DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

Your debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward debt payments. Besides looking at your credit score, payment history, assets, and cash flow, they also consider your debt-to-income ratio. Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying existing debts. You can have a DTI ratio as high as 43% and still get approved for a mortgage, though Rose says lenders would ideally like to see a total DTI ratio of 36% or less with 28% going toward housing expenses (front-end DTI). Debt-to-income ratio frequently asked questionsIs 50% a good debt-to-income ratio?

Persons: Scott Bridges, Rose, Jeff Rose

☆ 3 things you can learn about taxes from San Francisco 49ers' Arik Armstead's paycheck
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Arik Armstead of the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Jan. 29, 2023. While the pay stub showed gross earnings of more than $4 million year to date, experts say it holds lessons for everyday taxpayers. While it's possible to withhold less than you'll owe, you could risk underpayment penalties on top of a sizable income tax bill in April. Max out your 401(k) to save on taxesIn addition to significant tax withholdings, Armstead also maxed out his workplace retirement plan for 2023. But you can reduce your adjusted gross income with pre-tax 401(k) contributions, experts say.

Persons: Arik Armstead, Kevin Sabitus, Sam, Armstead's, Albert Campo, Armstead, Tommy Lucas, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, Lucas, Armstead's withholdings, John Loyd, Max Organizations: San Francisco 49ers, NFC, Philadelphia Eagles, Getty, Finance, Social Security, AJC Accounting Services, CFP Locations: Manalapan , New Jersey, California, Orlando , Florida, Florida, Texas, Fort Worth , Texas

Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green and Courteney Cox as Monica Geller on NBC's "Friends." A spokesperson for Warner Bros., which owns the show's distribution rights, declined to verify or comment on the residual payments. What may happen to Perry's 'Friends' residualsWhen an actor passes away, residual payments are considered the actor's personal property. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has contracts in which its members can list beneficiaries for residual payments upon death. Charity may have figured into Perry's estate

Persons: Matt LeBlanc, Joey Tribbiani, Matthew Perry, Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston, Rachel Green, Courteney Cox, Monica Geller, NBC's, ", Perry's, Charlie Douglas, Perry, Franklin, Douglas, there's, Tasha Dickinson, Pitney, David Johnston, Keith Morrison, David Oh Organizations: NBC, Getty, Warner Bros, CNBC, HH, Investments, American Federation of Television, Radio Artists, Finance, Wealth, Arta Finance Locations: California, Atlanta, Arta

About a year ago, I wanted to talk to my mom about her estate planning and financial needs. Get your estate planning in order firstBefore you even broach the topic of estate planning with your parents, get your own estate-planning ducks in a row. Approach estate planning with sensitivityRemember that estate planning is a delicate topic. In talking to your parents, Rivera suggests framing estate planning as the ultimate form of control and selflessness. Create an Estate Plan Online Trust & Will can help create an estate plan for you or your loved ones.

Persons: —, Valerie Rivera, Rivera, they're, You'll, you've Organizations: Service, FirstGen, Will Locations: America

☆ Are you financially illiterate? Suze Orman says 'probably 95%' of Americans are
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

When asked by Wallace what percentage of Americans she thought were financially illiterate, she said, "Truthfully, probably 95%." So-called "traditional" accounts, including 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts, give you a tax break up front. Because you fund these accounts with money you've already paid taxes on, your contributions don't count against your taxable income. Contributions to these accounts are made with after-tax money, but investments in them grow free from federal or state tax. You can contribute to any state's plan — and each plan comes with different investing options — but you'll generally only receive tax benefits, if they're offered, by investing in your home state's plan.

