DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Yields on cash are still 'well ahead of inflation,' expert says. Here's where to put your money now
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-08 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Now that the central bank is lowering rates — with a new quarter point rate cut announced by the Fed on Thursday — experts say having money in cash can still be a competitive strategy. Yet just how much cash to set aside is a question every individual investor needs to determine. Strive for at least a six-month emergency fundMost financial advisors recommend having cash set aside so that unexpected expenses don't blow your budget or cause you to rack up credit card debt. However, having a year's worth of expenses set aside may also be reasonable, depending on your household budget, she said. For many individuals, inflation and having too many expenses has made finding cash to set aside more difficult.

Persons: Nopphon, Greg McBride, Callie Cox, that's, Cox, Natalie Colley, Colley Organizations: Istock, Getty, Federal Reserve, Fed, Ritholtz Wealth Management, Francis Financial, Finance Locations: New York

☆ What the Fed’s interest rate cuts mean for your money
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-08 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

But that doesn’t mean as a result interest rates are now low — or will soon be low. “‘Falling interest rates’ are not the same as ‘low interest rates.’ Interest rates are high and will only decline to ‘not as high’ as … we move into 2025,” said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. Credit cards: Just before the Fed cut its key rate in September, the average credit card rate was 20.78%, according to Bankrate. Another option: Try transferring your balance to a credit card from a credit union or local bank. Before the Fed’s September rate cut many of those accounts were offering yields between 4.25% and 5.3%, according to those listed on Bankrate.com.

Persons: ”, Greg McBride, Matt Schulz, Chris Diodato, they’re, Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s, ” McBride, Sinead Colton Grant, Colton Grant, “, Don’t, Diodato, you’re, BNY, they’ve Organizations: CNN, Reserve, Bankrate, Fed, LendingTree, Treasury, Savings Locations: Treasuries

☆ How to juice the yield in your fixed income portfolio as Trump returns to the White House
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-07 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The tax cuts and tariffs floated by Trump has raised worries of a widening fiscal deficit, spurring Treasury yields higher as of late. Bond yields move inversely to their prices. A buying opportunity in bonds Sinead Colton Grant, chief investment officer at BNY Wealth, believes that bond investors overreacted. US10Y YTD mountain U.S. 10-year Treasury "The biggest determinant of your long-term return is the yield," Grant said. Munis While municipal bond yields don't move as quickly as Treasury yields, they are expected to follow, said BNY Wealth's Grant.

Persons: Donald Trump, Bond, Mark Haefele, Sinead Colton Grant, overreacted, Trump, Grant, it's, Brian Rehling, Charles Failla, BNY Wealth's Grant, Sudip Mukherjee Organizations: White, Federal Reserve, Trump, UBS, Fargo Investment, Sovereign Financial Group, AAA, Moody's Locations: Fargo, Stamford, Conn, New York City, muni

☆ You could face the 'survivor's penalty' after a spouse dies — here's how to avoid it
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Andrew Bret Wallis | The Image Bank | Getty ImagesAfter a spouse dies, some retirees face a costly surprise — higher taxes. The shift from married filing jointly to single on future tax returns can trigger a "survivor's penalty," depending on whether your income changes. After that, older survivors typically use the "single" filing status, which may have higher tax rates, with narrower tax brackets and a smaller standard deduction. The IRS recently unveiled higher tax brackets and standard deductions for 2025. The survivor's penalty affects American women more often than men, because women are more likely to outlive male spouses.

Persons: Andrew Bret Wallis, Judy Brown, Brown Organizations: Bank, Getty, SC, H Wealth Advisors, D.C, IRS, Centers for Disease Control Locations: Washington, Baltimore

Only 22% of parents are "completely confident" in their ability to teach their children the basics of investing, the survey found, and they're looking to their kids' schools for help. All else being equal, 74% of parents said they would move their children to a different school if it offered financial education and investment courses. SIFMA with Wakefield Research polled 1,000 U.S. parents of students in grades K-12. Getting your child hands-on experience with investing is also a smart strategy, advisors say. Hands-on experience also gives children a chance to discuss with parents what investing means to them, she said.

