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☆ Wealth inequality starts at birth. Lawmakers debate whether child savings accounts can help
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

An unequal distribution of wealth in the U.S. can make it so some children are behind from birth. Now lawmakers are considering whether federal children's savings accounts can help. One proposal — the 401Kids Savings Act — would create savings accounts for all newborns. Children's savings accounts are currently available statewide in seven states — California, Illinois, Maine, Nebraska, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. At the end of last year, there were 121 children's savings account programs in 39 states serving 5.8 million children.

Persons: Warren Buffett's, Sen, Ron Wyden, Mike Crapo, Crapo Organizations: Finance, Senate Finance Locations: U.S, — California , Illinois, Maine , Nebraska , Nevada , Pennsylvania, Rhode, Oregon, Idaho

☆ Americans are going into debt to buy groceries. Here's why those balances can be difficult to pay down
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Lordhenrivoton | E+ | Getty ImagesMany shoppers have been shocked by what they pay at the grocery store checkout. Many families dipped into their savings or turned to credit cards, buy now, pay later installment programs or payday loans to pay for groceries in 2023, according to new research from the Urban Institute. watch now"That might mean that folks are having to rely on liquidity sources other than their income to be able to meet their very basic needs, their food needs," she said. Households with greater levels of food insecurity were more likely to use payday loans, buy now, pay later programs or savings to pay for basic needs, according to the Urban Institute. Of those who used buy now, pay later for groceries, 37% of adults missed payments on those loans.

Persons: Kassandra Martinchek, It's Organizations: Getty, Urban Institute

☆ Social Security's 'biggest myth' leads people to claim early, expert says. Even a slight delay can boost retirement income
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-19 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Nevertheless, 75% of adults ages 50 and up believe Social Security will run out in their lifetime, a 2023 Nationwide Retirement Institute survey found. When people claim Social SecurityMoreover, data shows retirees often don't wait until they are able to receive 100% of the benefits they've earned. The full retirement age is generally between 66 and 67, depending on an individual's birth date. For every year beneficiaries wait past their full retirement age up to age 70, they stand to get an 8% benefit increase. Every month increases your benefitsNevertheless, experts say it's still generally best to delay claiming retirement benefits.

Persons: Emerson Sprick, they've, —, Warren Buffett's, Suzanne Shu, John Payne, Teresa Ghilarducci, Sprick Organizations: Security, Center, Social, Institute, Social Security Administration, Finance, Cornell University SC Johnson College of Business, Duke University Fuqua School of Business . Workers, The New School for Social Research, CNBC Locations: New

☆ Women are worried about their financial security. That may affect the 2024 presidential election
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Hannah Beier | ReutersOlder women are the largest bloc of swing voters — and the biggest concern they have heading into the November election is their financial security, according to the AARP. Gender pay gap leads to retirement income gapNotably, younger women share many of those same retirement concerns, according to recent research from the National Institute on Retirement Security, or NIRS. Women tend to have greater financial concerns about retirement compared with men, according to Tyler Bond, research director at NIRS. "There's still a persistent gender pay gap, which translates into a retirement income gap," Bond said. "In fact, the pay gap and the retirement income gap are almost exactly the same, which is what you would expect, because retirement income is basically a reflection of what you earn while working," he said.

Persons: Hannah Beier, —, Margie Omero, GBAO, Omero, Tyler Bond, Bond, We've Organizations: Rockledge, Reuters, AARP, Democratic, National Institute on Retirement Security Locations: Pennsylvania, Rockledge , Pennsylvania

☆ High inflation harms older households — and two factors determine who is most at risk, research finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

This year, Social Security beneficiaries saw a 3.2% increase to their benefits. The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment may also be 3.2% in 2025 based on the latest government inflation data, estimates Mary Johnson, an independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst. That estimate may change between now and October, when the Social Security Administration announces next year's cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. The average Social Security COLA has been 2.6% over the past 20 years, according to The Senior Citizens League. Many households tend to cut back on savings and increase withdrawals to try to lift themselves to where they were before inflation picked up.

