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☆ The Social Security curveballs making retirement even more confusing
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-24 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

The measures reduce Social Security benefits accrued during private-sector work to compensate for the state or local government pension benefits. The Social Security Administration reported the average monthly check as of July 2024 is about $1,783. Meanwhile, nearly half of WEP-affected Social Security beneficiaries had pensions above $3,000 a month in 2023. In her 20s, McLeod worked various part-time and lower-paying clerical roles, all of which paid into Social Security. "They said you get a good enough retirement from the state, so you'll be OK not getting all your Social Security."

Persons: —, Patrice Earnest, Earnest, Jane Roth, Roth, She's, she'd, it's, Karen Smith, Janis Hernandez, Critics, they've, we're, Louisiana Sen, Bill Cassidy, Republican who's, Anne McLeod, McLeod Organizations: Service, Social, Business, —, Social Security, GPO, Security, Workers, Urban Institute, Social Security Administration, Center, National Task Force, Force, Republican, Budget Locations: New Haven, Louisiana, New Orleans

☆ Half of renters live somewhere they can't afford
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-21 | by ( Eliza Relman | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Half of US renters spend over 30% of their income on housing, Census data shows. Skyrocketing home prices and rents, driven by supply shortages and high interest rates, are to blame. African-American and Hispanic renters are the most cost-burdened, with over half exceeding the 30% rule. But as home prices and rents have skyrocketed in recent years, that so-called 30% rule is increasingly challenging to follow. And for a whopping half of US renters, it's become impossible.

Persons: —, it's Organizations: Service, US, Bureau, Survey, Business

☆ A boomer who couldn't afford retirement in the US moved to Ecuador and said she's living an 'upscale life on a modest budget'
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-20 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

She said she went from stressing constantly about retirement to living comfortably, though life is at times lonely. "Between all those things, the result of that wonderful, exciting life was that I didn't save for retirement," Gretchen said. Living comfortably for cheaperWith $3,000 a month and a small brokerage account, Gretchen and her husband live comfortably in Ecuador. Gretchen Kay and her husband live in a newly built condo in Ecuador. In Utah, they paid over $1,000 a year in property insurance and about $1,000 in property taxes.

Persons: Gretchen Kay, Robert, Gretchen, Ecuador Gretchen, wasn't, she's Organizations: Service, Business, Walmart, Social Security, Mayo Clinic, Google Locations: Ecuador, Utah, Canoa, San Vicente, Moab, South America, Peru, Ecuador's, San Diego, Quito, Cuenca

☆ The states where rent is going up the fastest — and the slowest
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

States such as Maine, New Mexico, and Utah have seen the largest percent increases in median gross rent — which includes rent and utility costs — between 2022 and 2023. The median housing cost for renters increased from $1,354 to $1,406 during this period. The census data covers increases between 2022 and 2023, and more recent data shows that cost growth has continued this year. According to national Redfin data, rents increased slightly nationwide in September 2024 compared to the year prior, at 0.9%, and are now $1,645 for all rental sizes. The ACS reveals some racial inequities among cost-burdened households.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Survey, Business, DC Locations: Maine, New Mexico, Utah, Hawaii, Washington, Florida, Mississippi, Alaska, New York, Raleigh, Fort Worth, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Florida , Nebraska, Vermont, Alaska , Delaware, Georgia, Pennsylvania

☆ Some baby boomers are burning through their retirement savings to pay for cancer treatments. Then they have to go back to work.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-15 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

AdvertisementIt's a story all too familiar for some older Americans: An unexpected health crisis derails their retirement planning. With insufficient help from health insurance or Social Security, medical bills eat up any savings or income they have. Jones, who gets $2,200 a month in Social Security, has had to take on part-time work, which made her ineligible for some federal assistance. She paid for chemo out of pocket, spending her way through her retirement savings and maxing out her credit cards. Amend said it's crucial for older Americans to believe everything will be OK, noting "your mindset perpetuates what your outcome will be."