Persons: —, Melanie Mortimer, Lance Robert, Stacy Francis, Francis, Catherine Valega, Roth IRAs, Valega Organizations: SIFMA Foundation, Wakefield Research, Francis Financial, CNBC, Getty Images, Green Bee Advisory Locations: Los Angeles, New York, Getty Images Boston

However, a debt consolidation loan isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, says CFP Uziel Gomez. While I try to avoid carrying high-interest debt and aim to pay my credit card balance in full each month, as a financial coach, people often come to me feeling overwhelmed and wanting help with looming credit card debt. Sometimes, a debt consolidation loan can help, but it's not always the answer. If someone isn't ready for debt consolidation, Gomez recommends whittling away at your credit card payments using either the snowball or avalanche debt payoff method. You haven't established good habitsIf you haven't established good habits to keep your credit card spending to a minimum, it's probably best not to consider a credit card debt consolidation loan or balance transfer card.

Persons: Millennials, Xers, Uziel Gomez, —, it's, that's, Gomez, there's, whittling, he's, haven't, let's Organizations: Service, New York Federal Reserve, Primeros Locations: LA

☆ The next U.S. president could face a tax battle in 2025 — here's what it means for investors
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

This combination of pictures created on October 25, 2024 shows US Vice-President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris in Houston, Texas on October 25, 2024 and former US President Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in East Del Valle, Austin, Texas on October 25, 2024. As millions of Americans cast ballots on election day, advisors are bracing for major tax changes that could be on the horizon. Enacted by former President Donald Trump, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, or TCJA, brought sweeping changes for individuals, including lower tax brackets, higher standard deductions, a more generous child tax credit and a bigger estate and gift tax exemption, among others. Many of the individual TCJA provisions will sunset after 2025 without action from Congress, which will be a key issue for the next president, policy experts say. However, planning can be complicated with several tax provisions scheduled to sunset, experts say.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Jim Guarino, Baker Newman Noyes Organizations: Democratic, Republican Locations: Houston , Texas, East Del Valle, Austin , Texas, Woburn , Massachusetts

☆ Should I pay off my mortgage in retirement? New book tackles big money questions
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Mortgage rates may affect payoff calculusThe mortgage payoff calculus may change based on whether people can outearn their mortgage rates with safe, guaranteed investments, Benz said. For mortgage rates that are 6% or more, paying that balance off will provide a guaranteed return. Admittedly, the argument over whether to pay off mortgages is "much more emotional and psychological than it is financial," Jenkin said. The big money questions people ask themselves to prepare for retirement are just as important as the emotional ones. What brought you joy while you were working may change in retirement, Michael Finke, a professor of wealth management at The American College of Financial Services, tells Benz.

Persons: Jessica Lautz, Benz, JL Collins, Collins, Robert Daly, Ted Jenkin, Jenkin, Michael Finke Organizations: Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, National Association of Realtors, Benz, Getty, CNBC, CNBC FA, The American College of Financial Services Locations: Atlanta

☆ The No. 1 move to improve your finances in 5 minutes, according to CFPs
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-01 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

But that doesn't mean there aren't small, concrete steps you can take toward a better financial future that only require a few minutes. We asked financial planners the top piece of advice they'd give to clients who had only five minutes to meaningfully improve their finances . A doctor wouldn't attempt to help you improve your diet or exercise habits without knowing what you're currently doing. Getting to know your spending habits is like checking your financial vitals. To that end, you'll have to spend some time — more than just the initial five minutes — regularly reviewing your monthly spending.

Persons: Kevin Coombs, — you'll, there's, Tracy Sherwood, James Guarino, Coombs Organizations: CNBC Locations: Atlanta , Georgia, Clarence , New York, Woburn , Massachusetts

☆ 30 essential tips for living a longer, happier, more successful life with no regrets
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-31 | by ( Aditi Shrikant | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The anti-aging market is littered with innovative products and procedures that promise consumers a healthier, happier, longer life. But prolonging your life isn't only about physical fitness: a near 90-year-long study from Harvard University found that those who live happier, longer lives have good relationships. If you want to live longer and feel more fulfilled you probably don't need lasers or freezers. 30 essential tips for living a longer, happier, more successful life1. If you can't drive, don't live somewhere where the doctor is a 30-minute car ride away.

Persons: superagers, dieticians, Warren, Buffets, Valter Longo, David Watson, Warren Buffet, Neil Paulvin, Danielle Miura, Mark La Spisa, García, Francesc Miralles, Charlie, Munger, Warren Buffett, it's, Thema Bryant Organizations: Harvard University, Italy —, Cancer Laboratory, IFOM, of Oncology, University of Notre Dame, GameStop Locations: New York City, Blue, Okinawa, Japan, Sardinia, Italy

☆ How to keep your portfolio steady in volatile times as the election approaches
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-29 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The S & P 500 is toting a 1.3% gain in October, but it's up more than 22% in 2024. He said his team expects the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) , a measure of expected volatility, to remain elevated around 20 until after Election Day. Individual investors are already expressing some worries about how the markets might behave in the run-up to Nov. 5 – and the days that follow. Cash-secured puts can offer investors an opportunity to put cash to work and generate some income, he said. Covered call strategies have also come into play as a potential way for investors to contend with concentrated positions, he added.