Persons: Lourdes Balduque, Mary Johnson, Social Security COLA, Laura Quinby, It's, Quinby, Warren Buffett's Organizations: Social, Social Security, Social Security Administration, Senior Citizens League, Center for Retirement Research, Boston College, Center for Retirement, Finance

☆ GameStop, AMC rallies like 'watching a sitcom on repeat,' expert says. Here are the risks to monitor
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Spencer Platt | Getty ImagesShares of AMC Entertainment and GameStop have surged once again in a new "meme stock" rally triggered by social media. A social media account named "Roaring Kitty" posted an image for the first time in three years, prompting the trading frenzy. The man purportedly behind the Roaring Kitty account helped lead a meme stock frenzy between 2020 and 2021. watch nowIn some ways, this time differs from when the stocks surged during the Covid-19 lockdown. Roaring Kitty gives the impression that a guy is in his basement trading stocks instead of big investors like hedge funds and investment banks, he said.

Persons: Spencer Platt, Kitty, Dan Egan, Egan, aren't, Roaring Kitty Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, Getty, AMC Entertainment, GameStop Locations: New York City, Las Vegas

☆ Is it time to rethink the 4% retirement withdrawal rule? Experts weigh in
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

TIAA has launched a new metric to show why the 4% rule combined with an annuity can provide a higher amount of income than just using the 4% rule alone. For example, if a retiree has $1 million in total savings, the 4% rule would provide them with $40,000 in their first year of retirement. That is based on the combined income of the annuity and a 4% withdrawal on the remaining $666,667 portfolio. The first-year withdrawal of the annuity strategy — $52,667 versus $40,000 — is 32% higher and $1,056 more per month than just using the 4% rule. When withdrawal rates may be higherThe 4% rule has its blind spots when applied to today's retirees, according to recent research from Blanchett.

Persons: TIAA, Benjamin Goodman, Colin Gerrety, Goodman, Blanchett, Morningstar Organizations: Istock, Getty, Social Security, TIAA Institute, Wealth, Inflation Protection Securities, Security Locations: Corner , Virginia

☆ Social Security Administration to expand access to certain benefits through several upcoming changes
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Kate_sept2004 | E+ | Getty ImagesUpdates to definition of public-assistance householdThe agency on Thursday announced a new rule to expand the definition of a public-assistance household. Now, households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, payments and those where not all members receive public assistance will be included. "By simplifying our policies and including an additional program geared towards low-income families, such as the SNAP, we are removing significant barriers to accessing SSI," Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley said in a statement. SNAP is the first public income maintenance benefit to be added to the public-assistance household definition since 1980, according to the Social Security Administration. Other rule changes to help beneficiariesThe Social Security Administration is also working to address outdated practices through two other rules that are set to go into effect on Sept. 30.

Persons: Martin O'Malley, Darcy Milburn, Milburn, Brown Organizations: Assistance, SNAP, SSI, Social Security Administration, Social, Social Security, National Disability Institute, SSA

☆ Just 4% of current retirees say they are 'living the dream,' survey finds. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Brauns | E+ | Getty ImagesJust 4% of today's retirees said they are "living the dream," according to a new survey from asset management company Schroders. Image Source | Getty ImagesThe Schroders survey results come as more experts are pointing to a potential retirement crisis. "The retirement savings crisis in the United States is no longer looming: it is here, now," said a new report from the National Institute on Retirement Security. Not everyone agrees there is an emergencySome experts are skeptical there is a retirement savings crisis at all. Of seniors with more than $10,000 in retirement savings, 93% said they were doing okay or living comfortably.

Persons: —, Deb Boyden, That's, Warren Buffett's, Boyden, Andrew Biggs, George W, Bush, EBRI, Biggs Organizations: Getty, National Institute on Retirement Security, Finance, American Enterprise Institute, Social Security, Northwestern Mutual, Research Locations: —, United States

☆ As Social Security's funds face insolvency, experts say these are key factors to watch
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Phoenix Wang | Moment | Getty ImagesA new Social Security trustees report released on Monday provides a modest bright spot for the program. watch nowThe trust fund shortfall may be addressed through tax increases, benefit cuts or by taking funds from general revenues, he said. But Social Security is poised to be an issue in the upcoming House, Senate and presidential campaigns, he said. Here are some key revelations to note from this year's Social Security trustees report. If there is a major recession, many workers who are at the margin may apply for disability benefits, he said.

