When will mortgage rates go down? The outlook heading into 2026.
Mortgage rates may have decreased only slightly this week, but the decline marks a significant moment: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dropped to its lowest point in 2025. The national average 30-year rate is now 6.15%, according to Freddie Mac. So, what does this mean for the upcoming 2026 housing market? Will mortgage rates […]
Don’t start estate planning until you have these documents
Making a plan for what happens to your assets when you’re gone may seem uncomfortable, but it can spare your loved ones a huge amount of money and conflict. On this week’s episode of Decoding Retirement, Robert “Bob” Powell speaks with Colleen Carcone, director of wealth planning strategies at TIAA, about the essential steps you […]
Consumers expect medical costs to surge by most in over a decade
Expectations for annual growth in medical costs hit 10.1% in November, according to the New York Fed, the highest since 2014. Americans see their medical costs skyrocketing next year by the most in more than a decade, according to data published Monday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Consumers’ median expectations for annual […]
9 important money moves to make before the end of the year
Start 2026 off on solid financial footing by checking off these tasks by year-end. The end of the year is more than just holiday parties and last-minute shopping—it’s also your chance to give your finances a strong finish. Before the calendar flips, there are a few smart money moves that can help you lower your […]
Here are the signs that consumer spending is weakening
Retail sales data and earnings releases are giving us new insights into the American consumer. Raymond James chief investment officer Larry Adam says the data is pointing to a “weaker consumer.” He, along with Yahoo Finance Senior Reporters Jennifer Schonberger and Ines Ferré, take a closer look at the data that shows that consumers are […]
Boston Fed’s Collins: The bar for cutting rates further is ‘relatively high,’ sees holding for ‘some time’
Boston Fed president Susan Collins said Wednesday that while she supported cutting interest rates at the last policy meeting, the bar for cutting rates further is “relatively high” and she sees holding rates at current levels for “some time.” “It will likely be appropriate to keep policy rates at the current level for some time […]
Stablecoins explained: What they do, how they work, and why risks remain
A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a consistent price relative to another asset, usually the U.S. dollar. Said another way, a perfectly effective stablecoin pegged to the dollar will always be worth $1. This behavior differs dramatically from traditional cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ethereum, which are known for their volatility. How do stablecoins […]
How to catch up on retirement savings
It’s not too late. More than half of Americans age 50 and older worry that they won’t have enough money in retirement, and nearly as many wish they’d started saving earlier. Unfortunately, you can’t turn back the clock — but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. If you’re feeling behind on retirement planning, there […]
What does it mean to be part of the 1%, and how does your net worth compare?
The median net worth of the top 1% is about 67 times higher than that of the typical American. “The 1%” is a common phrase used to describe the wealthiest Americans. But what does that mean exactly? And what does it take to be part of it? Understanding what it means to be in the […]
What happens to Social Security payments during a government shutdown?
A government shutdown brings many of the nation’s federal functions to a halt while lawmakers hash out an agreement to provide funding for services like passport processing, disaster aid, and small business loans. But if you’re among the 68 million Americans who receive Social Security benefits, your monthly checks will continue. Robin Hartill, CFP® | […]
Key savings and wealth statistics for 2025: How Americans’ finances compare
These stats highlight how Americans are saving, investing, and working toward their financial goals. When it comes to savings and wealth, digging into national data is one way to put your own finances into perspective. Looking at how Americans are saving, investing, and building financial security can help you see whether you’re on track, spot […]
Will the Fed cut rates further in 2025 after Sept. meeting?
Wall Street has priced in a 25 basis point cut to interest rates— the first of this year — expected from Federal Reserve officials coming out of their FOMC meeting this week. The biggest question now is what the US central bank’s rate path will be for the remainder of 2025. Yahoo Finance senior Fed […]
What is the average retirement savings by age?
Find out how you measure up to your peers. Saving for retirement is a massive financial goal. Not only do you need to save a sizable amount of money now, but the consequences of not doing so can be severe. With the decline of defined-benefit plans — in which employees receive a steady paycheck in […]
Are men or women better at saving money? Here’s what the data says.
Men may have more in savings, but the gap isn’t necessarily about willpower. Who’s better at saving money: men or women? The answer isn’t just about who’s more disciplined with a budget. Research shows men tend to have more money set aside, but it’s not necessarily because they’re better savers. Here’s what the data reveals […]
What is generational wealth, and how do you build it?
Leaving a financial legacy to your kids can give them a significant leg up in life. Data from the Congressional Budget Office shows that 28% of families in the top third of the income distribution received an inheritance, compared to only 17% of those in the bottom third. Building generational wealth may sound like something […]