps, from buying your first home to switching jobs to saving for future children. With more working years under your belt, you're likely making more money than you did in your 20s — but it can still be confusing to know exactly what you should be doing with it to set yourself up for financial success into your 40s and beyond. A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account sponsored and operated by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. If you open a 529 account when your child is born, you'll have around 18 years to save and grow your investments, says Fincher. State tax deductions for 529 contributions also make these college savings plans appealing, though every state is different.

Persons: Andrew Fincher, you'll, Fincher Organizations: Financial, District of Columbia Locations: U.S

☆ Pet insurance didn't feel worth it—until my cat needed a $3,000 surgery
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-30 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

My wife and I never gave pet insurance much thought, until our cat Wally needed a $3,000 surgery. My wife and I never gave pet insurance much thought — until we were told our cat Wally needed surgery that would cost nearly $3,000. Apparently, we weren't alone in that thinking, as only about 25% of pet owners have pet insurance, according to a recent NerdWallet survey. What you get with pet insuranceTypically, pet insurance covers accidents, illness and wellness, which pays for routine care like annual exams. How to know whether pet insurance is right for youFinancial planners who spoke with CNBC Make It were divided on whether pet insurance is worth the cost.

Persons: Wally, Mike Winters, periodontitis, there's, Rikin Shah, Carol Fabbri, — Organizations: CNBC, Insurance Locations: Denver

☆ ‘I am so scared of them now’: Burned from overspending, some ‘buy now, pay later’ users warn others away
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-30 | by ( J.J. Mccorvey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

But the $6,000 in BNPL loans she'd racked up over roughly two years felt frivolous, she said, especially because they're planning to buy their first home. Many are seeking cover from high credit card interest rates. After trimming her discretionary spending and sticking to home-cooked meals, she said she's been able to whittle down her BNPL debt to about $1,200. Klarna said it had responsible spending limits for its users, whose average outstanding balance is $150, compared to the more than $6,000 for credit card users. Baird, for her part, acknowledged BNPL services can make inflation and high interest rates feel "easier" for those who can keep their shopping impulses under control.

Persons: Tia Whiteside, Whiteside, she'd, Dyson, she's, Marcus, whittle, Ben Lourie, Lourie, aren't, I've, Amy Baird, Baird, Kevin Mahoney, Mahoney, —, Afterpay, Klarna, Sen, Sherrod Brown, Raphael Warnock, John Fetterman, Brown Organizations: LexisNexis, Solutions, University of California, UC Irvine, Singapore Management University, PayPal, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Financial, D.C, Sens, NBC News Locations: Greenville , South Carolina, Irvine, Stanford, Dallas, Washington, Ohio

☆ 3 smart money moves to make in your 20s to be more successful
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Annie Probert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

If you're questioning how to put your money to use in your 20s, here are three smart money moves to set yourself up for success later in life, according to two certified financial planners. The most common forms of debt for twentysomethings include credit cards, auto loans, student loans and personal loans. High interest rates have made paying off debt even harder, and in 2023 people under 29 carried an average of nearly $3,000 in credit card debt. To tackle credit card debt, Rossman recommends either signing up for a 0% balance transfer card or consolidating your credit card debt if you have several balances on different cards. Student loans are another common burden for many young people, with nearly 35% of adults ages 18 to 29 carrying student loan debt, according to the Education Data Initiative.

Persons: you've, Z, Andrew Fincher, Joe Conroy, Ted Rossman, Rossman, Fincher Organizations: Financial, CNBC, Education Data Initiative Locations: what's

☆ Social Security benefits after divorce: In some cases 'your ex is worth twice as much dead than alive,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

red_moon_riseThe rules around claiming Social Security benefits are full of caveats and nuances. "Your ex is worth twice as much dead than alive," said Mary Beth Franklin, a certified financial planner and Social Security expert. The calculus assumes the first spouse to die had a larger Social Security retirement benefit than the survivor. Social Security rules for married, divorced spousesThe federal government determines Social Security benefits based on age and earnings history. Claiming benefits based on an ex-spouse's earnings record doesn't affect or reduce that former spouse's benefits, Colley said.

Persons: Mary Beth Franklin, Natalie Colley, Sandy, she'd, —, Franklin, Colley Organizations: Social, Social Security, Women, Francis Financial, Social Security Administration, spouse's Social Security, spouse's, SSA Locations: West Palm Beach , Florida, New York

(Photo by WANG Zhao / AFP) (Photo by WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images)BEIJING — China's top securities regulator vowed to "strictly" crack down on market manipulators, while stating that protecting small investors was a "core task." Wu outlined measures deemed necessary to improve the quality of listed companies and increase returns on investment. They include: encouraging listed companies to improve stability, timeliness and predictability of dividend payouts, stricter delisting rules, and expanding inspections of listed companies. "China's market is the second largest in the world, but it's not as strong," Wu said, adding the recent market volatility exposed deep-seated issues. At the same press conference, Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People's Bank of China, also pledged support for overseas listings for high-quality Chinese companies.