Persons: —, Kimberly Mullen, Mullen, She's, she'll, Nancy Altman, Saul Martinez, Karen Knudsen, they've, Uber, Wendy Jones, it's, she's, Jones, Teresa Ghilarducci, , Ghilarducci, Rebecca Buffum, Buffum, I'm, Andrew Whitaker, Marion, Robert Papalia, Papalia, Leonard Bianconi, Bianconi, Gallup, Monique Morrissey, haven't, Harris, Morrissey, Frank, Weeks, he's Organizations: Service, Business, Social Security, American Cancer Society, Social, Walmart, Medicare, New School for Social Research, Schwartz, for Economic, Kaiser Family Foundation, BI, Institute, Biden, American Heart Association Locations: Kentucky, North Carolina

☆ The 10 countries with the best quality of life
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Denmark tops quality of life rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Wharton School. The rankings evaluated affordability, job stability, healthcare quality, and individual freedom. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . Denmark was ranked first for quality of life by U.S. News & World Report in partnership with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Denmark ranked 10th overall for best countries, which was released Tuesday and considered quality of life among 10 factors.

Persons: —, Denmark — Organizations: U.S . News, Wharton School, Service, University of Pennsylvania, Business Locations: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland

☆ You may not have noticed your big-ticket purchases are getting cheaper
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-12 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The consumer price index rose by 2.5% year over year, but durable-goods prices have declined. Americans may not feel the price drops, given how infrequent these purchases are. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . But you may not have noticed unless you've made a big-ticket purchase in the past year.

Persons: —, you've, they've Organizations: Service, Business

☆ The 10 best foreign countries for a comfortable retirement, ranked
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | Jordan Pandy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Switzerland tops U.S. News & World Report's best countries for retirement. New Zealand, Portugal, and Australia also ranked high for a comfortable retirement. Switzerland once again topped this year's U.S. News & World Report's Best Countries for a comfortable retirement, as well as coming in at the top of the overall ranking of the best countries in the world. Though expensive, Switzerland ranked highly for safety, economic stability, healthcare, and retirement benefits. Switzerland also ranked third for quality of life and second for being business-friendly.

Persons: — Organizations: News, Service, U.S . News, Business Locations: Switzerland, New Zealand, Portugal, Australia, U.S

☆ Meet the Silicon Valley billionaires, corporate CEOS, and founders backing Kamala Harris
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Alice Tecotzky | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

More than 800 powerful venture capitalists organized to pledge support for Kamala Harris. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . By late August, more than 800 venture capitalists pledged to vote and solicit donations for Harris on a new website, VCsForKamala.org. According to one of the group's organizers, the original signatories represent a combined $150 billion in assets under management. The current signatories represent a combined $276 billion, according to the group's founders.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Harris, —, Elon Musk, Marc Andreessen, David Sacks, Donald Trump Organizations: Service, Business

☆ The 10 best countries in the world, ranked
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Jordan Pandy | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Switzerland regained the top spot on U.S. News & World Report's list of best countries in the world. The 2024 rankings assessed 89 countries on factors including heritage, power, and entrepreneurship. European countries tend to offer the best quality of life, while the US excels at power and agility. AdvertisementFor the third year in a row, Switzerland was ranked the best country in the world. The 2024 rankings, released Tuesday, were determined by U.S. News & World Report, which partnered with the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Persons: — Organizations: . News, Service, U.S . News, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Commonwealth, Business Locations: Switzerland, Canada

The report examined Americans who have identified as nonprofit workers on the Census' American Community Survey, including many employees in healthcare, educational services, and social assistance. Younger nonprofit workers are particularly struggling. According to the report, 37% of nonprofit workers under the age of 25 fall into the ALICE category. Similarly, 23% of nonprofit workers ages 25 to 44 are considered ALICEs. And, while 16% of white nonprofit workers were below the ALICE threshold, 35% of Black workers in the sector were struggling to make ends meet.

Persons: ALICE, Lisa Kelley, they're, It's, Cherie Tobias, Melissa Hedden Organizations: Service, United, Survey, Business, SNAP, Medicaid Locations: El Paso , Texas, Alexandria , Virginia, Cincinnati, Michigan

☆ A retired boomer who gets $1,662 in Social Security moved in with roommates to afford her medical bills: 'It's the only way I can afford to live comfortably'
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-10 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Still, getting by even in a one-stoplight town is challenging, given her $1,662 in Social Security only goes so far. "I now have roommates for the first time in my life, but it's a way to live comfortably," Marion said. AdvertisementRising costs and losing incomeMarion's father was in the military, and her family moved around the country as a child. She relied on Social Security Disability Insurance payments to keep her afloat, which were much less than her salary. She said her sister and her boyfriend are better off financially, as they get small pensions on top of their Social Security.

