1 day ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Despite financial pressures, workers remain committed to their retirement goals, with many boosting their contribution rates — and watching their savings grow.
According to Fidelity Investments' latest quarterly ******* ysis, 769,000 retirement savers have a million dollars or more in their 401(k). Average 401(k) balances grew 10.5% in the second quarter, marking their strongest quarterly growth since the fourth quarter of 2020, thanks partly to stock market gains.
The total average savings rate also held at record levels for the second consecutive quarter, remaining at 14.4% for 401(k) savers and 12% for 403(b) participants.
At the same time, Fidelity data shows more savers tapped their accounts for cash to cover expenses: 19.5% of retirement savers had an outstanding 401(k) loan in the second quarter, up from 19.2% at the end of the first quarter. The share of workers who took a hardship withdrawal increased year over year to 3%.
#savers #second
Despite financial pressures, workers remain committed to their retirement goals, with many boosting their contribution rates — and watching their savings grow.
According to Fidelity Investments' latest quarterly ******* ysis, 769,000 retirement savers have a million dollars or more in their 401(k). Average 401(k) balances grew 10.5% in the second quarter, marking their strongest quarterly growth since the fourth quarter of 2020, thanks partly to stock market gains.
The total average savings rate also held at record levels for the second consecutive quarter, remaining at 14.4% for 401(k) savers and 12% for 403(b) participants.
At the same time, Fidelity data shows more savers tapped their accounts for cash to cover expenses: 19.5% of retirement savers had an outstanding 401(k) loan in the second quarter, up from 19.2% at the end of the first quarter. The share of workers who took a hardship withdrawal increased year over year to 3%.
#savers #second
5 days ago
The bond market is on shaky ground again. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is trying to keep one of America's biggest foreign debt buyers from making it worse.
Long-term US yields are near multi-decade highs, pushing up mortgage and corporate borrowing costs and threatening stocks. Bessent already doubled long-term Treasury buybacks last month, but the US 30-year yield (^TYX) has climbed back toward its highest level since 2007.
Now another potential pressure point is emerging from ****** an, the largest foreign holder of US government debt, with about $1.1 trillion of Treasurys.
Japan spent decades with interest rates near zero. Now, its 10-year government bond yields around 3% for the first time since 1996. ****** anese savers and institutions can suddenly get paid at home, giving them less reason to send money overseas into Treasurys and other foreign bonds.
That creates one problem for Washington: A weaker yen can prompt ****** an to buy its currency with dollars. Raising those dollars can mean selling Treasurys, putting even more bonds into a market already struggling with high yields.
#yields #treasury #bond #debt
Long-term US yields are near multi-decade highs, pushing up mortgage and corporate borrowing costs and threatening stocks. Bessent already doubled long-term Treasury buybacks last month, but the US 30-year yield (^TYX) has climbed back toward its highest level since 2007.
Now another potential pressure point is emerging from ****** an, the largest foreign holder of US government debt, with about $1.1 trillion of Treasurys.
Japan spent decades with interest rates near zero. Now, its 10-year government bond yields around 3% for the first time since 1996. ****** anese savers and institutions can suddenly get paid at home, giving them less reason to send money overseas into Treasurys and other foreign bonds.
That creates one problem for Washington: A weaker yen can prompt ****** an to buy its currency with dollars. Raising those dollars can mean selling Treasurys, putting even more bonds into a market already struggling with high yields.
#yields #treasury #bond #debt
5 days ago
The first half of the year treated retirement savers well.
The average 401(k) account balance with Fidelity Investments grew 10.5% in the second quarter from the end of March, a gain of 13.1% from a year earlier. Individual retirement account (IRA) balances jumped 10%, and 403(b) accounts gained nearly 12%.
Across all accounts, these were record highs, with 401(k) balances posting their strongest quarterly growth since December 2020, according to a new report.
Fidelity's average 401(k) balance was $155,800 at the end of June. That's a big shift from the first quarter report, when the average balance had fallen by 4% from the start of the year to $141,000.
The average IRA climbed to $144,523 from $131,400 at the end of March.
#quarter #balances #accounts
The average 401(k) account balance with Fidelity Investments grew 10.5% in the second quarter from the end of March, a gain of 13.1% from a year earlier. Individual retirement account (IRA) balances jumped 10%, and 403(b) accounts gained nearly 12%.
