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☆ 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

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

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

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

☆ Most Americans are missing out on 'free money' by not saving in a high-yield account. A financial planner explains 3 factors to consider when choosing and what to do if interest rates fall.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

This type of account offers a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account. That's assuming you have it sitting in a traditional savings account earning little to no interest rather than in a high-yield account earning 5%. If that money is not in a high-yield savings account, that's $2,500 a year that you're giving up." If the Federal Reserve does start cutting interest rates, which is expected to happen in 2024, high-yield savings account rates will also drop. Of course, you'll still earn much more in a high-yield account than you would in a traditional savings account, noted Weiss.

Persons: —, Brent Weiss, Weiss, That's, Ally Bank, you'll, it's, Ally, SoFi, Marcus, you've, they're Organizations: Service, Business, CNBC, Ally Bank, Ally, Federal Reserve

☆ Stocks trade near records, but chances are your portfolio isn’t sufficiently protected from a fall
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

For instance, the iShares MBS ETF (MBB) has a net expense ratio of 0.04% and a year-to-date total return of -1.24%. Vanguard's MBS ETF (VMBS) also carries an expense ratio of 0.04% and a total return of -1.08% in 2024. Stocks in developed markets have had the closest correlation with U.S. equities, while emerging markets equities are less correlated, the research firm found. ETFs that play on that theme include the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) , which has an expense ratio of 0.08%, and the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) , with an expense ratio of 0.09%. VWO has a year-to-date total return of 1.33%, while IEMG's total return for the period is 1.6%.

Persons: Charles NeSmith, Morningstar, Andrew Herzog, Herzog, Cash, Amy Arnott, There's, NeSmith, VWO Organizations: Nasdaq, Communications, Financial, Mortgage, Investors, MBS, Morningstar, Commodities, Vanguard FTSE, Markets Locations: Plantation , Florida, Plano , Texas, U.S

☆ My kids have my maiden name as middle names. I wanted their names to honor my family legacy, not just their father's.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Stephanie Claytor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

I wanted a way to incorporate my maiden name into my kids' names to preserve my family legacy. Our family has also had weekend-long family reunions every two years in hotels across the United States since 1976. In exchange, I gave my daughter two middle names, the first name I originally wanted to name her and my maiden name. The kids will continue the tradition of going to my family reunions and bonding with my extended family. While they may not often use their middle names, they'll understand why mommy was adamant about also passing down her maiden name.

Persons: I've, —, father's, I'd, William Schieffelin Claytor, Darrell Claytor, Ifeolu, grandfather's, Walter Claytor, I'm, Stephanie Claytor, didn't, mommy Organizations: Service, American, Housing Authority Locations: United States, Puerto Rican, African, Latin America, Midwest, Roanoke Redevelopment, Virginia

☆ 'Gray divorce' has doubled since the '90s — and the financial risk is high for women
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The rate of "gray divorce" — a term that describes divorce at age 50 and older — doubled from 1990 to 2019, according to a 2022 study published in The Journals of Gerontology. The 'chronic economic strain' of gray divorceIn heterosexual relationships, gray divorce typically "has more negative implications for women than for men," said Kamila Elliott, a certified financial planner and co-founder of Collective Wealth Partners, based in Atlanta. Altogether, women's standard of living declined by 45% following a gray divorce, while the drop for men was less severe, at 21%, Brown and Lin wrote. These negative economic outcomes persisted over time, "indicating that gray divorce operates as a chronic economic strain," they said. For example, let's say a husband is eligible for a larger Social Security benefit relative to his female spouse.

Persons: Susan Brown, Lin, Kamila Elliott, Laura Tach, Alicia Eads, Natalie Colley, Brown, Elliott, Women shouldn't, Colley, I've Organizations: Gerontology, Bowling Green State University, Collective Wealth Partners, Cornell University, University of Toronto, Francis Financial, Social Security, Women, Collective Wealth Locations: Atlanta, New York

☆ 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

☆ This is the easiest way for newbies to start investing, financial experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-18 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

For many people, investing is a necessity to grow one's savings and provide financial security in retirement. A 'fabulous, simple solution' for beginnersTarget-date funds, known as TDFs, are the simplest entry point to investing for the long term, according to financial pros. TDFs are based on age: Investors choose a fund based on the year in which they aim to retire. Other 'solid choices' for novice investorsInvestors who want to be a bit more hands-on relative to TDF investors have other simple options, experts said. Investing is not a game where the guy with the 160 IQ beats the guy with 130 IQ.

