The news is good on inflation – a couple of recent reports show it easing down closer to the Fed’s 2% target. That should allow them to start lowering short-term rates, beginning with a widely-expected cut in September.
What should you do in the meantime? Now is not the time for wholesale changes in your investment program, but you might consider locking in current rates on short-term savings vehicles while you have the chance. And if you’re thinking about borrowing money and can hold off for a while, your patience might soon be rewarded.
Despite evidence to the contrary, three out of five Americans believe the U.S. is in a recession – and that it started more than a year ago. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Equities now make up more than 40% of our portfolios – reflecting decades of strong performance and investor confidence. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
The more behind you feel in your quest for wealth, the more likely you are to take unnecessary risks. That’s typically a big mistake. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
529 savings plans are an obvious choice – but there might be other options you’ve haven’t considered. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
You’ve got other financial goals, but think of it this way: The sooner you start investing for retirement, the less money you’ll have to save. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
As a general guideline, the answer is probably yes. But if it’s really a rule – why do they keep changing it? (Reading time: 3 minutes)
This is a long article but worth your time – see which of these apply to your situation and decide accordingly. (Reading time: 12 minutes)
Knowing how close you are from the next tax bracket can help smooth out your income and potentially save you from needless taxes. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
If your income exceeds certain levels, you’ll be paying higher Medicare premiums – unless you succeed in appealing it. Here’s how. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
You don’t have to go back to work full-time to earn extra income in retirement. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“The sucker has always tried to get something for nothing, and the appeal in all booms is always frankly to the gambling instinct aroused by cupidity and spurred by a pervasive prosperity. People who look for easy money invariably pay for the privilege of proving conclusively that it cannot be found on this sordid earth.”
– Edwin LeFevre
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