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Retired Americans tend to feel good about their finances. Workers, not so much.

Aug 22, 2024
There's a persistent, widening gap between workers’ gloomy expectations and retirees’ rosy reports in an annual Gallup survey.
People dance at a Florida retirement community. A Gallup poll shows retired Americans are generally comfortable with their finances, but many still working are anxious about the future.
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It's easier now to pull emergency money from a retirement account

You can take out up to $1,000 without penalty if your employer offers the option, thanks to a recent law.
A new federal law makes it easier to pull money from retirement accounts in financial emergencies.
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What role should household wealth play in determining a student’s financial aid package? 

Jun 24, 2024
The FAFSA does not ask about two key measures of wealth – the family home and retirement accounts.
Some researchers think the education system should be taking a closer look at a student’s household wealth in determining financial aid.
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Yet another version of the fiduciary rule is coming

The Biden administration's rule overhauls requirements for retirement plan advisers to act in the interests of clients.
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Some upbeat economic news for millennials

New research casts doubt on the widespread belief that the generation of Americans will be worse off than their parents.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

More Americans are dipping into retirement funds for emergencies

Nov 21, 2023
“Hardship withdrawals” are rising, Fidelity Investments reports, most commonly to avoid eviction or foreclosure or pay medical bills.
The most common reasons for "hardship withdrawals," Fidelity reported, were avoiding eviction or foreclosure and paying medical expenses.
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The latest push for a national retirement savings system

A new bill follows up on recent bipartisan legislation to expand access to retirement savings.
A new bill in Congress, the Retirement Savings for Americans Act, would boost retirement security for low- and moderate-income workers.
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For public good, not for profit.

401(k) balances are rising, but most savers still won't have enough for retirement

Aug 18, 2023
The average 401(k) balance is a tenth of what a middle-class person would need to maintain their lifestyle, one expert says.
Marketplace's senior economics contributor details findings from a new report that ranks global retirement systems.
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Pay off student loans, or save for retirement? Both.

A new law set to go into effect next year would allow you to double your money when you pay student loans.
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What’s the deal with catch-up provisions and retirement?

The details on this savings tactic and how it’s changing in 2024.
According to a study by Vanguard, only 16% of people near retirement took advantage of the catch-up provision.
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