Persons: Craig Johnson, Piper Sandler, Logan Queck, I'm, Malcolm Ethridge, Ethridge, they've, Ashton Lawrence, Cash, Lawrence Organizations: Wealth, CFP, Capital, IRS, Investment Company Institute, Mariner Wealth Advisors Locations: West Des Moines , Iowa, Washington ,, Greenville , South Carolina

☆ The 'huge mistake' 1 in 13 homeowners are making with their money
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-29 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

In fact, 1 in 13 American homeowners is currently uninsured, according to a recent Consumer Federation of America study. Considering that the average annual cost of homeowners insurance for a $300,000 mortgage has increased 23% to $2,230 in the last year, it makes sense why some homeowners are foregoing insurance or letting their policies lapse to save money. "The question isn't, 'Can I afford homeowners insurance?' Why you should always have home insuranceNot paying for homeowners insurance "is definitely a huge mistake," says Alaina Hixson, director of sales and operations at insurance provider The Churchill Agency. "While home insurance is often not cheap, the investment can save thousands and even hundreds of thousands in some cases."

Persons: Cathleen Tobin, Alaina Hixson, Hixson, they're Organizations: Consumer Federation of America, Churchill Agency, Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration Locations: New York

☆ There's still time to reduce your 2024 tax bill with these strategies
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-28 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

There's still time to lower your taxes or boost your refund for 2024, financial experts say. Typically, there's a refund when you overpay taxes during the year via withholdings or estimated payments. Ask yourself 3 questions to tell if you're readyWhen filing taxes, you take the standard deduction or total itemized tax breaks, whichever is larger. "It's tough to get over the standard deduction, especially if you're married," Rosen said. For 2024, the standard deduction is $29,200 for married couples filing jointly and $14,600 for single filers.

Persons: There's, Tricia Rosen, Donald Trump, Rosen Organizations: Finance Locations: withholdings, Newburyport , Massachusetts

☆ Here's how to leverage higher income limits for the 0% capital gains bracket
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-25 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The taxable income formula subtracts the greater of the standard or itemized deductions from your adjusted gross income. Here's what investors need to know about planning around the 0% capital gains bracket, according to financial experts. Weigh 'tax gain harvesting'If you're sitting on profitable investments, the 0% capital gains bracket could offer a chance for "tax gain harvesting," said certified financial planner Ashton Lawrence, a director at Mariner Wealth Advisors in Greenville, South Carolina. Here's how it works: Investors in the 0% capital gains bracket can strategically sell profitable brokerage account assets without triggering capital gains taxes. Opt for tax-free rebalancingYou can also leverage the 0% capital gains bracket to rebalance brokerage account assets without triggering a tax bill, experts say.

Persons: dowell, Ashton Lawrence, Lawrence, George Gagliardi Organizations: Mariner Wealth Advisors, Coromandel Wealth Management Locations: Greenville , South Carolina, Lexington , Massachusetts

☆ Here's how much you can make in 2025 and still pay 0% capital gains
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-24 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If you're ready to rebalance investments or harvest profits, you could shield more earnings from capital gains taxes in 2025. The IRS on Tuesday announced dozens of inflation adjustments for 2025, including long-term capital gains brackets, which apply to assets owned for more than one year. Starting in 2025, there are higher taxable income thresholds for the 0% capital gains bracket, meaning investors can sell more assets without triggering taxes. The 0% capital gains bracket creates a "significant opportunity" for tax planning, according to certified financial planner Neil Krishnaswamy, president of Krishna Wealth Planning in McKinney, Texas. Here's what to know about the 0% long-term capital gains rate for 2025 and how to qualify.

Persons: Neil Krishnaswamy, Krishnaswamy Organizations: IRS, Krishna Wealth, Finance Locations: McKinney , Texas

☆ Life after Intel: After rounds of layoffs and buyouts, some Intel insiders are abandoning the corporate grind altogether
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-24 | by ( Emma Cosgrove | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Some longtime Intel employees are eligible for up to 19 months of severance. After years of layoffs, buyouts, and even one temporary pay cut, many employees have thought about what they might do after Intel. BI spoke to three former Intel employees who are using the company's hard times as an opportunity to upend their lives. Over his 24 years at Intel, Guha used his spare time to develop a wealth management strategy based on the philosophies of Warren Buffet. Lessons learned at IntelThough several departing Intel employees expressed some frustration with the current state of the company, they still believe it can be successful.

