Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Heres an explanation for . Our is to ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy. Bankrate logo. Founded in 1976, Bankrate has a long track record of helping people make smart financial … Read more
Insights into average amounts, financial planning, and management tips Part of the Series Where Wealth Meets Legacy Inheritance can be life-changing. From paying off debt to investing in the future, it’s a financial turning point for many families. According to the Federal Reserve data, on average, American households inherit $46,200. However, this number is inflated … Read more
In June of 2022, inflation reached a staggering high of 9. 1%—the highest jump seen since the 1980s. Although the rate has since dropped, it remains above the 2% average that indicates price stability. As of January 2025, the rate sits at 3%, meaning Americans paychecks aren’t stretching as far for common consumer items. In … Read more
In today’s litigation-happy world, protecting your hard-earned assets has never been more important. With over 1.3 million attorneys in the United States (making it the most litigious country on the planet), the threat of lawsuits lurks around every corner. One question I frequently hear from clients is “Does a trust protect from lawsuit?” The short … Read more
People who save money in individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are more likely to stick with their plans and not take money out before they turn 59½. When you make a withdrawal before May 29, 2010, you will be charged a 10% penalty tax by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), on top of any regular tax … Read more
If you have significant retirement savings to provide for a comfortable retirement, you may have an above-average budget and plenty of choices for where to spend your golden years. And if youre interested in finding the best places to retire at $8,000 per month, you have countless options from coast to coast. When you understand … Read more
Far from being at a stage where their mortgage is cleared, their children independent and they can reap the rewards of an established career, many over 50’s in Ireland are, instead, under significant financial pressure. Mortgage and debt payments have become more expensive than ever because of rising interest rates. For example, many homeowners in … Read more
No one wants to think about what will happen after they die, let’s be honest. However, if you own things (which we all do), you should likely pay attention to something called “probate.” It’s a word that makes people who plan estates grimace and people who are heirs groan. What is probate, though, and why … Read more
So you’ve hit the big 6-0 and you’re eyeing that Traditional IRA you’ve been faithfully feeding for decades. Maybe you’re planning retirement, facing unexpected expenses, or just curious about your options. Whatever your reason, understanding what happens when you tap into your Traditional IRA at age 60 is crucial to making smart money moves. I’ve … Read more
Discover the pros and cons of of using your pension tax-free lump sum to pay off your mortgage. Although interest rates have come down from the peaks seen a couple of years ago, they’re still significantly higher than previous lows. 1 With this in mind, using your pension tax-free lump sum to pay off your … Read more