Persons: Suze Orman doesn't, Suze, Orman, Chris Wallace, Max, Orman —, Wallace, here's, Roth, you've, Sheryl Garrett, Powers, they're Organizations: Garrett Planning Network, CNBC, Internal Revenue

☆ 60% of Americans feel behind on emergency savings—a 'sunny day' fund can help, says CFP
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

More than 4 in 5 say they did not increase emergency savings this year, according to a recent survey from Bankrate, and 60% say they feel behind when it comes to saving for a rainy day. That's why, in addition to your traditional emergency fund, some financial pros recommend building a so-called sunny day fund of money you can spend guilt-free or put toward exciting opportunities. What's more, consider the sorts of expenses your emergency fund could potentially cover to give yourself some piece of mind. "Another would be cash to cover living expenses during the disability waiting period, or elimination period." How a 'sunny day' fund can help you reach your goals

Persons: Spenser Liszt, Andy Baxley, Liszt Organizations: Motif, Planning Locations: Bankrate

☆ Best 5-Year CD Rates for October 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Martha C. White | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +8 min

Best 5-year CD rates for NovemberA five-year CD is one of the more common CD terms available. Interest rates on 5-year CDs have not climbed as sharply this year as rates for CDs with shorter terms. Our CD rate picks reflect the best available five-year CD rates we found on DepositAccounts, com, which tracks roughly 275,000 rates at more than 11,000 banks and credit unions. You expect interest rates to fallThe current interest rate environment is great for savers, but if the U.S. economy slows, the Federal Reserve policy makers are likely to cut interest rates in order to stimulate the additional growth. These accounts’ interest rates are variable, so if prevailing interest rates decline, banks will cut their rates and you will earn less money.

Persons: Martha C, —, ”, Ken Tumin, Dillon Haviland Organizations: Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, Federal Reserve, TBH Advisors, FDIC, National Credit Union Administration Locations: U.S, Nashville, Tenn

☆ There’s a connection between workers’ mental health and retirement, emergency savings, research finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In this article T-CA Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTNicoletaionescu | Istock | Getty ImagesFinancial strain associated with anxiety, depressionAcademic research has also highlighted a connection between mental health and retirement savings. Admittedly, it may be difficult to identify whether mental health conditions lead to poorer financial outcomes, or vice versa. The research from Telus Health points to strong relationships between financial preparedness and mental health. Emergency savings can affect mental healthWhether workers have emergency savings set aside was another factor that led to higher or lower mental health scores, Telus Health found. "Not having emergency savings was one of the biggest factors in terms of people's mental health," Allen said.

Persons: There's, Brad Klontz, Klontz, Allen Organizations: Istock, Getty, Cornell University, Medica Research, CNBC, Council, People, Telus Health, Workers

Our experts answer readers' investing questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess investing products). Then, know why you're investing, and understand the risk involved in any investment you make. As a certified financial planner, I speak with countless people who are new to investing. Whether you're a beginner or you've been investing for some time, watch out for these common investing mistakes. Before you dive in, be sure to cover the basics, understand the risk, and most importantly, have a plan.

Persons: —, you've, Roth, Roth IRAs, doesn't Organizations: Service

Single women face unique challenges when planning for retirement, so I asked an expert for help. Plus, women are often put in a caregiving role, which means time off from work — and not contributing regularly to retirement funds. So how can single women like me juggle with inflation, a higher cost of living, dwindling income, and the gender wage gap to be on track for retirement? I asked Marie Thomasson, a certified financial planner and founder of Modern Assets, an LA-based financial advisory firm for independent, progressive women, for tips on how single women can steer the course and make sure they're on track with their goals for retirement planning. Reassess your retirement accountsOnce you have your financial bases covered, you can venture into investing and retirement planning, says Thomasson.

Persons: Marie Thomasson, —, I've, Thomasson, hadn't, doesn't, aren't, Amanda Holden's, Simran Kaur's, Erin Lowry's, Tonya Rapley's, Tiffany, We're Organizations: Service, Modern Assets, Research, Pew Locations: LA, YOLO

☆ Social Security may affect workers differently in 2024. Here are 3 key things to keep in mind
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

But there are several thresholds workers should keep in mind, based on new numbers for 2024 that were recently announced by the Social Security Administration. If you're a worker who hopes to eventually be eligible for retirement benefits, or you're working and also receiving retirement benefits, here's what you need to know. Up to $168,600 in earnings will be taxed for Social Security in 2024The maximum taxable earnings for Social Security will rise to $168,600 in 2024, up from $160,200 in 2023. The remaining 6.2% is for Social Security and only applies to the taxable maximum, or $168,600 for next year. watch nowApproximately 6% of workers who pay Social Security taxes have earnings above the taxable maximum every year, according to the Social Security Administration.

