Category

Money Management

From Slump to Shrug: Americans Slightly More Upbeat About Economy

By Money Management No Comments

 As inflation fears ease and sentiment rebounds, here’s how to think about spending, saving, and planning ahead. 

Woman giving both thumbs up and thumbs down
Krakenimages.com / Shutterstock.com

Consumer sentiment saw a surprise rebound in June, offering a rare flicker of optimism after half a year of decline. The University of Michigan’s preliminary reading for the month climbed to 60.5 (on a 0–100 index), up from 52.2 in May, according to MarketWatch. That result beat economists’ forecast of 54 and marked the first monthly increase since December. Even so…

 Read More 

What Would a Reduction of Social Security Benefits Mean for You?

By Money Management No Comments

 Depending on when you claim, here’s what your lifetime benefits could look like. 

Couple worried about money
Koto Amatsukami / Shutterstock.com

Social Security remains a critical source of retirement income, but the program is under growing financial strain, and the likelihood of benefit cuts by 2033 is becoming more real. That uncertainty is already changing behavior, with early claiming on the rise as Americans worry about securing their share. The 2025 report from the Social Security Board of Trustees reveals that Social…

 Read More 

Bye Bye Bartell, Hello CVS: What This May Mean for Your Next Prescription

By Money Management No Comments

 Could the ripple effects impact your health care management and costs? 

CVS
Jeff Bukowski / Shutterstock.com

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. CVS recently announced it is retiring the Bartell Drugs brand name and converting the remaining 20 or so locations into CVS stores, according to TheStreet. This marks the end of a 135-year-old Washington institution.

 Read More 

Shell Eyes BP: What It Means for Gas Prices and Energy Investments

By Money Management No Comments

 From pump prices to ETFs, here’s what to watch if Shell moves forward with a takeover of its oil industry rival. 

Shell gas station
Vytautas Kielaitis / Shutterstock.com

A potential megamerger between two of the world’s biggest oil companies is turning heads and moving markets. On June 25, The Wall Street Journal reported that Shell is in early-stage talks to acquire BP. BP declined to comment, while Shell told CBS News the report was “further market speculation” and said no discussions are taking place. According to CBS News, BP shares rose 10% on the news…

 Read More 

Should You Add JPMorgan’s New $2 Billion Bond ETF to Your Portfolio?

By Money Management No Comments

 What you need to know to weigh the potential risks and rewards. 

JPMorgan Chase sign
Dragos Asaftei / Shutterstock.com

JPMorgan has made a significant move in the investment world by launching its largest-ever active exchange-traded fund (ETF), backed by a $2 billion investment. ETFs are funds that trade on stock exchanges, allowing investors to purchase a diversified portfolio of assets, such as stocks or bonds, through a single, tradable product. According to Reuters, the JPMorgan Active High Yield ETF began…

 Read More 

Tech Stocks Hit Record Highs: Should You Buy, Sell or Hold?

By Money Management No Comments

 Middle East tensions cool creating a perfect storm of opportunity. What are the smart moves? 

buy company shares stocks
Phonlamai Photo / Shutterstock.com

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links within this article, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. Wall Street is hitting fresh highs as Middle East tensions ease, and if your 401(k) balance is climbing, you might be wondering whether to ride this wave or cash out while you’re ahead. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq pushed…

 Read More