Persons: Wu Qing, WANG Zhao, WANG ZHAO, Wu, it's, Pan Gongsheng Organizations: China Securities Regulatory Commission, National People's Congress, Getty Images, People's Bank of Locations: China, Beijing, AFP, BEIJING, People's Bank of China

☆ 4 tips financial planners are always giving solopreneurs and small-business owners
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Bella Sayegh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Solo business owners face unique challenges in managing business finances. Starting simple and delegating tasks are important skills to help owners stay organized. Build in necessary expensesSolopreneurs often operate all aspects of their business — building a product, dealing with customers, and keeping track of finances. Business owners should also be mindful of how they go about outsourcing these services , Camp added. Camp said these resources could help solo business owners build their teams and stay organized without losing money.

Persons: —, Rachael Camp, you’re, it's, ” Camp, Kathryn Knighton, Knighton, ”, Camp, “, ” Knighton, don’t Organizations: Service, Wealth, Camp, Business, Small Business Administration Locations: ” Knighton

☆ Home Equity Loan Alternative Could Revolutionize the Housing Market
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( James Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +16 min

Like a lot of homeowners, Schummer was keen to convert some of his theoretical wealth into real cash. These kinds of deals, often referred to as home-equity-sharing agreements or home-equity investments, have existed on the fringes of housing finance for decades. The success or failure of home-equity investments could shape the future of homeownership in America. If the home's value has gone up, everyone wins; sell it for a loss, and the investor might share in that downside. "Over time for us, the customer becomes everybody," Eoin Matthews, the chief business officer and a cofounder of Point, told me recently.

Persons: Kennis Schummer, Schummer, Laurie Goodman, Goodman, he'd, Eoin Matthews, —, Hometap, Jim Riccitelli, Riccitelli, Adam Rust, Rust, Rust wasn't, I'm, Jordan Gilberti, Holly Bunting, Mayer Brown, Edwin Remsberg, Matthews, they'd, Jeffrey Glass, Glass, I've, he's Organizations: Consumer, Urban Institute, Federal Reserve, Bain Capital, Palisades Group, Redwood Trust, Getty, Consumer Federation of America Locations: Pensacola , Florida, California, homeownership, America, Connecticut, Maryland, Florida

☆ These surprise sources of income could cost you during tax season
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Investors are celebrating a year of easy-to-obtain interest income, but the Tax Man will want his slice this spring. Institutions report interest income of $10 or more to their customers and the Internal Revenue Service on Form 1099-INT . For instance, you can be on the hook for an accuracy-related penalty of 20% of the underpayment of the tax. Interest income from these I bonds is subject to federal income tax, but investors don't receive it until they redeem the bond or it matures. "It might be worth it to buy the MLP and pay the tax," Kearns said.

Persons: Elizabeth Buffardi, Buffardi, you'll, Jerrod Pearce, Adam Markowitz, Brian Kearns, Kearns Organizations: Internal Revenue Service, IRS, CPA, Creative Planning, Luminary, CFP, Haddam, Advisors, MLP Locations: Oak Brook , Illinois, Overland Park , Kansas, Windermere , Florida, Evanston , Illinois

Go beyond financial literacy"Gone are the days that we can hide behind the illusion that more financial literacy is enough," says Rahkim Sabree, AFC, financial therapist and counselor. Currently, 25 states require financial literacy education for students; however, rarely, if ever, does financial literacy address larger systemic issues that exist. Black students owe an average of 188% more than what white students borrowed by the fourth year after graduation. One 2016 study found that if current trends continue, closing the wealth gap would take more than 200 years. AdvertisementYounger Black Americans have now become the fastest-growing demographic of new investors in the stock market.

Persons: —, Martin Luther King, Jr, Moritz Kuhn, Moritz Schularick, Ulrike I, Rahkim Sabree, We've, Kristin Afelumo, Lazetta Rainey Braxton, Braxton Organizations: Service, Business, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Black, National Bureau of Economic Research, Economic Policy Institute, AFC, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Netflix, Lazetta, Associates Locations: America, Evanston , Illinois, Black

☆ 28-year-old with a net worth over $500,000 shares 5 signs you're better with money than you think
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

But a lot of people who feel helpless are probably doing better than they think they are, says the 28-year-old former financial analyst, who has a personal net worth of more than $500,000. To help people feel "less hopeless," the author of "Break Your Budget" recently shared several signs you're doing better financially than you think you are on TikTok. Here are five signs that you're on track with your personal finances, according to Allocca. Allocca suggests putting the money in a high-yield savings account to maximize the interest you earn on those funds. This includes high earners who still live paycheck to paycheck because they aren't tracking their expenses.