Across all accounts, these were record highs, with 401(k) balances posting their strongest quarterly growth since December 2020, according to a new report.
Fidelity's average 401(k) balance was $155,800 at the end of June. That's a big shift from the first quarter report, when the average balance had fallen by 4% from the start of the year to $141,000.
The average IRA climbed to $144,523 from $131,400 at the end of March.
#quarter #balances #accounts
6 days ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
If you want to put your savings to work without taking on market risk, a 1-year certificate of deposit (CD) could be the right place for your money. With guaranteed returns and federal insurance, 1-year CDs are a favorite among savers who want better yields than a traditional savings account can offer, but without the commitment of longer-term savings products.
Not sure where to start? Our team evaluated dozens of accounts to determine the 10 best 1-year CDs available today. Find out where you can earn the most on your savings with minimal fees, low deposit requirements, and excellent customer service. (See our full methodology here.)
The following is a snapshot of our picks for the best 1-year CDs available today. Keep reading for more details about these accounts.
APY: 3.9%
#year #deposit #best
If you want to put your savings to work without taking on market risk, a 1-year certificate of deposit (CD) could be the right place for your money. With guaranteed returns and federal insurance, 1-year CDs are a favorite among savers who want better yields than a traditional savings account can offer, but without the commitment of longer-term savings products.
Not sure where to start? Our team evaluated dozens of accounts to determine the 10 best 1-year CDs available today. Find out where you can earn the most on your savings with minimal fees, low deposit requirements, and excellent customer service. (See our full methodology here.)
The following is a snapshot of our picks for the best 1-year CDs available today. Keep reading for more details about these accounts.
APY: 3.9%
#year #deposit #best
7 days ago
IRA withdrawals cannot satisfy 401(k) RMDs. Each 401(k) requires its own separate distribution, no matter how much you pull from the IRA.
Missing a 401(k) RMD triggers a 25% excise tax, but filing Form 5329 within two years cuts that penalty to 10%.
Rolling old 401(k)s into a single traditional IRA via direct trustee-to-trustee transfer reduces multiple RMD calculations to one annual withdrawal.
Read More: Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000+ portfolio (sponsor)
At age 73, retirement savers face a firm deadline set by the IRS. That is when Required Minimum Distributions begin under the SECURE 2.0 Act, and the IRS begins expecting a slice of the pre-tax money that has been growing untouched for decades. The mechanics look simple on paper: calculate the amount, take the withdrawal, and report it on the tax return. Real accounts complicate that picture, and one woman's story shows why.
#withdrawal #missing
Missing a 401(k) RMD triggers a 25% excise tax, but filing Form 5329 within two years cuts that penalty to 10%.
Rolling old 401(k)s into a single traditional IRA via direct trustee-to-trustee transfer reduces multiple RMD calculations to one annual withdrawal.
Read More: Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000+ portfolio (sponsor)
At age 73, retirement savers face a firm deadline set by the IRS. That is when Required Minimum Distributions begin under the SECURE 2.0 Act, and the IRS begins expecting a slice of the pre-tax money that has been growing untouched for decades. The mechanics look simple on paper: calculate the amount, take the withdrawal, and report it on the tax return. Real accounts complicate that picture, and one woman's story shows why.
#withdrawal #missing
16 days ago
If you retire with $1 million, your nest egg should safely be able to produce somewhere around $40,000 in income for your first year of retirement, with withdrawals adjusted in subsequent years to account for inflation. That's based on the 4% rule, a common rule of thumb for setting a safe withdrawal rate.
Many people set the goal of saving $1 million for retirement because it's a simple number to work toward. But is it actually a realistic goal? How much would you have to save to hit the target?
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
If you want to end up with $1 million at retirement, you'll likely need to save consistently throughout your entire career in order to make that feasible. The specific amount, however, will vary depending on when you start saving and the returns you expect to earn.
The table below shows the different monthly amounts you will need to invest to reach $1 million by age 67, which is the full retirement age for Social Security for anyone who was born in 1960 or later. It ******* umes that you will earn a 10% average annual return, which is a reasonable ******* umption for many retirement savers based on the historical returns provided by the S&P 500.
#many #based
Many people set the goal of saving $1 million for retirement because it's a simple number to work toward. But is it actually a realistic goal? How much would you have to save to hit the target?
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
If you want to end up with $1 million at retirement, you'll likely need to save consistently throughout your entire career in order to make that feasible. The specific amount, however, will vary depending on when you start saving and the returns you expect to earn.