Persons: Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway, Christine Benz, Lee Baker, Baker, Carolyn McClanahan, Benz, Charles Schwab, Rowe Price, it's, McClanahan Organizations: Getty, Berkshire, Fidelity Investments, Morningstar, Apex Financial Services, Investors, Benz, Planning Partners, Fidelity, Vanguard Group, BlackRock, Finance, Young Locations: Atlanta, Jacksonville , Florida, U.S

☆ Why Social Security is so important for women: ‘It all comes down to longevity,’ expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"It all comes down to longevity," Mary Beth Franklin, a certified financial planner and Social Security expert, said Thursday at Financial Advisor Magazine's annual Invest in Women conference in West Palm Beach, Florida. Beneficiaries get an 8% guaranteed increase in their Social Security checks for every year they defer beyond their full retirement age, up to 70 years old. Why Social Security is 'crucial' for womenGuaranteed income such as Social Security is "crucial" for women, Franklin said. "Full retirement age" is the age at which someone becomes eligible for their full Social Security benefit. Importantly, continuing to work after claiming benefits — if before full retirement age — may temporarily reduce your Social Security benefits due to an earnings cap.

Persons: Momo, Mary Beth Franklin, Franklin, — Organizations: Getty, Social, Social Security, Women, Security, Social Security Administration, Centers for Disease Control Locations: BEACH, Fla, West Palm Beach , Florida

☆ Here's why Social Security cost-of-living adjustments may be smaller in 2025 and beyond
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Peopleimages | Istock | Getty ImagesEarly estimates for the 2025 Social Security COLANew government data points to a 2.4% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2025, The Senior Citizens League estimates, based on new government inflation data released this week. The Social Security Administration typically announces the cost-of-living adjustment for the following year in October. In the meantime, experts say there are steps retirees can take to help compensate for the prospect of lower benefit increases. Annuities, which provide fixed income in retirement in exchange for a lump-sum investment, can be one way to supplement a retiree's income, LaVigne said. Consult with a financial advisorBefore purchasing an annuity or other retirement income strategy, it helps to consult with a professional.

Persons: " Johnson, Johnson, Lisa Featherngill, Featherngill, Kelly LaVigne, You've, LaVigne Organizations: Istock, Getty, Security COLA, Social Security, Senior Citizens League, Urban, Clerical Workers, CPI, Comerica Wealth Management, Social, Allianz Life Locations: Winston, Salem , North Carolina

☆ The average tax refund is over $3,000. Here are 7 ways to put it to good use
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

New York CNN —The average federal tax refund is more than $3,000, according to the latest data from the IRS. … They don’t understand how much interest they’re paying,” Russ said. Create or add to an emergency fundYou can use your refund to start or bolster an emergency fund. If you have high-rate debt and you’re lacking emergency savings, Russ suggested you might use a portion of your refund to attack your debt and the other portion to create an emergency fund. If you need the money within three years, you might consider putting your refund in certificates of deposits and US Treasury bonds.

Persons: you’re, ”, Eric Bronnenkant, Keyana Russ, ” Russ, Russ, Bronnenkant, Roth, Bronnenkant, Charles Schwab, ” Bronnenkant Organizations: New, New York CNN, Ponds Financial, Invest, Roth IRA, Treasury Locations: New York, Ponds

☆ Nearly half of young adults have 'money dysmorphia,' survey finds. Here are the symptoms
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Overwhelming evidence suggests social media has a negative impact on self-esteem. That's not only true for how people feel about their appearance and social status but also their financial wellbeing and economic standing. "Money dysmorphia is kind of like today's version of keeping up with the Joneses," said Courtney Alev, consumer financial advocate at Credit Karma. Not surprisingly, money dysmorphia is even more prevalent among younger generations, according to Credit Karma. Many of those who experience money dysmorphia have above-average savings, Credit Karma also found.