Persons: Joe Elsasser, Elsasser Organizations: Social, Social Security Administration, Social Security, Workers, Federal Insurance, Medicare, Finance

☆ How Much Social Security Will I Get?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Aly J. Yale | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +5 min

For these reasons, it is hard to know exactly what your Social Security checks will look like years in advance. Every year, the government adjusts Social Security payouts for inflation—these are called cost-of-living adjustments, or COLA—so averages change, too. However, you can start taking Social Security anytime between ages 62 and 70. Whether or not you’ll owe taxes on your Social Security check is complicated, but more than half of Social Security recipients currently pay taxes on theirs. You can use the Social Security Administration’s Quick Calculator to get a rough idea of your payouts, or if you sign up for a My Social Security account, you’ll get an official estimate straight from the source.

Persons: Aly J, you’ve, You’ll, ”, Krisstin Petersmarck, —, James Sahagian, you’re, you’ll Organizations: Yale, Social Security, Bridgeriver Advisors, Social, Social Security Administration, Ramapo Wealth Advisors Locations: U.S, Bloomfield Hills, Mich, Ramapo, Ramsey , N.J

☆ The No. 1 factor behind Americans' most successful investments—and their worst
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Think of your biggest investing success. Maybe it was a mega-sized company whose stock you bought when it was just a startup. There are many reasons why a particular trade might be your most successful, but when asked, investors identify one factor above all others. In a recent client survey conducted by Charles Schwab, 33% of investors attributed their greatest investing success to patience through volatility. As for the biggest culprits behind investors' worst trades: lack of research (20%), bad timing (18%) and high risk (13%).

Persons: Charles Schwab, Mark Riepe, Spenser Liszt Organizations: Schwab Center, Financial Research, Motif, Fidelity

☆ Here’s how much of your income you should invest as a ‘good start’—and how much is considered ‘excellent’
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Financial advisors will tell you that you need a plan for every dollar you earn in income. You likely know how much you need to put toward rent and utilities each month, for instance. How much you're willing or able to save depends on a number of factors unique to you, such as your income, debt level and personal goals. For people earning a $50,000 annual salary, stashing $5,000 a year "is a good start," he added. "Getting into that 20% to 30% category is deemed really good to excellent.

Persons: Douglas Boneparth, Boneparth, Frank Holland Organizations: Bone

☆ Can You Pay a Mortgage with a Credit Card?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Michelle Lambright Black | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +10 min

“Eventually something is going to blow up.”That said, paying your mortgage with a credit card can make sense in a few circumstances, such as when you’re trying to earn a credit card sign-up bonus. How to pay your mortgage with a credit cardIn general, mortgage companies and mortgage loan servicers do not accept credit cards as a form of payment. If you plan to buy gift cards with your credit card and use them to pay your mortgage, it’s important to review your credit card issuer’s policies first. Most people consider paying their mortgage with a credit card for one of two reasons—they want extra time to make their mortgage payments or they want to earn credit card rewards. Potentially, yes: You want to earn credit card rewardsThere is one scenario where paying a mortgage with a credit card may make sense.

Persons: Michelle Lambright, ”, Jeff Rose, Plastiq, it’s, LaToya, “, You’re, Cash, Kevin Payne Organizations: Mastercard, Western Unions, Chase, Capital, Federal Reserve Locations: Plastiq, Birmingham, It’s

☆ Keep your sweetened CD yields going with this maneuver
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The one-year Treasury bill is yielding 5.47% Wednesday, and one-year CDs at some institutions offer annual percentage yields exceeding 5%. "It always makes sense to look at the landscape," said Danika Waddell, a certified financial planner and founder of Xena Financial Planning. Ally Financial and Bread Financial are among the institutions offering a higher renewal rate for customers who stick around. Consider that about a year ago, the average one-year CD had an APY of less than 1%, according to Bankrate.com . Consider that Synchrony Financial has an 11-month no-penalty CD that offers a 4.5% APY, while its 12-month standard CD yields 5.1%.

