Markets are strong, headlines are loud, and nerves are creeping in. History suggests the biggest risk isn’t what investors fear—it’s how they react. Here are seven themes shaping the year ahead.

A quarter-point cut was expected. What surprised investors was Powell’s careful signal that the Fed may pause next—while keeping the door open if growth or jobs weaken. Stocks hit new highs. What’s the market really reacting to, and what could force the Fed’s hand next?

College costs can feel overwhelming—but the real question isn’t just how much, it’s how to pay. With smart planning, the right mix of savings, financial aid, and strategic withdrawals can make higher education far more affordable than the sticker price suggests. Here’s how to navigate your options with confidence.

As retirement approaches, the focus shifts from growing your nest egg to drawing from it wisely. With RMD deadlines, tax brackets, and charitable strategies all in play, even small decisions can have big financial consequences. This quick read breaks down what to know before December 31 — and how smart planning today can pay off for years to come.

Holiday shoppers came out roaring this year. Despite gloomy sentiment surveys, Americans clicked, tapped, and lined up in record numbers—turning Black Friday and Cyber Monday into a spending surge that defied expectations. But is all this holiday hustle overshadowing the season’s deeper meaning?

As the new year approaches, key tax and retirement limits are shifting again. Our 2026 Important Numbers guide brings all the must-know updates—clear, concise, and right at your fingertips—so you can plan with confidence and stay ahead of the curve.

Retirement rarely arrives with a lightning bolt—more often, it whispers. If you’ve been feeling subtle shifts in energy, purpose, or patience at work, these quiet cues may be pointing toward your next chapter.

’Tis the season for generosity—and smart planning. New tax rules and year-end deadlines make 2025 a pivotal moment to rethink how you give.

Shoppers keep swiping, but confidence keeps sinking. Here’s what’s driving the contradiction at the heart of the consumer economy.

Shadow banking is back in the spotlight — but is it a crisis or just noise? Here’s what long-term investors should really take away.

Despite the longest government shutdown on record, markets barely blinked. Here’s why investors stayed calm — and what it means for the road ahead.

Claim early or wait it out? Discover how understanding your Social Security “break-even” point can help you make the smartest call for your future.

The economy’s still got a heartbeat — even if the data monitor’s gone dark. Here’s what private-sector clues are telling investors about jobs, markets, and tech’s latest wobble.

When was the last time you reviewed your Medicare plan? This simple flowchart helps you decide if it’s time for a switch.

You’ve worked hard for your retirement—now make sure it works for you. Explore strategies to stay ahead of inflation and protect your income for years to come.

Two cuts in, but is the Fed tapping the brakes again? Powell’s latest remarks hint at a possible pause — here’s what it could mean for markets.

Even when the government shuts down, your coverage doesn’t have to. Discover how to protect your Marketplace plan and tax credits.

Medicare penalties can add up quickly if you miss key enrollment windows. Use this simple flowchart to see whether you qualify to avoid late enrollment costs — and ensure your coverage starts on time.

Gold’s meteoric rise has taken investors by surprise — soaring past $4,000 an ounce despite a stable dollar. What’s fueling the rally, and how long can it last?

Are you making the most of your employer-provided benefits? From retirement plans to medical coverage, life insurance to stock options — this quick checklist helps you uncover smart strategies, avoid costly oversights, and boost your financial well-being.

When headlines spark fear, perspective matters. Discover why market dips driven by trade disputes can be a long-term investor’s ally.

Is This Bull Market Just Getting Started? Since bottoming out in October 2022, the S&P 500 has surged 86%—making this one of the strongest three-year runs since WWII. How does it stack up against history's longest bull markets? What’s fueling the rise—and what could bring it to a halt? Let’s break it down.

Don’t leave benefits on the table! This easy-to-follow chart helps you determine if you’re eligible for Social Security as a spouse, divorced spouse, or caregiver.

Headlines scream “Shutdown!”—but the markets? Barely a shrug. Discover why investors focus on fundamentals, not Washington drama.

With markets at record highs and AI stocks surging, bubble fears are back. But history shows that chasing (or dodging) bubbles often distracts from what matters most—building long-term wealth. Are today’s conditions really a bubble, or just another chapter in the market cycle?

The Fed just cut rates for the first time this year—will history repeat itself? See how past rate cuts shaped the S&P 500, and what it could mean for markets now.

While today’s record markets and low yields may tempt investors to overlook dividends, history shows they’ve been a cornerstone of long-term returns. Here’s why dividends still matter—and how to strike the right balance in your portfolio.

With an estimated $124 trillion transferring to younger generations by 2048, families face a critical challenge: equipping heirs with the knowledge, values, and responsibility to manage wealth wisely.

After months of speculation, the Fed delivered a 25 bp rate cut. Why now, and what does it signal for inflation, jobs, and future policy?

Big tax law changes are coming in 2025—and they could impact everything from your charitable giving to buying a home or even your next car. Here’s what you need to know now to get ahead.