Persons: That's, Credit Karma, Courtney Alev, dysmorphia, Carolyn McClanahan, Karma, Alev Organizations: Credit, Finance, Planning Partners Locations: Jacksonville , Florida

☆ The minimum amount of money to save in case of an emergency, according to a CFP
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Annie Probert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Experts generally say emergency savings should cover three to six months of living expenses. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults say they have no emergency savings, a recent Bankrate survey found. "Emergency savings demands a personalized approach," he says. "While the conventional wisdom endorses three to six months of living expenses, I persistently advocate that any amount is superior to none." Kellar recommends breaking down your emergency savings goals into bite-sized amounts — and celebrating wins where you can.

Persons: Will Kellar, Kellar Organizations: Human Locations: U.S

☆ These niche funds provide investors with steady monthly payments in retirement
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Some investors looking for steady income in retirement are turning to managed payout funds. There are just a handful of these niche mutual funds, which pay monthly income to investors, Morningstar portfolio strategist Amy Arnott said. Schwab offers three such funds: Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Income Payout (SWLRX), Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Flexible Payout (SWKRX) and Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Target Payout (SWJRX). The Schwab Monthly Income Fund - Target Payout (SWJRX), on the other hand, aims to offer a 5% annual payout. Managed payout funds are not offered in many defined contribution plans, such as 401(k)s. In fact, a 2022 Cerulli survey of defined contribution plan consultants showed just 17% of the plans offered any managed payout funds.

Persons: Morningstar, Amy Arnott, Schwab, Inga Rachwald, Schwab's, Morningstar's Arnott, Rachwald, Arnott, Brett Lozowski, doesn't Organizations: Schwab, Income, Schwab Asset Management, Planning Partners

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

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

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

☆ Retirement prospects for women can be ‘pretty bleak,’ expert says — but there are ways to prepare
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

About 50% of women ages 55 to 66 have no personal retirement savings, a higher share than men (47%), according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Those who do have retirement savings are less likely to have $100,000 or more (22% vs. 30%). "The picture is pretty bleak for women" who don't save enough for retirement, Cindy Hounsell, founder and president of the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement, said Tuesday at CNBC's Women & Wealth event. watch nowThey may become burdens on their children if they have kids who can offer financial support, she said at the Women & Wealth event. Compounding the problem: Caregiving, especially for a spouse, has a "more detrimental economic impact" on women, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security.

Persons: Momo, Cindy Hounsell, Marianela Collado, Collado Organizations: Stone, Getty, Census, Women's Institute, CNBC's, Pew Research, Security, Financial, National Institute on Retirement Security Locations: U.S, Plantation , Florida

☆ 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

☆ You could 'owe huge taxes' next year if you don't make this update, says CFP—how to check if you need to
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

If you contribute too little money, you might receive a sizable tax bill you weren't expecting when you file your taxes next year. Take adding dependents, for example: They can lower your tax bill by thousands of dollars if you claim credits like the child tax credit, the child and dependent care credit or the earned income tax credit. "Tax withheld on bonuses and stock compensation is typically — though not always — withheld at a flat 22% for federal taxes," says Carla Adams, a certified financial planner in Michigan. However, those in a higher tax bracket could owe huge taxes." How to check if your tax withholding is on track

Persons: it's, Roth, Michelle Gessner, Carla Adams Organizations: Internal Revenue Locations: Houston, Michigan

☆ I'm a certified financial planner and tax reporter at CNBC. How I tackle my own retirement tax planning
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Now, as a tax reporter for CNBC, I focus on tax strategy all year, including how retirement contribution decisions may affect long-term plans. Pretax vs. Roth retirement contributionsOne of the biggest questions from investors is whether to save money into a pretax or after-tax Roth account. Early in my career, I focused on Roth savings, which made sense with lower income and decades until retirement. I've prioritized my employer match with pretax and Roth 401(k) deferrals, while also making Roth individual retirement account contributions. There's also a small nest egg in my health savings account, which I added to during my years of self-employment.

