personal-finance

Auto 401(k) Rollovers Cut Cash-Outs but Accounts Stall in IRAs

A new automatic portability program is reducing 401(k) cash-outs among workers with small balances, though most funds stay stuck in temporary IRAs.

personal-finance · US Top News and Analysis

Fed Holds Rates Steady: Impact on Loans, Cards and Savings

The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark rate unchanged, directly affecting what Americans pay on credit cards, mortgages, auto loans, and savings yields.

personal-finance · MarketWatch.com - Top Stories

Social Security COLA Changes Could Cut Retiree Benefits

Lawmakers are weighing proposals to alter Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment, potentially reducing inflation protection for millions of retirees.

personal-finance · MarketWatch.com - Top Stories

Why a 60-40 Portfolio Still Beats Going All-In on Stocks

Many investors are overweight equities, but history shows a balanced 60-40 portfolio keeps pace with all-stock returns over 30 years.

personal-finance · US Top News and Analysis

Woman Pays $96 Monthly to Live Inside Yellowstone National Park

Zoe De La Paz left her Chicago corporate career to work as a seamstress inside Yellowstone for just $96 a month in housing costs.

personal-finance · US Top News and Analysis

Psychologist Reveals the Morning Question That Strengthens Couples

A relationships psychologist says emotionally intelligent partners ask a daily 'capacity check' question most couples skip.

personal-finance · MarketWatch.com - Top Stories

Single 58-Year-Old Veteran With $1.5M Asks: Can I Retire?

A California veteran with $1.5 million saved and a VA pension wants to know if early retirement is within reach.

personal-finance · MarketWatch.com - Top Stories

Inherited IRA With Siblings: Do You Need Separate Accounts?

A reader serving as executor asks whether three siblings must open individual inherited IRAs or can simply cash out a jointly inherited account.

personal-finance · CNBC

401(k) Balances for Americans in Their 30s and 40s: How You Compare

Financial experts share benchmarks for retirement savings in your 30s and 40s, plus strategies to catch up if you're behind.

personal-finance · MarketWatch.com - Top Stories

At 64, Should You Claim Spousal Social Security Benefits Now?

A 64-year-old woman weighs spousal Social Security benefits against waiting for her own. Here's what experts say.

personal-finance · Yahoo Finance

Investor Booked $90,000 in Losses Without Selling His Portfolio

One investor used a tax-loss harvesting swap to lock in $90K in losses during the 2022 crash—legally eliminating capital-gains taxes since.

personal-finance · MarketWatch.com - Top Stories

Estranged Daughter Silent 4 Years: Should She Inherit an Annuity?

A parent estranged from their daughter for four years wrestles with whether to leave her a monthly annuity despite years of silence.

personal-finance · MarketWatch.com - Top Stories

Managing a Parent's POA, Estate and Trust: Who Has Final Say?

Holding power of attorney, executor, and trustee roles simultaneously raises urgent questions about authority, accountability, and family dynamics.

personal-finance · MarketWatch.com - Top Stories

Why the Mediterranean Diet Beats All Others — and Stumps Americans

The Mediterranean diet tops global rankings, but its social and culinary demands challenge American lifestyles.

personal-finance · MarketWatch.com - Top Stories

Social Security Spousal Benefits: What Married Women Should Know

A MarketWatch reader asks about claiming spousal Social Security benefits early, then switching to a higher personal benefit at 70.