Persons: —, Marion, Marion's, She's, you've Organizations: Service, Business, Social Security, Nutrition, Social Locations: Washington, Ohio, Germany, Massachusetts , Florida , Michigan, Texas, Seattle, Mechanicsburg

☆ A Gen Xer with an MBA can't get a job despite over 1,500 job applications. He said his degrees have been useless.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-08 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Read previewMarcial Quinones, 48, used to have few problems getting jobs in the 1990s without a high school diploma. Now, after what he estimates is over 1,500 applications since the early 2010s, he can't land any stable job in his field even with an MBA. Quinones is one of many Americans with traditional work credentials who can't land a decently paying, stable job. This comes at a time when getting a college degree is much more necessary to landing a well-paying job. He recalled walking from company to company with résumé in hand, which resulted in some job offers.

Persons: —, Marcial Quinones, Quinones, he's, " Quinones, I've, I'm, Uber, they've, He's, Tony Organizations: Service, Business, Salvation Army, Intel, BI Locations: Pennsylvania, Arizona, New Jersey, Puerto Rico

☆ A boomer who worried about retiring in the US and Canada moved to Mexico, which he said is much cheaper and safer
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-05 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewRon Allanach, 74, and his partner Ben Lorgeranon moved to Vancouver from New England in 2005, thinking they would stay there for their retirements. The city is safer than he imagined, prices for nearly everything are much lower, and healthcare is more reliable. Allanach said they felt safer in Mérida than in the US or Canada, and prices were lower. They stayed there between trips back to Vancouver, and they moved to Mérida fully in 2020. AdvertisementA street in Mérida, Mexico.

Persons: —, Ron Allanach, Ben Lorgeranon, Allanach, Mérida, they've, Mexico Allanach, Lorgeranon, couldn't, it's, Allanach's, that's, he's, Mercado Lucas de Gálvez Organizations: Service, Business, US Postal Inspection Service, Costco Locations: Vancouver from New England, Mérida, Mexico, Vancouver, Canada, Portland , Maine, Portland, Thailand, France, Yucatán, Angeles, expat, they're

Though many say they are thankful to have Social Security payments at all, they aren't enough to fill the gap. To help pay the bills, nearly 80% of retirees receive some Social Security income, per BI's calculations, and the Social Security Administration estimates that 97% of older adults will ultimately receive benefits. She told BI that her expected $2,000 monthly Social Security payments may not be enough. As pensions dissipate and only higher-earning retirees have savings, Social Security might only become more pivotal for retirees. Advertisement"I don't want to be rich, I just need to be comfortable," 62-year-old Angela Babin — who lives on her $1,100 monthly Social Security check — told BI.

Persons: —, Emma Echols, she'll, Echols, she's, She's, Xers, Tracey Gronniger, Cheryl Simmons, Franklin D, Roosevelt, they've, Mary Dacus, Stephen, They've, Becky Davenport, Davenport, Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Gronniger, Angela Babin — Organizations: Service, Social Security, Business, Social, Security, Social Security Administration, SNAP, Pew Research Center, Republican, Republicans, allisonkelly Locations: Alabama, San Diego, Spain, Greece, Robinson , Illinois, Florida, Anchorage

☆ A millennial couple with a $1.2 million net worth explains how they both plan to retire by 35
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-14 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

They've managed to do all that while never making more than about $200,000 combined in yearly income from work. "We got our first house young, but we didn't buy all new furniture; we furnished it with hand-me-downs and thrift store finds," Wallace said. Between their three homes, which total $1.9 million in value, they have about $850,000 in equity, and they don't plan on paying them off early as interest rates on them are below 3.5%. Becoming millionairesThey hit their first half-million in 2021 and became millionaires in 2022, bringing their net worth above $1.2 million this year. They both plan on retiring in four years but anticipate working in part-time roles that better align with their passions.

