by Timothy MooreContributorBanking has not been immune to the volatile conditions of today’s rapidly changing world. From the COVID-19 pandemic to a rise in artificial intelligence to new cybersecurity threats, banks continue to face large challenges that are ultimately changing the way they operate.We’ve seen large shifts in 2021, but we expect even bigger changes to the landscape of banking features in 2022.Here is a preview of what we expect
by Nicole DowSenior WriterAs life slowly crept back to normal in 2021 following the financial chaos and uncertainty of the year before, we were left with the desire to get a better handle on our individual money situations.Maintaining a budget is an excellent way to start. While keeping tabs on your cash flow isn’t necessarily fun, it will help you stay focused on your future goals.As 2021 winds down, here
by Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorEach new year brings changes to Social Security. Even if you’re decades away from retirement, it’s important to keep tabs on what’s happening. After all, Social Security gets a chunk of each paycheck during your working years. And without Social Security, about 40% of Americans 65 and older would have incomes below the poverty level.Read on to learn what’s in store for Social Security in 2022,
by Mike BrassfieldSenior WriterHere’s a good question for the new year: Is 2022 a good time to invest in stocks?In turbulent times like these, it’s hard to know the right financial moves to make. A lot of the tried-and-true advice we’ve always relied on doesn’t seem relevant anymore. Is now a good time to invest? Should I focus on paying off debt? Or saving?It’s helpful to consult with a pro.
Key TakeawaysFinancial advice is often given freely by well-meaning friends and family. Though well-intended, much of this advice may not always be helpful.With so many financial strategies floating around, some might not fit your specific objectives. Other times, money management tips can be downright toxic to your financial health. To gain insight into the topic of money management advice and whether it’s helpful, we surveyed over 1,000 respondents. Read along
by Kari FaberStaff WriterIf you’re not already rich, the race to early retirement can feel like it’s marred by sacrifice. Give up this, give up that — like the only way to retire before 65 is if you suffer now.Sure, you want to be able to enjoy early retirement, and that means having enough money saved to do so. But you also want to live your life now in a
by Timothy MooreContributorLiving in a region with blisteringly cold winters tends to make you somewhat of an expert on winter driving.But skilled winter driving means more than just knowing what to do if you slide on ice or how to properly clear your windshield. It means staying on top of important vehicle maintenance, like checking exterior lights, having your battery tested and regularly monitoring your tire pressure.Just as importantly, it
by Kari FaberStaff WriterIf you’re determined to have the lowest cost of living among every other human being in the United States, move to Mississippi.Seriously — it has the lowest cost of living overall, taking into account grocery, housing and transportation expenses.Dollar for dollar, your cash will probably go further in the Magnolia State than if you were to live in a major urban cluster like New York, California or
by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterMillions of Americans quit their jobs this year as the Great Resignation took hold of the U.S. labor market.But many of those workers didn’t really quit — they retired.The United State’s retiree population has grown by about 3 million since the pandemic, according to The Washington Post. That’s about double pre-pandemic retirement trends.Generous federal stimulus checks, strong stock market gains and rising home values prompted some
by Quinten PlummerStaff WriterYou don’t have to be married to face some of the drama that comes with a messy divorce. Whether you have a roommate who’s been casually dropping hints that you should be looking for a new roommate or they’re downright spelling it out, the prospect of that person leaving can feel like you’re about to lose everything the two of you worked so hard to maintain. Even