The table below shows the different monthly amounts you will need to invest to reach $1 million by age 67, which is the full retirement age for Social Security for anyone who was born in 1960 or later. It ******* umes that you will earn a 10% average annual return, which is a reasonable ******* umption for many retirement savers based on the historical returns provided by the S&P 500.
#many #based
25 days ago
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Nobody likes being left out, but following the crowd brings its own risks.
Perhaps the biggest financial story of 2026 has been the initial public offering of ***** eX, and the pending IPOs of Anthropic and OpenAI, together expected to bring as much as $4 trillion in market cap to US equities over the next six to 12 months. The AI economy hype has some investors rushing into ***** eX stock, with many champing at the bit to buy Anthropic and OpenAI to build a sort of mini-tech index in their taxable brokerage account or IRA. Call it: AI IPO FOMO.
Some financial advisors working with retirement savers have taken a more measured approach, however, telling Retirement Upside that they're optimistic about the long-term opportunity presented by these companies while also cautious about rushing into single-stock positions. Most say they are happy to wait for these stocks' eventual inclusion in mainstream indices and diversified sector funds, where their big potential upside and downside risks are balanced with broader holdings.
Sign up for The Daily Upside at no cost for premium ***** ysis on all your favorite stocks.
#sign #SpaceX #openai #Retirement
Nobody likes being left out, but following the crowd brings its own risks.
Perhaps the biggest financial story of 2026 has been the initial public offering of ***** eX, and the pending IPOs of Anthropic and OpenAI, together expected to bring as much as $4 trillion in market cap to US equities over the next six to 12 months. The AI economy hype has some investors rushing into ***** eX stock, with many champing at the bit to buy Anthropic and OpenAI to build a sort of mini-tech index in their taxable brokerage account or IRA. Call it: AI IPO FOMO.
Some financial advisors working with retirement savers have taken a more measured approach, however, telling Retirement Upside that they're optimistic about the long-term opportunity presented by these companies while also cautious about rushing into single-stock positions. Most say they are happy to wait for these stocks' eventual inclusion in mainstream indices and diversified sector funds, where their big potential upside and downside risks are balanced with broader holdings.
Sign up for The Daily Upside at no cost for premium ***** ysis on all your favorite stocks.
#sign #SpaceX #openai #Retirement
1 month ago
Richard A. Medway, the firm's general counsel, sold 55,000 shares of Savers Value Village, Inc. (NYSE:SVV) at $11.80 per share, according to an SEC Form 4 filing.
Metric
Value
Transaction value
$649,000
#general
Metric
Value
Transaction value
$649,000
#general
1 month ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Find out how much you could earn by locking in a high CD rate today. A certificate of deposit (CD) allows you to lock in a competitive rate on your savings and helps your balance grow. However, rates vary widely across financial institutions, so it's important to ensure you're getting the best rate possible when shopping around for a CD. The following is a breakdown of CD rates today and where to find the best offers.
Historically, longer-term CDs offered higher interest rates than shorter-term CDs. Generally, this is because banks would pay better rates to encourage savers to keep their money on deposit longer. However, in today's economic climate, the opposite is true.
Today, Sunday, August 2, 2026, the highest CD rate is 4.10%. This rate is offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs on its 9-month CD.
The amount of interest you can earn from a CD depends on the annual percentage rate (APY). This is a measure of your total earnings after one year, taking into account the base interest rate and how often interest compounds (CD interest typically compounds daily or monthly).
#earn #deposit
Find out how much you could earn by locking in a high CD rate today. A certificate of deposit (CD) allows you to lock in a competitive rate on your savings and helps your balance grow. However, rates vary widely across financial institutions, so it's important to ensure you're getting the best rate possible when shopping around for a CD. The following is a breakdown of CD rates today and where to find the best offers.
Historically, longer-term CDs offered higher interest rates than shorter-term CDs. Generally, this is because banks would pay better rates to encourage savers to keep their money on deposit longer. However, in today's economic climate, the opposite is true.
Today, Sunday, August 2, 2026, the highest CD rate is 4.10%. This rate is offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs on its 9-month CD.
The amount of interest you can earn from a CD depends on the annual percentage rate (APY). This is a measure of your total earnings after one year, taking into account the base interest rate and how often interest compounds (CD interest typically compounds daily or monthly).