Persons: Michela Allocca, Allocca, they're Organizations: CNBC, Financial Locations: Allocca, U.S

☆ After a 5-month-long 401(k) rollover process, a financial professional told me I should've asked 2 questions before even starting — and explained when it makes sense to keep your money separate
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

From start to finish, it took me five months to combine my retirement money into one account. Before moving your retirement money, consider the investment options at your current plan (or plans if you have multiple accounts) and the new plan. “The average 401(k) plan only has about 15 to 20 investment options, so we want to look at those options: ‘Are they good? The main ones to look into are plan administration fees, individual service fees, and investment fees. Your employer is required to provide you with information on the company 401(k) plan, including the fee structure.

Persons: Brent Weiss, Weiss, that's, ”, “, you’re, — Organizations: Fidelity, Vanguard, Business

☆ January Is Nearly Over. Have You Done Your Retirement Review?
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-27 | by ( Brian J. O Connor | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The crash diets have crashed, the brand-new budgets won’t budge and your Peloton is now the world’s most expensive laundry rack. But even if every one of your New Year’s resolutions is toast, there’s still one start-of-the-year chore you would be wise to handle: your retirement review. This is a perfect time to take stock of where your retirement is heading — whether you’re still on the job or have stopped working and are now collecting Social Security — financial planners say. Nearly all of them will need to support themselves for decades. Whether you are still working or already retired, reviewing your retirement plan and how it’s shaping up when compared with reality is a crucial step, said Michael Crews, author of the book “Saturday Everyday” and chief executive of North Texas Wealth Management in Allen, Texas.

Persons: you’re, Michael Crews Organizations: Alliance for Lifetime, North Texas Wealth Management Locations: Allen , Texas

☆ I rolled over my 401(k) because I thought it was the smart financial move. Several delays and 5 months later, I regret even starting the process.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

While my case may have been a little on the extreme side, a financial planner assured me that I'm far from the only person to have struggled with a 401(k) rollover. August 15, 2023: Fidelity cuts two checks — made out to Vanguard, not me (this, I later learn, is key) — and mails them to me. I was supposed to make my rollover checks payable to them. The author attempted to mail the rollover form and checks from Brooklyn, New York. I never want to initiate a 401(k) rollover ever again.

Persons: —, I've, Roth, Vanguard There's, Kathleen Elkins, Brent Weiss, that's, Ascensus, Weiss, wasn't, it's Organizations: Business, Fidelity, Vanguard, Neat, UPS, Trust, Facility, IRS Locations: Los Angeles, New York City, Brooklyn , New York, Brooklyn Heights, North Carolina, Charlotte, New York

☆ How much money Americans have in their savings accounts—nearly half have less than $500
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Nearly half of Americans have $500 or less in their savings accounts, an amount that leaves them vulnerable to unexpected expenses, according to a GOBankingRates survey of 1,063 U.S. adults conducted in November 2023. About 29% of respondents have between $501 and $5,000 in their savings accounts, while the remaining 21% of Americans have $5,001 or more. This leaves them vulnerable to unexpected expenses, underscoring the importance of having an emergency fund, if they're able to build one. Why an emergency fund is importantFinancial planners commonly recommend keeping a reserve of cash, known as an emergency fund, on hand to cover unexpected expenses. To get started, you'll need to find room in your budget for monthly emergency savings contributions, which can be easier said than done.

Persons: Alex Lozano, Christopher Lazzaro, Lazzaro, Lozano, It's Organizations: Lozano Group Wealth Management

☆ A viral theory about the one thing millionaires do differently with their money is making waves
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-09 | by ( Andrew Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

On December 14, a TikToker who goes by Taylor Money posted a video with an on-screen caption that read, "Millionaires do 1 thing different." He regularly shares videos about what he describes as millionaires' approach to life and making money . This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. AdvertisementThe theory is that richer people tend to view money as a way to build even more wealth, rather than a means to a different end. They said they had little to no money after paying their basic bills, so using money to make money was only possible for those with expendable income.

Persons: —, Taylor Money, Taylor, That's, Rich, lew, ure, ideo Organizations: Service, Millionaires, Business, ust Locations: TikTok, iews

☆ Shohei Ohtani’s $700M Dodgers contract is huge — but its actual value is much lower
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-15 | by ( David K. Li | Kate Dore | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Japanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani attends a press conference on his presentation after signing a 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on Dec. 14, 2023. At first glance, Shohei Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers is nothing short of a Ruthian blockbuster, topping all other free agent pacts. The deal was originally reported as a $700 million, 10-year deal, which drastically tops all previous MLB contracts in terms of total compensation and average annual value. And on the other side of the spectrum, annual inflation was consistently less than 2% for much of the 2010s. For him, the decision to sign the deal with the Dodgers had more to do with earning things on the field than off.

Persons: Shohei Ohtani, Colin Gerrety, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Chavez, we've, Christopher Woods, Woods, he's, It's, I'm, Ohtani, David K, Li Organizations: Los Angeles Dodgers, Dodgers, NBC, Wealth, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, The Dodgers, Star, Silvis, Labor Department, Federal Reserve Locations: Los Angeles , California, Vienna , Virginia, Charlotte , North Carolina, L.A

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