Invest in funds with consistent dividends
I have written before that retirees should maintain a significant amount of their investments in diversified stock investments. Although I have been retired for 24 years, I still keep about 50% of my investments in stock market, almost all of it in diversified mutual funds. I have always chosen funds that have a history of consistent earnings and dividends. I recognize that stock market... READ MORE
Avoid these financial pitfalls in retirement
Investing is a challenge at any age, but as you reach retirement, it becomes especially important to avoid making mistakes. When you’re younger, you have more time to recover from a bad investment or market downturn. However, when you are older and your investments are providing your income, it’s important to preserve your nest egg. There are things you can do to protect your... READ MORE
Money management is important for all
Last summer, I had the opportunity to study “across the pond” at Oxford University. While there, I used up roughly 75% of my spending money buying Moo-Moo’s milkshakes. It was perhaps not the most intelligent budgeting on my part, but what can I say? Those milkshakes were heavenly. My escapades in England exemplify how essential it is to be well-versed in the art of money... READ MORE
Will Social Security keep its promises?
The Social Security Administration will happily forecast your future monthly retirement check. Trouble is, it’s often off the mark. Understanding the sometimes-flawed assumptions underlying the estimate can help you make smarter decisions about when to claim your benefit. First, of course, you should know how to access those estimates. You can find yours online by creating a “My... READ MORE
New options to return online purchases
Ahead of the holiday season, shoppers have more options to return unwanted items bought online as retailers look for new ways to drive traffic. Plenty of retailers like Target and Walmart allow shoppers to return at their brick-and-mortar stores items bought from them online. But now, a growing number of retailers are accepting even rivals’ returns. In July, Kohl’s started... READ MORE
How to quit stalling and write your will
You know you should have a will, but you keep stalling. No one likes to think about dying or about someone else raising their children or grandchildren. But if you get no further than scribbling notes or thinking about which lawyer to hire, you risk dying “intestate” — without a will that could guide your loved ones, head off family feuds and potentially save your family thousands of... READ MORE
Earn higher yields while doing good
What if you could measure your investment performance not only in terms of yield and total return but also by the number of small businesses financed, tons of waste reduced and affordable homes created? A growing number of “impact” investments allow investors to do just that — while also earning decent yields. Impact investments belong to a broader principles-based investment... READ MORE
Understand the risks inherent in bonds
It’s important for investors interested in bonds to understand the potential pitfalls. For example, some don’t realize that there is an inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices. When interest rates increase, the value of bonds decreases in value, and vice versa. Regardless of the quality of the bond or bond fund you invested in, if interest rates increase... READ MORE
How to submit a complaint and get results
Taking a complaint to customer service can be maddening. No one wants to deal with endless phone trees, outsourced representatives reading from inflexible scripts, automated responses or chatbots. “Despite saying they provide more ways than ever to contact them, companies are building fortresses around themselves so that no one has to interact with you,” said Christopher Elliott of... READ MORE
Is pet insurance a cost-effective purchase?
Dear Savvy Senior, I own two dogs and a cat that I would do almost anything for. But expensive veterinary bills put a strain on my budget. Is pet insurance a good idea? —Older Pet Owner Dear Pet Owner, online pharmacy zestril buy with best prices today in the USA If you’re the kind of pet owner who would do anything for their furry family — including spending thousands of... READ MORE