#earn #deposit
1 month ago
Many savers learn the hard way that using a 401(k) to build a retirement nest egg can have a major drawback -- early withdrawal penalties. Generally speaking, withdrawals from a 401(k) are penalized 10% when taken before age 59 1/2.
But thanks to a lesser-known rule, you may be able to take a penalty-free 401(k) withdrawal at a slightly younger age. And that flexibility may come in handy if you end up leaving your job in your mid-50s.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The rule of 55 allows 401(k) savers to take penalty-free withdrawals under certain circumstances. Specifically, you must leave your job the year you turn 55 or later, and you must only withdraw funds from the 401(k) plan sponsored by the employer you've separated from at 55 or later.
If you follow these rules, you may be able to avoid a penalty for tapping your own savings. But there are some nuances to be aware of.
#penalty
But thanks to a lesser-known rule, you may be able to take a penalty-free 401(k) withdrawal at a slightly younger age. And that flexibility may come in handy if you end up leaving your job in your mid-50s.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The rule of 55 allows 401(k) savers to take penalty-free withdrawals under certain circumstances. Specifically, you must leave your job the year you turn 55 or later, and you must only withdraw funds from the 401(k) plan sponsored by the employer you've separated from at 55 or later.
If you follow these rules, you may be able to avoid a penalty for tapping your own savings. But there are some nuances to be aware of.
#penalty
1 month ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
When the Federal Reserve changes interest rates, the impact reaches far beyond Wall Street. Higher rates can help savers earn more on their cash, while lower rates can make mortgages, car loans, and credit cards more affordable. But because every rate move creates both winners and losers, there's no simple answer to whether high or low rates are best.
Understanding why the Fed raises and lowers rates — and how those decisions affect your money — can help you make smarter choices about saving and borrowing.
The Federal Reserve is mandated by Congress to promote stable prices and maximum employment within the U.S. economy. One of the tools it has at its disposal to achieve these goals is the federal funds rate.
During times of high inflation, for instance, the Fed will raise its federal funds rate, which is the rate banks charge each other for overnight loans to meet cash reserve requirements.
#loans
When the Federal Reserve changes interest rates, the impact reaches far beyond Wall Street. Higher rates can help savers earn more on their cash, while lower rates can make mortgages, car loans, and credit cards more affordable. But because every rate move creates both winners and losers, there's no simple answer to whether high or low rates are best.
Understanding why the Fed raises and lowers rates — and how those decisions affect your money — can help you make smarter choices about saving and borrowing.
The Federal Reserve is mandated by Congress to promote stable prices and maximum employment within the U.S. economy. One of the tools it has at its disposal to achieve these goals is the federal funds rate.
During times of high inflation, for instance, the Fed will raise its federal funds rate, which is the rate banks charge each other for overnight loans to meet cash reserve requirements.
#loans
2 months ago
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Mark Twain may have been right when he quipped that all a person needs in life is ignorance and confidence. But when it comes to successfully navigating retirement, that's playing a dangerous game.
Many Americans make a lot of ****** umptions about retirement, from when they'll finally leave the job to when they'll claim Social Security, according to new research from J.P. Morgan ****** et Management. That's mostly a good thing, because planning for retirement requires a lot of forethought and careful financial and behavioral preparation. The problem is that many people seem to be working from faulty premises, starting with the belief that retirement is a one-time event that can be carefully orchestrated according to one's personal wishes. In reality, retirement is more of a journey than a one-time event, with timing that can vary widely due to factors not entirely (or even partly) within the individual's control. That's why the research compares the experiences of current retirees with the expectations of savers, while highlighting the important role that financial advisors can play in helping their clients cut through the noise.
"Retirees can offer a valuable reference point for [those people] still saving," said Michael Conrath, chief retirement strategist for J.P. Morgan ****** et Management. "This year's survey highlights several disconnects between what people expect and what retirees actually experience."
Sign up for The Daily Upside at no cost for premium ****** ysis on all your favorite stocks.
#Retirement
Mark Twain may have been right when he quipped that all a person needs in life is ignorance and confidence. But when it comes to successfully navigating retirement, that's playing a dangerous game.