Persons: Danika Waddell, Morgan Stanley, Banks, Betsy Graseck, Mark Hamrick, It's, Waddell, Michael Bloom Organizations: Federal Reserve, Treasury, Investors, Xena, PNC, WFC, Bankrate.com, Ally, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp Locations: JPM

☆ How to Get a 401(k) Match for Your Student Loan Payments
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Aly J. Yale | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +5 min

By Aly J. YaleAfter a three-year reprieve, federal student loan payments resumed in October for more than 40 million Americans. In fact, in a recent survey 22% of student loan borrowers said they would need to reduce their retirement savings to make room for their renewed payments. Thanks to a provision in the Secure 2.0 Act, legislation aimed at improving retirement benefits nationwide, in 2024 employers will be able to start counting student loan payments as qualifying contributions toward retirement matching programs. That means if your employer offers to match your 401(k) contributions, you could get that matched money without ever depositing funds in your retirement account. However, if staying on top of your student loan payments has stopped you from leveraging your employer’s matching program—or contributing to your retirement account entirely—a student loan matching benefit can help you start saving.

Persons: Aly J, ”, Joelle, Jesse Moore, Sara Vipond, Mercer, ” Vipond, —, You’ll Organizations: Yale, Financial, Fidelity Investments, “, Treasury Department, Secure Locations: Framingham, Mass

☆ 53% of Gen Z see high cost of living as a barrier to financial success. They're 'buckling down,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Gen Z faces unique financial challenges compared to older generations. watch nowHigh inflation — and affordability concerns among Gen Zers — extend beyond U.S. borders. Yet, they show less confidence when it comes to saving for retirement or investing in the stock market, the results found. Experts say these three tips can help members of Gen Z learn to manage their money wisely. Make saving a habitUte Grabowsky | Photothek | Getty ImagesMore than half of Gen Z, 56%, do not have enough emergency savings to cover three months' worth of expenses, Bank of America's survey found.

Persons: Martin, Gen Zers, Gen, Gen Z, Douglas Boneparth, Boneparth, It's, it's, Barkley, Young, Roth Organizations: College, Deloitte, Bank of, Bone, CNBC, Experts, Photothek, Getty Locations: U.S, New York

☆ Adjustable-rate mortgages are making a comeback
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Meanwhile, the average rate for a kind of adjustable rate mortgage — a 5/1 ARM — dropped to 6.33% from 6.49%. (Freddie Mac, which provides an average that CNN covers weekly, does not track interest rates for adjustable rate mortgages). When Treasury yields go up, so do mortgage rates; when they go down, mortgage rates tend to follow. Fixed rate vs ARMWhile the overwhelming share of loans are still fixed-rate mortgages, ARMs are becoming more attractive in the current higher-rate environment. Generally, homeowners with higher mortgage rates will pay more in interest rather than principal for a longer time than those with lower interest rates.

Persons: —, Freddie Mac, ”, Bob Broeksmit, Melissa Cohn, Cohn, National Association of Home Builders —, ” Cohn, Kaylin Dillon, Jay Zigmont, ’ ” Zigmont, you’re Organizations: DC CNN, Mortgage, Association, CNN, “, ARM, Fed, Federal Reserve, William, Treasury, Mortgage Bankers Association, National Association of Realtors, National Association of Home Builders, Childfree Locations: Washington, Israel, Kansas, Mississippi

☆ Year-end tax strategies may affect how much retirees pay for Medicare. Here's what to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The change will result in an estimated Social Security retirement benefit increase of more than $50 per month, on average. The average monthly retirement benefit for workers will be $1,907, up from $1,848 this year, according to the Social Security Administration. "But remember, depending on your income, you may also be paying a lot more for Medicare," Franklin said. Medicare Part B premiums are based on incomeMedicare Part B covers physician services, outpatient hospital services, some home health care services, durable medical equipment and certain other services not covered by Medicare Part A. Medicare Part B premiums for 2024 have not yet been announced. This strategy may help reduce adjusted gross income and future Medicare premiums, Franklin said.

Persons: Mary Beth Franklin, Franklin, Roth Organizations: Social, Social Security Administration, Social Security, CNBC, Medicare Locations: Franklin

☆ A recession may still be in the forecast, experts say. Here's how to make sure you're prepared
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Jamie Kelter Davis | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesA recession has been in the forecast for much of 2023. "A recession is obviously going to happen at some point," said Jack Manley, global market strategist at JPMorgan Asset Management. Those factors may prompt the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates higher for longer, Aleman said. Experts say the key is to automate your savings so you do not even see the money in your paycheck. Another advantage to saving now: Rising interest rates mean the potential returns on that money are the highest they have been in 15 years.

