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Set-it-and-forget-it asset allocation has worked well over the long run, but that doesn't mean that investors can't use history as a guide in terms of avoiding near-term pain.

You may be familiar with the rules for putting money into a 401(k) plan. But are you familiar with the rules for taking your money out? Federal law limits the withdrawal options that a 401(k) plan can offer. But a 401(k) plan may offer fewer withdrawal options than the law allows, and may even provide that you can't take any money out at all until you leave employment. However, many 401(k) plans are more flexible.

Wall Street got off to a good start to begin the third quarter of 2024 and continued to rally for much of the quarter. Investors spent the quarter watching inflation and economic data, trying to gauge whether the Federal Reserve might lower interest rates.

If you’re retired or soon-to-be retired, how could the recent cut in interest rates by the Federal Reserve affect your finances? Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer, because it depends on your financial circumstances, investments, and sources of retirement income. And if you’re like many retirees, there could be both positive and negative effects on your finances.

Stocks closed mostly higher in August, buoyed by a strong close to the month. Favorable inflation data and economic reports helped drive stocks higher toward the end of the month as investors took heed of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's statement that it is approaching time to lower interest rates.

When her mother wanted to leave Joel a $1 million inheritance, Bamburg made sure the gift wouldn’t compromise his Supplement Security Income and Medicaid benefits. The Jacksonville, Ark., financial advisor set up a trust that his sister, Elise, will manage for Joel after Bamburg dies; it is structured so that any remaining funds will stay in the family after Joel dies.

Investors increasingly seek investments with low costs and low fees. About 65% of advisors now recommend exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to their clients. But those clients still value high-quality advice on a range of issues related to investing and personal finance.

Many estate owners are concerned about what will happen to the wealth in the next generation and the effects the inheritance will have on their heirs, making how to leave wealth to the next generation one of the most difficult estate planning decisions.

Stocks have been rallying joyfully. With the political conventions behind us and the Federal Reserve expected to trim interest rates next month, many Wall Street strategists have reined in their nervousness about a possible recession and are betting instead on good times to come.

Stocks closed mostly higher in July. Tech shares, including AI stocks, which had been a bellwether for much of the year, retreated in July, dragging the Nasdaq to its worst July performance since 2014.

A recent survey from MetLife found that nearly 70% of defined contribution plan sponsors, who offer retirement plans such as 401(k)s, were concerned about participants’ (who were within 10 years or less from retirement) abilities to weather market volatility. 61% of sponsors were worried about participants’ who were already retired.

At a time when many have dreams of finally taking a long-awaited trip or dominating the pickleball court, a growing number of retirees are instead spending much of their time and money on caring for others—and risking their own financial security.

When it comes to planning for retirement, couples generally agree on the big picture. It’s in the details, however, where differences often arise, says Nayan Ranchhod, Ameriprise Financial private wealth advisor and CEO of Silver Lining Wealth Advisors in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Married women face a special retirement planning challenge that’s best addressed when they and their spouse transition into retirement. Here’s the problem: When one spouse passes away, the survivor’s retirement income usually drops much more than their living expenses do.

Workers miss out on billions in investment gains by pulling retirement savings out of the stock market after switching jobs—often without meaning to.

As of May 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that inflation was 3.3%. This number is right in line with averages over the last 100 years. Assuming the trend continues, if your lifestyle expenses are $50,000 per year today, they will be closer to $130,000 in 30 years.

With so many misconceptions around trusts, it's easy to understand the confusion about the benefits of a revocable living trust. A living trust (also called a revocable trust or revocable living trust) can be beneficial to a much broader group of Americans than most people expect.

Hiring a financial advisor or a financial planner can help you achieve your short- or long-term goals — like having a comfortable retirement, funding your child's college tuition, or buying a house.

The stock market fared quite nicely during the Fourth of July week. Each of the benchmark indexes listed here posted gains, with the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 reaching record highs a few times during the week. Only the small caps of the Russell 2000 slid lower. The June jobs report (see below) gave investors encouragement that the Fed may be inclined to cut interest rates as early as September. Information technology, consumer discretionary, and communication services outperformed among the market sectors, while energy and health care lagged.

By definition, estate planning is a process designed to help you manage and preserve your assets while you are alive, and to conserve and control their distribution after your death according to your goals and objectives.

Stocks closed generally higher for the week, with the Russell 2000, the Nasdaq, and the Global Dow posting gains, while the large caps of the Dow and the S&P 500 declined. Ten-year Treasury yields rose as bond prices fell. Crude oil prices gained about $1.00 per barrel.

Digital assets now are a major cause of problems settling and distributing estates. You need to carefully consider and incorporate your digital life in the estate plan.