Persons: Andrea Wallace, They've, Wallace, we've, Roth IRAs, they've, they're Organizations: Service, Business, FI, FIRE, Hallmark, Arizona State University, Lean FIRE Locations: Phoenix, California

☆ A peak boomer fears she can't retire with $2,000 Social Security payments — and may have to move in with her sons
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Even though her two sons have moved out, she struggles to secure enough to pay her bills and save for the future. She fears that even when she receives about $2,000 a month in Social Security payments in six years, it will not be nearly enough. Related stories"My career path has finally gotten to be decent pay, but it's not great, and I'm still single," Davenport said. Between child support and an increase in work income, her income ended up slightly above the housing assistance cutoff when her kids were growing up. AdvertisementPreparing for the futureDavenport plans to wait until she's 67 to claim her Social Security benefits, which she anticipates will be about $2,000.

Persons: Becky Davenport, —, Davenport, I'm, it's, she's, hasn't, doesn't, spender, we've, She's, wouldn't Organizations: Service, Business, Social, Alaska Permanent Fund, Security Locations: Alaska, Chugiak, Anchorage, East Coast, New Jersey , Pennsylvania, Kentucky

☆ A retired boomer who visited all 50 states ranks his top picks and least favorites
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-11 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

AdvertisementHatfield ranked his top five favorite and least favorite states and national parks. They also have a cruise scheduled to American Samoa, home of the National Park of American Samoa, their last national park. Favorite and least favorite statesHatfield acknowledged his favorite states were also the ones with the most diverse national parks. Favorite and least favorite national parksHatfield said he enjoyed every national park, though some have more to offer than others. One of his earliest and most memorable national parks was Yosemite, which he visited 15 years ago.

Persons: —, Tom Hatfield, Hatfield, Lake Charles, — Gates, Louisiana didn't, Bryce, El Capitan Organizations: Service, Business, Hatfield, Louisiana State University, Redwood, of, Salt Lake City . California, Alaska, El, Indiana Dunes Locations: Louisiana, New Orleans, Lake, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Canada, Bavarian, Dubai, Antarctica, Ireland, Basel, Amsterdam, Egypt, Alaska, California, Isle Royale, Michigan, Kobuk, Nevada, American Samoa, of American Samoa, . Utah, Salt, Salt Lake City ., Colorado, Montana, Yellowstone, Mississippi, Las Vegas, Nebraska, Indiana, Hatfield, Zion, Utah, Yosemite, North, Pacific Northwest, South Carolina, Springs, Arkansas, Guadalupe, Texas

☆ The best and worst states to retire in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-10 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Delaware tops Bankrate's best states to retire in 2024, followed by West Virginia and Georgia. The ranking considers affordability, well-being, healthcare, weather, and crime. High costs hurt Alaska, New York, and Washington, while Midwest and South states dominate the top 10. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . A Bankrate analysis of each state's affordability, well-being, cost and quality of healthcare, weather, and crime determined that Delaware was the best state to retire in 2024, followed by West Virginia and Georgia.

Persons: —, Joe Biden Organizations: Service, Washington, Business Locations: Delaware, West Virginia, Georgia, Alaska , New York, Washington, Midwest, South

☆ A boomer left Florida to live on a sailboat on the French Riviera. He says it's cheaper and calmer than the US.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Doug, 68, has worked for the last 40 years as a computer consultant — the last three from his sailboat traversing Europe. They now live on their boat on the French Riviera, which Doug said is cheaper than living in the US. He decided to buy a sailboat and sailed to Fort Lauderdale shortly after 9/11, where Doug continued to work with Fortune 500 clients. Settling on the French RivieraThey sailed for France the following April, stopping in countries such as Malta and Tunisia. Six months later, they settled in Port Grimaud on the French Riviera, where they paid $15,000 a year in marina costs in "rent."

Persons: He's, Doug, he's, We'll, we're Organizations: Service, Business, Michelin, Fortune, America, Port Montenegro Locations: California , Texas , Indiana, Massachusetts, Provence, Italy, Boston, California, Dallas, Indianapolis, Maine, New England, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Caribbean, Europe, South America, Genoa, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Corsica, France, Elba, Sardinia, Sicily, Bari, London, Istanbul, Vienna, Budapest, Hungary, Port, Tivat, Montenegro, Cairo, Athens, Greece, Malta, Tunisia, Port Grimaud, Grimaud, Saint, Majorca, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, China

☆ The 3 worst things about being an Uber or Lyft driver
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

In the second quarter of this year, Uber drivers completed 2.2 billion trips across the company's ride-hailing and delivery platforms; Lyft drivers completed roughly 200 million trips. Avedian shared what he considers to be the top concerns of Uber and Lyft drivers: declining pay, driver safety, and wrongful deactivations. An Uber spokesperson told BI that drivers, on average, make more than $30 an hour while active in the app. AdvertisementGeorge, a full-time Uber driver in Cleveland who has driven since 2017, said he wants to quit but has few other options. AdvertisementJulie, a part-time Uber driver in Cleveland, hasn't always felt safe during her five years in the gig economy, she previously told BI.