Persons: —, Shi Choong, she's, Choong, It's, Javier Apostol, Apostol, he's, Sumit Guha, Guha, Warren Buffet, He's, sabbaticals Organizations: Intel, Service, Business, IRS, AARP, Engineers Locations: Portland, Oregon, San Francisco Bay, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Arizona, Yuma County , California, formalwear

☆ 4 ways to make your home down payment savings grow, according to top-ranked advisers
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-23 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | Ana Teresa Solá Is A Personal Finance Reporter For Cnbc. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

High-yield savings accountsA high-yield savings account earns a higher-than-average interest rate compared with traditional savings accounts, helping your money grow faster. “High-yield savings accounts [are] great if you’re going to be buying in the next year,” Williams said. Money market fundsA money market fund generally has a slightly higher yield than a HYSA, said Dennehy. Some of the highest-yielding retail money market funds are nearly 5% as of Oct. 23, according to Crane Data. Still, money market funds are considered low risk and are intended not to lose value, according to Vanguard.

Persons: ”, Ryan Dennehy, it’s, Shaun Williams, Dennehy, there’s, Jeffrey Hanson, “, ” Williams Organizations: California Financial Advisors, CNBC, Census, Federal Reserve, Paragon Capital Management, National Association of Realtors, PMI, Mortgage, Treasury, U.S ., Traphagen Financial, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, Vanguard, Securities Investor Protection Corp Locations: California, San Ramon , California, Denver, Oradell , New Jersey, Denver , Colorado

☆ Here's when exchange-traded funds really flex their ‘tax magic’ for investors
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-22 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Christopher Grigat | Moment | Getty ImagesInvestors can generally reduce their tax losses in a portfolio by using exchange-traded funds over mutual funds, experts said. "You'll have tax efficiency that a standard mutual fund is not going to be able to achieve, hands down," he said. The same concept applies within a mutual fund: Mutual fund managers generate capital gains when they sell holdings within the fund. Large-cap and small-cap "core" stocks also "benefit considerably," with about 85% to 90% of their returns coming from capital gains, Armour said. However, there are instances in which passively managed funds can trade often, too, such as with so-called strategic beta funds, Armour said.

Persons: Christopher Grigat, Bryan Armour, Charlie Fitzgerald III, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, Armour, It's, Morningstar, Fitzgerald, Bonds Organizations: North America, Mutual, Taxpayers, CNBC Locations: Orlando , Florida, U.S

☆ Surge in active ETFs has been 'remarkable,' analyst says. How to know if it's right for your portfolio
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-18 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

But there has been a surge in actively managed ETFs as investors seek lower costs and more precision, experts say. Active ETFs represented just more than 2% of the U.S. ETF market at the beginning of 2019. There are a few reasons for the active ETF growth, experts say. Still, only a fraction of issuers have been successful in the active ETF market. Active ETFs allow 'tactical adjustments'While passive ETFs replicate an index, such as the S&P 500 , active managers aim to outperform a specific benchmark.

Persons: Morningstar, Stephen Welch, Welch, Jon Ulin Organizations: Getty, Exchange, U.S, Morningstar, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Ulin, Wealth Management Locations: Boca Raton , Florida

☆ Want to earn more on your cash? This account offers the best return, says financial planner
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-18 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Even though the Federal Reserve has begun cutting interest rates, it's still possible to lock in a competitive rate on a certificate of deposit. That means you could earn $400 to $500 on a $10,000 deposit in one year with a CD, compared with just $57 with a savings account. That's about the best interest rate you can find without investing the money, which carries a higher degree of risk. However, with a CD, the trade-off for a good interest rate is that your money is locked in for a set term of several months or years. "CDs are a great place for your cash if you don't need the money for a specific amount of time," says Jeremy Keil, a certified financial planner in Wisconsin.

Persons: Jeremy Keil Organizations: Federal Reserve Locations: Wisconsin

☆ As nervous investors worry about the presidential election, public debt is a top concern financial advisors say
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-18 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

- | Afp | Getty ImagesMany investors worry about how the outcome of the presidential election will impact their investments. But there's another risk financial advisors are focused on — public debt, according to a new survey from Natixis Investment Managers. The term public debt is used interchangeably by the U.S. Treasury with national debt and federal debt. Experts say there are certain moves individual investors can make to limit the financial exposure they have to those broader risks. For investors who worry the country's debt may lead to slow growth, it can help to add international exposure to a portfolio, Cheng said.