Persons: Wang, Jason Fichtner, Fichtner, Max Richtman, Laura Haltzel Organizations: Social Security, Center, Committee, Budget, National Committee, Preserve Social Security, Social, Congressional Research Service

☆ Social Security now expected to run short on funds in 2035, one year later than previously projected, Treasury says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Valerie Macon | Afp | Getty ImagesThe trust funds the Social Security Administration relies on to pay benefits are now projected to run out in 2035, one year later than previously projected, according to the annual trustees' report released on Monday. The Social Security trustees credited the slightly improved outlook to more people contributing to the program amid a strong economy, low unemployment and higher job and wage growth. "This year's report is a measure of good news for the millions of Americans who depend on Social Security, including the roughly 50% of seniors for whom Social Security is the difference between poverty and living in dignity — any potential benefit reduction event has been pushed off from 2034 to 2035," Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley said in a statement. What reports reveal about Social Security, MedicareSocial Security's new 2035 depletion date applies to its combined trust funds. The Medicare Hospital Insurance trust fund — used to fund Part A benefits — saw the biggest improvement in this year's trustees report.

Persons: Valerie Macon, Martin O'Malley, O'Malley, — Organizations: Social Security Administration, Afp, Getty, Social Security, Social, Medicare, Insurance Trust, Disability Insurance Trust, Medicare Hospital Insurance, Insurance Trust Fund, Department Locations: Burbank , California

☆ Most of Warren Buffett’s wealth was accumulated after age 65. Here’s what that can teach individual investors
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

"His skill is investing, but his secret is time," Morgan Housel wrote in the bestselling business book, "The Psychology of Money." To that point, 99% of Buffett's net worth was accumulated after he was 65 years old, Housel said during a 2022 interview with CNBC. That's up substantially from the $84.5 billion net worth Buffett had at the time Housel's book was published in 2020. Most of that wealth came in Buffett's later years, Housel wrote, with $84.2 billion after he turned 50 and $81.5 billion after he turned 65. "The trick is to have a very long hill, which means starting very young or living … to be very old," Buffett said.

Persons: Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway, Morgan Housel, Housel, Buffett Organizations: Berkshire, Berkshire Hathaway, CNBC Locations: Omaha , Nebraska, Buffett's

☆ Why your financial advisor may not give you the best Social Security claiming advice
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Ascentxmedia | E+ | Getty ImagesMany people claim Social Security retirement benefits at the earliest possible claiming age of 62. Yet recent research finds working with a financial professional does not necessarily encourage individuals to claim Social Security at later ages. Why it pays to wait to claim Social SecurityWhen Social Security retirement beneficiaries claim at age 62, their benefits are permanently reduced. As the Social Security full retirement age moves to age 67, benefits available at age 62 are even further reduced. Delaying Social Security benefits is so valuable not only because of the increase to benefits, but also the annual cost-of-living adjustments tied to inflation.

Persons: David Blanchett, Jason Fichtner, Center —, " Blanchett, Fichtner, Joe Elsasser, Elsasser, they've, Blanchett Organizations: Getty, Social, Social Security, DC Solutions, Center

☆ 'It's a good time to lock in,' expert says. What to know to get the best rates on your cash now
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Higher interest rates may be here to stay for a while longer, thanks to persistent inflation. That's good news for cash savers, who have the best opportunity to earn returns on their money in 15 years. To secure today's high rates, individuals may turn to CDs, Treasury bills and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, or TIPs. Series I bonds — a U.S. government savings bond aimed at providing inflation protection — will pay 4.28% for the next six months, the Treasury Department announced Tuesday. Yet 67% of Americans are earning interest rates below that threshold, according to a recent Bankrate survey.

