If you feel like you are walking through a fog as it relates to markets – welcome to August. Often the slowest month of the year, it blends into September in a way where it feels like it lasts about six weeks instead of four. Playing into the slow feel of August, July ended with roughly $19 trillion held by consumers outside the stock market meaning that consumers are not [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an outsize effect on people 50 and older: Not only did it impact older adults’ health more severely than younger ones, but it also forced many into early retirement and prompted others to take withdrawals from their savings earlier than they had planned. “So many of our members saw loss of employment,” AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said August 18 on Washington Post Live. “We know that if you're [...]

A new analysis of global working trends shows that the retirement age is gradually getting older, but depending on where you live, your golden years might be even farther away than you think. Compare the Market, a comparison website, recently complied data on how retirement compares in countries around the world. Unfortunately, the United States is ranked 27th. The average age of retirement is 66 years old, which is currently [...]

Dear Liz: My husband and I are retired, with enough income from our pensions and Social Security to cover our modest needs, plus additional money in retirement accounts. We have owned our home for 35 years but refinanced several times and still have 15 years to go on a 20-year mortgage. With rates so low, we were contemplating refinancing to a 15-year mortgage just for the overall savings on interest, [...]

If you're thinking about retiring soon, you might need to cut back your expenses.  For most people, retirement is a time of living within your means, cutting back frivolous expenses, and living modestly.   If you're wondering where to start, three retirees give their best advice for anyone wanting to cut their spending.

Last year’s events may have taken a toll on your financial situation. Those who had a financial advisor during that time were guided through all the ups and downs of the market and their personal financial lives.  If you’re getting back into the swing of things, a financial advisor could be just what you need. We’ve identified five ways that a financial advisor can be valuable during your transition to [...]