MoneyWatch

Having the right mix of investments and savings is a crucial part of preparing for retirement. After all, most Americans say they’ll need about $1.8 million to retire, according to a recent survey by Charles Schwab. If you expect to need anything close to that amount for retirement, you’ll need to put away hefty amounts of money and make good …

Thanks to inflation, high interest rates and overall economic uncertainty, many Americans have looked toward precious metals in recent years. These investments often provide a low-risk way to both protect wealth and, in many cases, even grow it. Interest in precious metals has grown so much that even big-box stores like Costco have begun selling gold and silver bars and …

When purchasing insurance, the timing is key. If you wait too long, premiums may rise and the cost of coverage may become prohibitive. But if you get started too early, you could wind up paying for protection you can’t use and don’t need. This timing is particularly important to get right with some lesser-known insurance types, like pet insurance for …

The collapse ofBaltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday after being struck by a cargo ship has raised questions about who owns and manages the ship, as well as on the potential impact on one the busiest ports in the U.S. Called the Dali, the 948-foot vessel that hit the bridge is managed by Synergy Marine Group, a Singapore-based company …

With Americans living longer and spending more years in retirement, the nation’s changing demographics are “putting the U.S. retirement system under immense strain,” according to BlackRock CEO Larry Fink in his annual shareholder letter. One way to fix it, he suggests, is for Americans to consider working longer before they head into retirement. “No one should have to work longer …

Tax time is here, and with the majority of Americans expected to receive a tax refund, you could soon get a check for the money you’re owed by the IRS. While it’s tempting to think of your tax refund as extra spending money, it makes sense to put that cash to workinstead. And when you do, it’s important to use …

Pet ownership has been on the rise in recent decades, with 70% of American households having a pet, up from 56% in 1988, according to the American Pet Products Association. But if you want to be a pet parent, you should be prepared for how expensive these companions can be. The average dog owner, for example, spends $4,512 per year …

Former President Donald Trump’s Truth Social began trading under the ticker “DJT” on Tuesday, putting the real estate tycoon — and his initials — at the helm of a publicly traded company once again. Trump Media & Technology Group shares soared in their second day of trading, rising $8.23, or 14.2%, to $66.22 on Wednesday. That follows a gain of …

The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.1 billion after no one matched the game’s six numbers Friday night, continuing a stretch of more than three months without a big winner. The numbers drawn were: 3, 8, 31, 35, 44, 16. The jackpot increased after a drawing for an estimated $977 million failed to produce a jackpot winner. No …

The rate environment of recent years has not been favorable for borrowers but it has been a boost for savers. Thanks to decades-high inflation and a rapid rise in interest rates meant to tame it, savers have seen their returns increase exponentially. It’s not difficult to find a high-yield savings account over 5% right now while select savers can secure …