Persons: Jamie Kelter Davis, Jack Manley, —, Eugenio Aleman, Raymond James, Aleman, Manley, Barry Glassman, CNBC.com, Glassman, Mark Hamrick, Matt Schulz, Schulz Organizations: Bloomberg, Getty, Asset Management, National Association for Business Economics, Finance, Federal Reserve, Wealth Services, CNBC's, Bankrate Locations: Chicago

☆ Bonds are selling off as stocks tumble. Here’s what it means for 60/40 portfolios
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-05 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The 60/40 portfolio wasn't spared, either: The iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF (AOR) , which has a 60/40 split, is facing declines from both asset classes. AOR YTD line AOR's performance year to date The slump harkened back to 2022, when equities fell alongside bonds. "We don't see rates going back to the pre-Covid levels," he said. "[I]nvestors still hate bonds at these levels — rates we would've dreamed of two years ago," said duQuesnay. Vanguard's Aliaga-Diaz noted that the 60/40 portfolio will average 6% on a 10-year forward-looking basis, so there are bound to be tumultuous times and periods of strong performance.

Persons: —, wasn't, They're, Blair duQuesnay, Roger Aliaga, Diaz, Aliaga, duQuesnay, DuQuesnay, Joe Kalish, Ned Davis Organizations: Treasury, Dow Jones, Ritholtz Wealth Management, Vanguard, Fed, Ned Davis Research

☆ If Social Security benefits were cut, here's how much more you'd need to save for retirement
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

In order not to run out of money in retirement, she'd need to save $375 a month in her workplace 401(k) plan — if the Social Security program remains fully in place. "The old-age poverty rate would soar if Social Security benefits were cut," said Richard Johnson, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute. The future of Social Securitywatch nowThe Social Security program has been weakened by a rise in people retiring and the fact that people are living longer. As a result, without any action from lawmakers, the trust fund that supports Social Security benefits for retirees is estimated to run dry in 2033. Workers would continue to pay Social Security payroll taxes, and those collected funds would still be payable to retirees.

Persons: Araya Doheny, Douglas Boneparth, Boneparth, Clifford, Cornell, Biden, Richard Johnson Organizations: Michell, Steel, Getty, Social, Security, CNBC, Workers, Clifford Cornell, Social Security, Finance, IRS, Center, Budget, Urban Institute, Social Security Administration Locations: Cypress , California, New York

☆ 'You only get Social Security while you're alive,' expert says. What happens to benefits after you die
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

"You only get Social Security while you're alive," said Bruce Tannahill, a director of estate and business planning with MassMutual. "People need to take into account how important Social Security is in their estate planning," said Jim Blair, vice president of Premier Social Security Consulting and a former Social Security administrator. There are some key takeaways to know about what happens to Social Security benefits in the event you or a loved one passes away. If someone receives their monthly Social Security payment and then dies, the Social Security Administration may not take the money back, according to Blair. If a deceased beneficiary was due a Social Security check or a Medicare premium refund when they died, a claim may be submitted to the Social Security Administration.

Persons: Bruce Tannahill, Jim Blair, Blair, Tannahill, Joe Elsasser, Elsasser Organizations: Getty, Social, Premier Social Security Consulting, Social Security, Finance, Social Security Administration, Security

☆ The 3 best steps to take with an old 401(k), according to a money expert: 'Choose your own adventure'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Ryan Ermey | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

That's about 25% of money in all 401(k) plans. Typically, as long as you have $5,000 invested in your employer's plan, you can leave it there when you leave. A 401(k) plan comes with limited investment options, and the ones in your old plan may not be very attractive. This makes a lot of sense for people who gravitate toward simple, passive investing strategies, which tend to be available in just about every 401(k) plan, says Betz. A 401(k) is just about always going to come with a limited menu of investment options, and maybe this one is full of high-fee, low-performing mutual funds.

Persons: switchers, that's, Jason Betz, it's, Yoav Zurel, Betz Organizations: Ameriprise, Employers

Search resuls for: "A Certified Financial Planner"

25 mentions found