Persons: What's, Greg McBride, McBride Organizations: Securities, Treasury Department, Finance Locations: U.S

☆ 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

☆ 'Nobody's getting wealthy on Social Security,' lawmaker says. The November election may influence the program's future
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Protect Social Security!" In 1983, when the last major Social Security reforms were enacted, there were no benefit enhancements, Larson argued. Today, annual earnings of up to $168,600 are subject to a 6.2% payroll tax toward Social Security paid by both workers and employers. Larson's plan also calls for closing loopholes that allow wealthy taxpayers to avoid paying Social Security taxes on other income. Larson said the public is well aware that Social Security benefits are theirs and they've paid for them.

Persons: Kean, Dave Kotinsky, Larson, they've, John Larson, Conn, Mark Wilson, Nancy Altman, Drew Ferguson, Ferguson, Jodey Arrington, Charles Blahous, Blahous Organizations: Getty, hasn't, Social Security, Security, Social, Capitol, Democratic, Republican, Republican House, Republicans, George Mason University Locations: Bridgewater , New Jersey, Jan, Georgia, Texas

☆ Why Americans worry changes to the U.S. retirement system could upend their plans
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Last year, Americans' confidence that they would have enough money to live comfortably in retirement fell the most since the global financial crisis. New research shows both workers' and retirees' confidence has not recovered. But some signs of optimism have emerged, particularly as wage growth now outpaces inflation growth, according to the Employees Benefit Research Institute and Greenwald Research. The latter worry comes as both retirees and workers expect to rely on three sources of income in their golden years: Social Security, workplace retirement savings plans and personal retirement savings or investments, the research found. While 88% of workers expect Social Security will be a source of retirement income, almost all of today's retirees, 91%, say they depend on those benefit checks.

Organizations: Employees, Research, Greenwald Research, Finance, Security, U.S, Social Security, Social

☆ BlackRock wants to make it easier to get paycheck-like income from your retirement savings
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

BlackRock , the largest asset manager, has launched a new product to help workers their retirement savings into a regular income stream that mimics the paycheck they receive during their working years. "We're talking about a revolution in retirement," BlackRock CEO Larry Fink wrote of LifePath Paycheck in his recent annual letter to investors. While they receive that income, the rest of their retirement savings may continue to grow. A recent BlackRock survey found 60% of employees worry they may outlive their retirement savings. For now, the LifePath product is limited to plans offered through employers.

Persons: Larry Fink, Anne Ackerley Organizations: BlackRock, Finance, Security, Transamerica Center, Retirement Locations: BlackRock, New York

☆ Many retirees don't delay Social Security benefits, research finds. Here's why experts say it pays to wait
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-19 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

And more than half of that group will primarily rely on Social Security for income, according to new research from the Alliance for Lifetime Income. Deciding when to claim Social Security retirement benefits is a high stakes decision. Eligibility for retirement benefits starts at age 62. But full retirement age – generally age 66 or 67, depending on an individual's birth year — is when retirees may receive 100% of the benefits they've earned. For each year you wait past full retirement age up to 70, you may receive an 8% benefit boost.

Persons: –, they've, Teresa Ghilarducci Organizations: Social Security, Alliance for Lifetime, Social, The New School for Social Research, Alliance, Lifetime Locations: New

☆ Women, part of the wave of baby boomers reaching 'peak 65,' are more likely to struggle in retirement, research finds
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-18 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The largest cohort of baby boomers is poised to reach age 65 between now and 2030. A majority of those baby boomers are not financially prepared for retirement, according to the research. Women are not the only peak boomers who are at a greater economic disadvantage, the research found. Individuals in those categories are more likely to have multiple types of retirement accounts and larger balances, according to the research. The median retirement savings for peak boomers is $225,000.

Persons: —, Robert Shapiro Organizations: Alliance for Lifetime, D.C, Commerce Department, Social Security Locations: Washington

☆ Investing in Trump Media is an 'act of faith,' expert says. Here are some risks involved
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

A screen displays trading information about shares of Truth Social and Trump Media & Technology Group outside the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City on March 26, 2024. The former president is the majority shareholder in Trump Media, which trades under the initials of his name, DJT, on the Nasdaq. "The reason that people own this stock is because, in one way or another, they support Donald Trump," Rekenthaler said. The closest company comparison to Trump Media is Tesla, according to Rekenthaler. Trump Media is currently a $4 million business through social media, he said.

