A recent study from the National Institute on Retirement Security revealed that many Americans, especially those who aren’t retired yet, have a limited understanding of their Social Security benefits. Only 11% of respondents claimed to know exactly how much they can expect to receive, while a significant portion expressed uncertainty or complete ignorance regarding their
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In the second quarter of 2024, job seeker confidence saw a significant decline, dropping to its lowest level in over two years. This decrease in confidence reflects a growing pessimism among workers regarding their ability to secure their desired jobs. This shift in sentiment stands in stark contrast to the optimism that pervaded the job
The upcoming U.S. presidential election has the potential to create increased volatility in the stock market, leading to anxiety among investors. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, 73% of respondents admitted to feeling anxious about the election. This anxiety can often lead investors to make rash decisions, such as moving their
As the job market cools off from the rapid pace seen during the pandemic era, many workers are facing the reality of smaller annual raises. A recent poll by WTW, a consulting firm, indicates that the typical worker can expect a 4.1% pay raise for 2025, a decrease from the 4.5% raise seen this year.
The current state of the U.S. economy is a topic of much debate and discussion among Americans. Despite various measures indicating a strong economy, a significant portion of the population believes that the country is in the midst of a recession. According to a recent survey conducted by Affirm, approximately 3 out of 5 Americans
With President Joe Biden stepping out of the election arena, all eyes are now on Vice President Kamala Harris as the potential frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. While Harris has not yet disclosed her economic agenda, experts predict that her tax policy proposals could mirror Biden’s, which emphasize higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations.
As Gen Xers start to approach age milestones that allow them penalty-free access to their retirement funds, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. The ability to withdraw money from individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and 401(k)s without facing penalties is a significant advantage. However, it is crucial to understand the implications of early
In today’s seemingly prosperous times, it is interesting to note the prevalent themes of struggle and financial vulnerability embedded in recent pop music hits. Artists like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé have captured the essence of modern-day malaise in their lyrics, resonating deeply with audiences. Even viral TikTok sensations like “I’m looking for a man in
The recent nomination of Donald Trump as the Republican presidential candidate has brought renewed attention to Project 2025, a comprehensive policy plan developed by The Heritage Foundation and over 100 other conservative organizations. This initiative, encapsulated in the 900-page “Mandate for Leadership,” aims to revolutionize the U.S. income tax system and restructure the Internal Revenue
Paycheck advance programs, also known as earned wage access, have been under scrutiny by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in recent times. These programs allow workers to access their paychecks before payday, often for a fee. The CFPB proposed an interpretive rule that categorizes these programs as “consumer loans” subject to the Truth in