Many Americans make a lot of ****** umptions about retirement, from when they'll finally leave the job to when they'll claim Social Security, according to new research from J.P. Morgan ****** et Management. That's mostly a good thing, because planning for retirement requires a lot of forethought and careful financial and behavioral preparation. The problem is that many people seem to be working from faulty premises, starting with the belief that retirement is a one-time event that can be carefully orchestrated according to one's personal wishes. In reality, retirement is more of a journey than a one-time event, with timing that can vary widely due to factors not entirely (or even partly) within the individual's control. That's why the research compares the experiences of current retirees with the expectations of savers, while highlighting the important role that financial advisors can play in helping their clients cut through the noise.
"Retirees can offer a valuable reference point for [those people] still saving," said Michael Conrath, chief retirement strategist for J.P. Morgan ****** et Management. "This year's survey highlights several disconnects between what people expect and what retirees actually experience."
Sign up for The Daily Upside at no cost for premium ****** ysis on all your favorite stocks.
#Retirement
2 months ago
Vanguard data shows typical millennial retirement balances are still modest, but time and steady saving could put $1 million within reach.
Under our estimates, a 30-year-old millennial could reach $1 million by age 65 at a 10% total contribution rate.
A 40-year-old millennial may need a total contribution rate closer to 15% to reach $1 million by 65.
For many millennials, millionaire retirement status can feel simultaneously necessary and out of reach. Living costs are high, housing remains expensive, and student debt has weighed on many savers during their prime wealth-building years.
But Vanguard's latest retirement data suggests the picture is not all bleak. Median balances are still modest, but for millennials with decades left to invest, steady contributions and compounding could make a seven-figure retirement balance possible.
#Retirement #million #still #year
Under our estimates, a 30-year-old millennial could reach $1 million by age 65 at a 10% total contribution rate.
A 40-year-old millennial may need a total contribution rate closer to 15% to reach $1 million by 65.
For many millennials, millionaire retirement status can feel simultaneously necessary and out of reach. Living costs are high, housing remains expensive, and student debt has weighed on many savers during their prime wealth-building years.
But Vanguard's latest retirement data suggests the picture is not all bleak. Median balances are still modest, but for millennials with decades left to invest, steady contributions and compounding could make a seven-figure retirement balance possible.
#Retirement #million #still #year
2 months ago
CES, held annually in January, is one of the most important trade shows where tech companies go to unveil innovations and showcase bold ideas for the future.
At the 2026 event, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang offered something that has been just as impactful: his insights about the growing memory needs of artificial intelligence (AI). And based on where the stock prices of Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) and Sandisk (NASDAQ: SNDK) have gone since then, his understand of the situation was right on the money.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Large language models are being asked to deliver on requests promptly, but there's also a growing expectation that these tools will preserve users' older requests and conversations as time savers to provide context for the new ones. That requires increasingly higher memory capacity in the data centers that power those AIs, which Huang alluded to in his January CES speech:
We would like this AI to stay with us our entire lives and remember every single conversation we've ever had with it, right? Every single lick of research that I've asked for. Of course, the number of people sharing the supercomputer will continue to grow. And so, this context memory, which started out fitting inside an HBM, is no longer large enough.
At the 2026 event, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang offered something that has been just as impactful: his insights about the growing memory needs of artificial intelligence (AI). And based on where the stock prices of Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) and Sandisk (NASDAQ: SNDK) have gone since then, his understand of the situation was right on the money.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Large language models are being asked to deliver on requests promptly, but there's also a growing expectation that these tools will preserve users' older requests and conversations as time savers to provide context for the new ones. That requires increasingly higher memory capacity in the data centers that power those AIs, which Huang alluded to in his January CES speech:
We would like this AI to stay with us our entire lives and remember every single conversation we've ever had with it, right? Every single lick of research that I've asked for. Of course, the number of people sharing the supercomputer will continue to grow. And so, this context memory, which started out fitting inside an HBM, is no longer large enough.
2 months ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Find out how much you could earn by locking in a high CD rate today. A certificate of deposit (CD) allows you to lock in a competitive rate on your savings and helps your balance grow. However, rates vary widely across financial institutions, so it's important to ensure you're getting the best rate possible when shopping around for a CD. The following is a breakdown of CD rates today and where to find the best offers.
Historically, longer-term CDs offered higher interest rates than shorter-term CDs. Generally, this is because banks would pay better rates to encourage savers to keep their money on deposit longer. However, in today's economic climate, the opposite is true.
Today, Sunday, July 19, 2026, the highest CD rate is 4.10% APY. This rate is offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs on its 14-month CD.