Persons: —, they're, Dave Goodsell, Marguerita Cheng, Cheng, Goodsell, Bonds, Barry Glassman, Glassman, Roth, Pare Organizations: Elena Bozeman Government, Afp, Getty, Natixis Investment, Natixis Center, Investor Insight, U.S, Treasury, Social Security, Blue, Global Wealth, CNBC FA Council, Wealth Services, CNBC FA Locations: Arlington , Virginia, U.S, Gaithersburg , Maryland

☆ Why 401(k) plans are the 'final frontier' for exchange-traded funds
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Momo Productions | Digitalvision | Getty ImagesWhile many investors have flocked to exchange-traded funds, they haven't gained much ground with 401(k) plan participants. The report found that 401(k) plans used ETFs most readily for sector and commodity funds — but even then, they did so just 3% of the time. Key benefits are 'irrelevant'Mutual funds, collective investment trust funds and separately managed accounts held the lion's share of the 401(k) assets across all investment categories, PSCA data shows. However, those benefits are "irrelevant" in 401(k) plans, Blanchett said. Blanchett said 401(k) plans are also long-term accounts in which frequent trading is generally not encouraged.

Persons: Momo, David Blanchett, hasn't, Philip Chao, Chao, Warren Buffett's, Blanchett Organizations: Exchange, Mutual, Morningstar, Investment Company Institute, ICI, of America, Vanguard Locations: John , Maryland

☆ Inherited IRA rules are changing in 2025 — here's what beneficiaries need to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Jacob Wackerhausen | Istock | Getty ImagesWhat to know about the 10-year ruleBefore the Secure Act of 2019, heirs could "stretch" inherited IRA withdrawals over their lifetime, which helped reduce yearly taxes. But certain accounts inherited since 2020 are subject to the "10-year rule," meaning IRAs must be empty by the 10th year following the original account owner's death. The rule applies to heirs who are not a spouse, minor child, disabled, chronically ill or certain trusts. Since then, there's been confusion about whether the heirs subject to the 10-year rule needed to take yearly withdrawals, known as required minimum distributions, or RMDs. After years of waived penalties, the IRS in July confirmed certain heirs will need to begin yearly RMDs from inherited accounts starting in 2025.

Persons: Jacob Wackerhausen, there's, Dickson, Judson Meinhart Organizations: Istock, Vanguard, Modera Wealth Management Locations: Winston, Salem , North Carolina

☆ How to build up your bets – and your returns – in dividend-paying stocks
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Dividend stocks could be poised to get their moment in the sun as interest rates fall – and investors only need to take a simple step to boost their long-term returns in these positions. "As rates fall, we might see people looking for longer-term alternatives and, in turn, dividend-paying stocks," he said. For starters, it's a form of dollar-cost averaging into a position, meaning you're buying the stock at regular intervals regardless of the price. "It allows them to reinvest this dividend on a regular scheduled timeframe and have a great opportunity for a larger total return over the long term." The ProShares S & P 500 Dividend Aristocrats (NOBL) has a total return of nearly 15% in 2024 and an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Persons: Dan Stein, Charles Schwab, Jay Spector, That's, would've, you'll, Stein, – CNBC's Chris Hayes Organizations: Federal Reserve, Investors, CFP, EverVest, Machines, IBM, Target Corp, Apple, Broadcom, Microsoft, Exxon Mobil, Internal Revenue Service Locations: Tysons Corner , Virginia, Scottsdale , Arizona

☆ Millennials on track to retire early are maxing out HSAs to supplement their savings. Here's who is eligible for this account and how to use it to grow your money.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

HSAs require enrollment in a high-deductible health plan, suitable for healthy individuals. After 65, you can use your HSA money to cover any expense without incurring a penalty, but the funds are subject to income tax. You'll have to move your money from your HSA to your HSA investment account. Brent Weiss, a certified financial planner, told BI that he invests his HSA money in a target-date fund: "I'm not getting fancy. Not touching your HSA funds means covering your medical expenses out of pocket, which is what Grant and the Schlagbaums do.

Persons: —, Amberly Grant, Grant, she's maxed, Brennan, Erin Schlagbaum, HSAs, it's, it'll, Brent Weiss, I'm, you've Organizations: Service, IRA, IRS

Search resuls for: "Certified Financial Planner"

25 mentions found