Advisors

Damon_moss | Istock | Getty Images This has been a year of opportunity for investors who took to heart the old Wall Street adage that “the time to buy is when there’s blood in the streets.” Indeed, a market drop can prove to best the best time to take advantage of various financial planning opportunities.

Jayk7 | Moment | Getty Images As we head into the fourth quarter, investors lack much to be excited about. Through Sept. 30, the S&P 500 Total Return Index declined by 23.87%, almost ensuring equity investors won’t enjoy anything close to the 31.4%, 18.4% and 28.7% returns the index delivered in 2019, 2020, and 2021,

Fizkes | Istock | Getty Images Reaching retirement with a nest egg that you trust will last is a stressful endeavor even in the best of times. These days, those nearing the end of their careers also have to contend with historic inflation, stubborn market volatility and the remnants of the coronavirus pandemic. We asked

C.j. Burton | The Image Bank | Getty Images What happens if a loved one dies without a will? Millions of us are bound to find out, as two-thirds of American adults have no will, according to a recent Caring.com study. If a person dies without a will, or intestate, the probate court decides who

Kikoncos | Getty Images It’s Sunday morning, and my kids are checking player reports to evaluate their fantasy football lineups. They chatter about wins and losses from the previous week and rumors about a reserve player that looks ripe for a break-out. During the NFL games, they check their phones for player stats to determine

Halfpoint | Istock | Getty Images Retirees who rely on Social Security benefits for income will get some relief from record high inflation when an 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment kicks in next year. But two factors — the size of Medicare Part B premiums and taxes on benefits — may offset just how much bigger those

Cavan Images | Cavan | Getty Images Inflation is causing American households to spend $445 more per month buying the same items they did a year ago, according to an estimate from Moody’s Analytics. Consumer prices jumped by 8.2% in September versus the same month in 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday.

RyanJLane | E+ | Getty Images After a difficult year for the stock market, investors have poured money into Series I bonds, a nearly risk-free and inflation-protected asset that’s paying a record 9.62% annual interest rate through October. With the rate expected to drop to roughly 6.48% in November, there’s a brief window to secure

Between Bill Gates’ pledge to give “virtually all” of his wealth away and Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s recent decision to donate his entire company to fight climate change, it’s clear views of inherited wealth have changed. At the same time, the greatest generational wealth transfer in history is underway, with baby boomers set to pass to their children

Fg Trade | E+ | Getty Images Are you ready for a “second act” in retirement? Sadly, large numbers of Americans heading into their 60s are not — at least from a financial perspective. While the average amount of retirement savings for Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 was $408,000 in 2019, per

Morsa Images | E+ | Getty Images Despite a hotter-than-expected inflation report on Thursday, the annual interest rate for Series I bonds is expected to fall to roughly 6.48% in November, financial experts say.  While that’s down from the current 9.62% interest through Oct. 31 and lower than the 7.12% rate offered from November 2021

Geber86 | E+ | Getty Images As the U.S. economy attempts to find its footing as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, two looming uncertainties have emerged: persistent high inflation and a possible recession. So it’s no surprise that financial advisors who landed on the CNBC FA 100 list for 2022 are hearing about those

mphillips007 | iStock Unreleased | Getty Images There’s a whole lot of money up for grabs this week in two national lotteries. Powerball’s jackpot is an advertised $420 million for Wednesday night’s drawing. Mega Millions’ top prize is even more: $494 million for the next pull, set for Friday night. Of course, the chance of

Tetra Images | Tetra images | Getty Images After several months of soaring inflation, stock market volatility and interest rate hikes, many investors are feeling weary about their finances.  But the prolonged stock market downturn offers a silver lining for some investors: opportunities to reduce their tax bill. Here are some of the most popular

momcilog | E+ | Getty Images It’s almost the time of year for Medicare beneficiaries to give thought to their 2023 Medicare plan. The program’s fall open enrollment period, when you can make changes that take effect Jan. 1, starts Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. This window is for coverage related to prescription

Brand New Images | Stone | Getty Images A lousy stock market is often no reason for investors to cheer. But for the uber-rich, it may offer a route to lower estate taxes down the road. That’s because one type of trust gives them better odds of shifting some wealth to their children, grandchildren or

At an individual level, sometimes a trade school makes the most sense for your or your children’s financial future. Tom Werner | Digitalvision | Getty Images While my parents never had the opportunity to attend college, they were indeed very successful. Their success afforded me the opportunity to pursue higher education, but ironically, I doubt

Investors have recently witnessed some of the worst trading days since 2020. Stocks took a dive in September over fears the Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hike cycle will cause the economy to stall, but with more hikes to come, along with slowing growth, geopolitical unrest and persistent inflationary pressure, this could be a prolonged period

fitzkes / Getty If you’re racing to meet the Oct. 17 tax extension deadline, make sure you don’t skip key forms as you’re rushing to the finish line, experts say. It’s critical to file a complete and accurate return to avoid processing delays, according to the IRS, including details from all the necessary forms. Further,

Ariel Skelley | Digitalvision | Getty Images Applications for financial aid are now available for the upcoming academic year. Although the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for 2023-24 isn’t due until June 30, 2024, it’s wise to apply as soon as you can. For a growing number of families, financial aid is key when