Persons: Donald Trump, Rekenthaler, John Rekenthaler, Tesla, Elon, Trump, FAFSA, Preston D, Cherry, who's, Oprah —, Ted Jenkin, Jenkin Organizations: Truth Social, Trump Media & Technology Group, Nasdaq, Trump Media, Morningstar, Elon Musk, Trump, Securities and Exchange Commission, Finance, Adidas, CNBC FA Council Locations: New York City, Green Bay , Wisconsin, Atlanta

☆ Americans think they need almost $1.5 million to retire. Experts say to focus on another number instead
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

It is also up 15% from last year, when respondents said they would need $1.27 million. Likewise, a recent CNBC survey showed that 53% of Americans feel like they are behind on their retirement savings. However, experts say having a "magic number" in mind should not be a priority when planning for your retirement. The number experts say to focus onFinancial advisors agree that having a high savings rate, along with appropriate asset allocations, is one of the most significant components of building wealth. "I would much rather have clients that save 15% of their income and get a 5% rate of return than save 1% of their income and get a 15% rate of return," Roland said.

Persons: John Roland, Rita Assaf, Assaf, it's, Roland Organizations: Northwestern Mutual, CNBC, Northwestern, Financial Advisors, Fidelity Investments, Fidelity, Vanguard

☆ New data shows inflation is still high. Here's how to measure how that affects you
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

That may not be a surprise to consumers who are still feeling the weight of higher prices. Inflation — as measured by the consumer price index — rose 3.5% from a year ago and 0.4% for the month. The consumer price index, or CPI, tracks the average changes in prices over time for consumer certain goods and services. Consequently, if your wages haven't increased by that much over the same period, you're more likely to feel the pinch of higher prices. About 60% of households are living paycheck to paycheck, McBride said.

Persons: Kazuhiro Nogi, Brett House, Eugenio Aleman, Raymond James, Aleman, Greg McBride, McBride Organizations: Afp, Getty Images, Columbia Business School, Consumers, Bankrate Locations: Tokyo

☆ Some of the rules that protect wealthy savers' bank deposits just changed. Here's what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Federal Insurance Deposit Corporation, or FDIC, implemented new requirements for deposit insurance for trust accounts starting April 1. FDIC insurance generally covers $250,000 per depositor, per bank, in each account ownership category. How FDIC coverage of trust accounts has changedUnder the new rules, trust deposits are now limited to $1.25 million in FDIC coverage per trust owner per insured depository institution. Each beneficiary of the trust may have a $250,000 insurance limit for up to five beneficiaries. However, if there are more than five beneficiaries, the FDIC coverage limit for the trust account remains $1.25 million.

Persons: Jamie Grill, Ken Tumin, Tumin, — Organizations: Federal Insurance Deposit Corporation, FDIC

☆ As the Dow nears 40,000, here's what experts say you should do to prepare for a potential pullback
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Spencer Platt | Getty ImagesThe stock market could hit a milestone if the Dow Jones Industrial Average reaches 40,000. However, even as stocks have climbed higher, investors are worried there could be a pullback, financial advisors say. For investors who have gravitated toward cash, certificates of deposit, or bonds, a pullback may be an opportunity to deploy those funds in the market, Kourkafas said. "The stock market is a long-term investment," said Jenkin, who is also a member of CNBC's Financial Advisor Council. That may be done through a fund that reflects global market capitalization, such as the Vanguard Total World Stock ETF.

Persons: Spencer Platt, They're, Christine Benz, Angelo Kourkafas, Edward Jones, Kourkafas, it's, Ted Jenkin, Jenkin, Joe Biden, Donald Trump —, Louis Barajas, Barajas, Morningstar's Benz, Benz Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, Getty, Dow Jones, CNBC, Morningstar, CNBC's, Council, Investors, International Private Wealth, CNBC FA Council Locations: New York City, Atlanta, Irvine , California, U.S

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