Persons: —, Lyft, Sergio Avedian, Guy, Uber, Dara Khosrowshahi, Avedian, David Risher, George, Julie, hasn't, Aaron Lavender, Lavender Organizations: Service, Business, Wall, Wednesday, Drivers, BI, UC Berkeley, Uber, Lyft Locations: Cleveland, Colorado, Oregon

☆ A Gen Xer who retired early at 34 returned to work a decade later. He only lasted 4 months.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-07 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Sam Dogen, 47, retired from his corporate job in 2012 and achieved FIRE status — an acronym for financial independence, retire early — but over a decade later, he returned to the office. Dogen wanted to return to work for extra income as his children got older and to contribute more to the Silicon Valley startup scene. He got a job as the head of content at a startup, where he wrote articles and newsletters. But within a few weeks, he already knew the job wasn't working out. He decided to leave his position and go back to being a stay-at-home dad — essentially retiring early for a second time.

Persons: Sam Dogen, Little, Dogen, Slack, —, you've, renegotiating, microaggressions, would've, he'd, I've Organizations: Service Locations: San Francisco

☆ Gen Z might be the luckiest homebuying generation. Here's where they're scooping up homes.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A new SmartAsset analysis found that Gen Z bought homes in 2023 at the fastest rate in the Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Cincinnati metro areas — and the slowest in California and the Northeast. The median property value for these 2,266 new Gen Z homeowners in Indianapolis was $225,000, while the median income was $65,000. Related storiesA slightly lower percentage of Gen Z bought homes in St. Louis last year at just below 1.6% or 2,649 people. Other metro areas seeing higher rates of new Gen Z homeowners included Jacksonville, Virginia Beach, and Kansas City. Intuit Credit Karma found in January that nearly a third of Gen Z adults live with their parents.

Persons: —, homeownership, Z, Louis, Gen Zers, X, Gen, Redfin, Xers, Gen Z, millennials, homebuyers, Karma Organizations: Service, Business, Kansas City, YouTube, Pew Research Center, Intuit, Bank of Locations: Midwest, Indianapolis, St, Cincinnati, —, California, homebuyers, Jacksonville, Virginia Beach, Kansas, Homebuyers, Detroit , Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Texas, San Francisco , New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Bank of America

☆ Where Kamala Harris' VP pick Tim Walz stands on economic policies
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Tim Walz, seen as a win for progressives, may be exactly who she needed to get her economic policies off the ground. As governor, Walz has enacted policies such as universal school meals, gun safety provisions, stronger labor protections, and poverty reduction measures. Walz has also advocated for rural economic growth and has passed legislation supporting LGBTQ+ and abortion rights. AdvertisementTax cuts and rebatesLast year, Walz enacted a state tax cut through the One Minnesota Budget, which also increased funding for public education. The United Auto Workers union was quick to support Walz on X.

Persons: —, Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, Walz, Josh Shapiro, Arizona Sen, Mark Kelly, George Floyd . Walz, Donald Trump, Sen, JD Vance, Minnesotans, hasn't, X, Tim Walz doesn't Organizations: Service, Minnesota Gov, Business, Minnesota Democrat, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Democratic, Local, Governor's, Economic, Minnesota Budget, IRS, Cannabis Management, United Auto Workers, UAW, Biofuels Council Locations: Ohio, Minnesota

Business leaders are sharing their thoughts on Kamala Harris tapping Tim Walz as her VP pick. Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! Tim Walz as her running mate, a decision that brings onboard a Midwesterner and former public school teacher to the national Democratic ticket. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, Mark Cuban, Reid Hoffman, Walz, Elon Musk, —, he's, Vance Organizations: Service, Minnesota Gov, Democratic, GOP, Business Locations: Nebraska

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