Wealth Management

Can you work and receive Social Security retirement benefits at the same time? Yes, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) will apply an earnings test. Part or all of your monthly benefit may be withheld if you earn too much. To help avoid surprises, take this quiz to find out what you know — and don't know — about Social Security earnings test rules...

Since Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett created the Giving Pledge in 2010, more than 200 of the world's wealthiest individuals and couples have committed to giving the majority of their wealth to philanthropic or charitable causes. Although the Giving Pledge only invites billionaires to join, "it is inspired by the example set by millions of people at all income levels who give generously — and often at great personal sacrifice — to make the world a better place."* You don't have to be a billionaire to embrace the spirit of the Giving Pledge: When people come together to give, regardless of wealth, they can improve the lives of others. Decide which causes matter most to you Giving Pledge billionaires are a diverse group, coming from 23 countries and ranging in age from their 30s to their 90s...

Many people dream of retiring early so they can pursue activities other than work, such as volunteering, traveling and pursuing their hobbies full-time. But making this dream a reality requires careful planning and diligent saving during the years leading up to the anticipated retirement date. It all starts with retirement savings accounts such as IRAs and 401(k)s. Among the best ways to retire early is to build up these accounts as quickly as possible by contributing the maximum amount allowed by law each year...

Economy In commentary provided by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, the continued above-trend growth (2.3 percent versus ~2.0 percent) was noted, albeit at a slowing rate. Growth is expected to moderate in the coming months...

Like almost everything else these days, the holidays have become a barrage of options and choices, with nearly limitless opportunities to overspend. Here are some tips to help you make sure your family's spending remains in check this holiday season. Develop a spending strategy First and foremost, develop a budget. Involving family members will help you establish and maintain realistic expectations at the outset...

A recent survey found that more than half of retirees have retirement planning regrets. Unfortunately, many of these retirees had to cut back on their lifestyles to compensate for financial shortfalls.1 Considering their most common regrets may help you avoid making the same mistakes. Not saving enough More than one-third of retirees wish they had saved more...

Publicly traded companies are required to report their financial performance to regulators and shareholders on a quarterly basis. Earnings season is the often-turbulent period when most companies disclose their successes and failures. U.S...

Economy In the Federal Reserve’s 2018 Q3 release of economic projections, voting FOMC members forecast additional tightening for 2019. The last update from June showed a levelling off for interest rate expectations for 2019. Since then, the Fed has moved twice (In July and recently in September) to lower its benchmark Fed Funds rate to 1.75 percent to 2...

As you move through different stages of life, you will face new and unique financial situations. Did you just get engaged? Perhaps you are wondering how you and your partner are going to manage your money together. Do you have children?..

Each year for its Retirement Confidence Survey, the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) surveys 1,000 workers and 1,000 retirees to assess how confident they are in their ability to afford a comfortable retirement. Once again, in 2019, retirees expressed stronger confidence than workers: 82% of retirees reported feeling "very" or "somewhat" confident, compared with 67% of workers. A closer look at some of the survey results reveals various lessons today's workers can learn from current retirees. Current sources of retiree income Let's start with a breakdown of the percentage of retirees who said the following resources provide at least a minor source of income: Social Security: 88% Personal savings and investments: 69% Defined benefit/traditional pension plan: 64% Individual retirement account: 61% Workplace retirement savings plan: 54% Product that guarantees monthly income: 33% Work for pay: 25% Lesson 1: Don't count on work-related earnings Perhaps the most striking percentage is the last one, given that 74% of today's workers expect work-related earnings to be at least a minor source of income in retirement...