Persons: Seksan, I've, Ashton Lawrence, Roth, you'll, pretax, There's, JoAnn May Organizations: CNBC, CFP, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Asset Management Locations: Greenville , South Carolina, Berwyn , Illinois

☆ This financial move should be a 'last resort,' says CFP—but 1 in 5 workers has done it
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In fact, about 1 in 5 workers have borrowed or withdrawn money from retirement accounts, according to a recent survey from SoFi. In a narrow set of circumstances, it can be a smart financial move, says Jared Friedman, a certified financial planner and partner at Redwood Financial Planning in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. How 401(k) loans workThe specifics of a 401(k) loan will vary from employer to employer, but here's how they generally work. Like most loans, you'll be charged a rate of interest. And while money in your 401(k) is put in pre-tax, the money you pay back is in post-tax dollars.

Persons: doesn't, Anne Lester, Jared Friedman, Friedman, you'll, haven't Organizations: CNBC, Redwood Financial Locations: SoFi, Scotch Plains , New Jersey

☆ 'A budget is a picture of what your money is doing,' The Budgetnista says. Here's where to start
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Karan Kapoor | The Image Bank | Getty ImagesHaving a strong budget can help you build financial wellness. "A budget is a picture of what your money is doing," Tiffany Aliche, also known as The Budgetnista, told CNBC during a Women & Wealth livestream. You have to understand what your money is doing," said Aliche, a personal financial educator and author of "Get Good with Money." Make a list of expenses: The first thing to do is write a list of all the things you spend money on within a given month, said Aliche. It can also help to list out expenses you don't pay every month, such as annual memberships or quarterly taxes.

Persons: Karan Kapoor, Tiffany Aliche, Sophia Bera Daigle, who's Organizations: Bank, Getty, CNBC, Wealth, Gen, CNBC Financial Locations: Austin , Texas

☆ 93% of women are stressed about money. Building a cash reserve can help, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Largely as a result of the wealth gap, women tend to be more financially vulnerable than their male counterparts. Regardless of their household income, 93% of women feel stress when it comes to money, according to a new report by Fidelity Investments. In fact, financial stress levels drastically decrease with each additional month of emergency savings set aside, according to Fidelity. Roughly 81% of women with no emergency savings felt a fair amount or a lot of stress. Once women have three months' worth of emergency savings, only 26% report high stress levels, Fidelity found.

Persons: Stacy Francis, Francis, Paulette Perhach, Perhach, Lorna Kapusta Organizations: Francis Financial, Fidelity Investments, CNBC, Fidelity Locations: New York

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

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

☆ A certified financial planner shares 4 things new real-estate investors should do before they buy their first property — including 2 budgeting strategies for building up savings
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( William Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Getting into real-estate investing for the first time can be a scary thing. But according to Kyle Mast, a certified financial planner, preparation can help mitigate fear when buying your first property. Establish a visionThe first is to develop a vision and a goal for where you want to go with real-estate investing and what you hope to achieve with it. The bigger this number is, the better position you are in to both secure a lower mortgage rate and weather any real-estate investing storms. "I would say one of the best things you can do is if you know somebody that does real-estate investing, buy them coffee, and just talk to them about it and see what they did."

Persons: Kyle Mast, Mast, you've, Dave Meyer, It's

☆ Now is the 'perfect time' to check your Social Security benefit, says CFP—even if you're years away from retirement
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"Review your 401(k) balance, review your bank balances, review your credit limits, and yes, check on your Social Security Statement." Just create an account on the Social Security Administration's website (you'll have to submit some identifying documents) and download your form. The strategies around timing when to claim Social Security depend on myriad factors. "That way you can look at [your estimated retirement income] in total with your 401(k), Roth IRA and Social Security benefits." Why now's a good time to check your Social Security statement

Persons: Jared Friedman, isn't, aren't, Friedman, you'll, Roth, you've Organizations: Social Security, Redwood Financial, Security, Roth IRA Locations: Scotch Plains , New Jersey

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