Personal finance
These Americans all left the U.S. for Mexico—here’s how they found their ‘perfect location’ and made it happen
In 2006, after years of living paycheck to paycheck in California, I decided to move to Mexico. I was 50, and a prior vacation in the beautiful coastal town of Mazatlán had convinced me that an easier, happier and more affordable lifestyle was possible. And I was right. Now, at 66, having spent the past 15 years […]
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Some experts say a recession is coming. Here’s how to prepare your portfolio
Phonlamaiphoto | Istock | Getty Images Months of stock market volatility, surging inflation and rising interest rates have left many investors wondering if a recession is coming. The stock market tumbled again on Thursday, with the S&P 500 capping its worst six-month start to a year since 1970. In all, it’s down more than 20% […]
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The S&P 500 just had its worst first half in more than 50 years, which ‘stressed’ this classic investment strategy
Stock trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Spencer Platt | Getty Images News | Getty Images The S&P 500 Index, a barometer of U.S. stocks, just had its worst first half of the year going back over 50 years. The index fell 20.6% in the past six months, from its high-water […]
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IRA rollovers often come with higher investment fees, Pew finds: Here’s how much money that costs retirement savers
andresr | E+ | Getty Images IRA rollovers are common for job switchers, retirees Investors rolled $516.7 billion from workplace plans into traditional IRAs in 2018, the latest year for which data is available. That’s nearly 28 times more money than as contributed to traditional IRAs that year. A Pew survey from 2021 found that […]
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Winning ticket for Powerball’s $366.7 million jackpot sold in Vermont. Here’s the tax bite for the winner
If you’re holding the winning ticket for Powerball’s $366.7 million jackpot, don’t forget about your silent partner: Uncle Sam. After rolling higher for about two months of three weekly drawings with no winner, the lottery game’s top prize was nabbed in Wednesday night’s drawing. The ticket was purchased in Vermont, which marks the first time […]
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Inflation is making Fourth of July celebrations more expensive than ever
Fotografia Inc. | E+ | Getty Images Nothing says Independence Day like a good, old-fashioned barbecue. In keeping with tradition, most Americans — roughly 60% — plan to grill this weekend, and 53% will get together with friends and family, according to a recent report by market research firm Numerator. “Consumers want to celebrate this summer […]
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Debt collectors’ ‘pay to pay fees’ are ‘often illegal,’ consumer watchdog agency says
Anchiy | E+ | Getty Images Certain “junk” fees often levied by debt collectors are illegal under federal law, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Wednesday. Debt collectors charge so-called “pay-to-pay” fees, which are also known as convenience fees, when consumers make a payment online or over the phone, according to the federal agency. These […]
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‘It’s like going to the DMV online’: What to know about buying Series I savings bonds via TreasuryDirect
Eakgrunge | Istock | Getty Images There’s been record demand for federal Series I savings bonds, an inflation-protected and nearly risk-free asset, offering an eye-popping 9.62% annual return through October. However, it’s not easy to buy I bonds through TreasuryDirect, a 20-year-old platform run by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, financial advisors say. “It’s […]
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Summer temperatures — and inflation — are running hot. Here’s how to save money on cooling bills as prices rise
A pedestrian uses an umbrella to get some relief from the sun as she walks past a sign displaying the temperature on June 20, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. Ralph Freso | Getty Images Tips for efficient energy use Most cooling systems use electricity, so making sure your home is running as efficiently as possible can […]
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Retirees planning to travel should check their Medicare coverage to avoid costly surprises
Tom Merton | Getty Images If you’re a retiree on Medicare and feel the itch to travel, be sure you know whether your insurance plan can go with you. Whether you want to hit the road for a U.S.-based trip or head overseas, coverage at your destination hinges on the specifics of your Medicare plan. […]
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