In a 2022 survey, consumers were first asked to quickly estimate how much they spend on subscription services each month, then a while later, they were directed to break down and itemize their monthly payments. On average, the consumers' actual spending was $219 per...
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included provisions intended to lower prescription drug costs for Medicare enrollees and slow drug spending by the federal government. According to an estimate by the Congressional Budget Office, the law's drug pricing reforms could...
If your employer offers health insurance benefits, one of your options may be a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with eligibility for a health savings account (HSA). These plans offer potential savings by encouraging you to make cost-effective choices in your...
The U.S. economy lost nearly 22 million jobs during the two-month pandemic recession of March–April 2020. The total job count returned to pre-pandemic levels in June 2022, and by July 2023, there were almost 4 million more Americans working than before the pandemic....
A financial crisis — such as a job loss or medical emergency — can strike when you least expect it. It is important to be prepared by having a financial safety net in place — not having one could prove to be financially devastating. But bulking up your emergency fund...
Publicly traded companies are required to disclose their financial performance to regulators and shareholders on a quarterly basis. News organizations and investors pay close attention to these reports because they tend to impact stock prices, with strong earnings...
A sound retirement plan should be based on your particular circumstances. No one strategy is suitable for everyone. Once you're retired, your income plan should strive to address four basic objectives: earn a reasonable rate of return, manage the risk of loss,...
Roth 401(k) plans can offer an ideal opportunity to build a source of tax-free retirement income. There are no income restrictions to participate, they have much higher contribution limits than Roth IRAs, and they may offer employer matching contributions. And thanks...
With the COVID pandemic receding in most areas of the world, Americans are traveling again. U.S. citizens took more than 80 million international trips in 2022, an increase of almost 66% over the same period in 2021.1 If you're planning a foreign vacation, here are...
In December 2022, Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 Act. It introduced two new rules relating to 529 plans and student debt that will take effect in 2024. The first provision allows for tax- and penalty-free rollovers from a 529 plan to a Roth IRA. The second provision...