The amount of interest you can earn from a CD depends on the annual percentage rate (APY). This is a measure of your total earnings after one year, taking into account the base interest rate and how often interest compounds (CD interest typically compounds daily or monthly).
Find out how much you could earn by locking in a high CD rate today. A certificate of deposit (CD) allows you to lock in a competitive rate on your savings and helps your balance grow. However, rates vary widely across financial institutions, so it's important to ensure you're getting the best rate possible when shopping around for a CD. The following is a breakdown of CD rates today and where to find the best offers.
Historically, longer-term CDs offered higher interest rates than shorter-term CDs. Generally, this is because banks would pay better rates to encourage savers to keep their money on deposit longer. However, in today's economic climate, the opposite is true.
Today, Sunday, July 19, 2026, the highest CD rate is 4.10% APY. This rate is offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs on its 14-month CD.
The amount of interest you can earn from a CD depends on the annual percentage rate (APY). This is a measure of your total earnings after one year, taking into account the base interest rate and how often interest compounds (CD interest typically compounds daily or monthly).
2 months ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Certificates of deposit (CDs) can be a great choice for savers since they often pay higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts. In recent years, financial institutions have offered remarkably high yields on CDs amid elevated interest rates, with some even paying over 5%.
However, interest rates have started to fall, with a possibility of more rate cuts in the near future. As a result, it's not as easy to get a 5% CD as it once was. While 5% CDs are tougher to find today, a handful still exist. Here's an overview of typical CD rates today and where to get a 5% CD.
These days, a 5% rate is quite high for a CD. In fact, the national average rate is much lower across all popular term lengths.
To get a 5% CD, you would need a rate around three times the national average. While these CDs do exist, they are definitely not common. That's because CD yields generally move in the same direction as the Federal Reserve's benchmark rate, known as the federal funds rate. When the Fed cuts its rate, banks lower what they're willing to pay.
Certificates of deposit (CDs) can be a great choice for savers since they often pay higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts. In recent years, financial institutions have offered remarkably high yields on CDs amid elevated interest rates, with some even paying over 5%.
However, interest rates have started to fall, with a possibility of more rate cuts in the near future. As a result, it's not as easy to get a 5% CD as it once was. While 5% CDs are tougher to find today, a handful still exist. Here's an overview of typical CD rates today and where to get a 5% CD.
These days, a 5% rate is quite high for a CD. In fact, the national average rate is much lower across all popular term lengths.
To get a 5% CD, you would need a rate around three times the national average. While these CDs do exist, they are definitely not common. That's because CD yields generally move in the same direction as the Federal Reserve's benchmark rate, known as the federal funds rate. When the Fed cuts its rate, banks lower what they're willing to pay.
2 months ago
Top cash options now include a 5.00% CD, a 4.26% savings account, Treasurys near 5%, and I bonds paying 4.26%.
More than 20 high-yield savings accounts are paying at least 4.00%, giving savers plenty of liquid options to compare.
Brokerage and robo-advisor cash accounts generally pay less than 4%, but they can be convenient if you want cash near your investments.
Every week, we track the best-paying cash options across savings accounts, CDs, brokerages, robo-advisors, and Treasurys—bringing them together so you can see your strongest low-risk choices in one place.
That matters with inflation still running above 4%. Every percentage point your savings earns below that rate means more buying power slipping away, while each stronger APY you find helps narrow the gap. That makes shopping around especially important when standard savings accounts are paying so little.
More than 20 high-yield savings accounts are paying at least 4.00%, giving savers plenty of liquid options to compare.
Brokerage and robo-advisor cash accounts generally pay less than 4%, but they can be convenient if you want cash near your investments.
Every week, we track the best-paying cash options across savings accounts, CDs, brokerages, robo-advisors, and Treasurys—bringing them together so you can see your strongest low-risk choices in one place.
That matters with inflation still running above 4%. Every percentage point your savings earns below that rate means more buying power slipping away, while each stronger APY you find helps narrow the gap. That makes shopping around especially important when standard savings accounts are paying so little.
2 months ago
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It's not just real estate that's all about location, location, location.
Many clients worry they won't have enough money saved to retire comfortably, ******* uming they'll need more than $1 million by the time they leave the workforce. But where they spend their golden years can make a huge difference. Required nest eggs vary by hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the state, according to an Investopedia ******* ysis of federal data. ******* uming the traditional 4% withdrawal rule, the typical American couple needs about $1.16 million saved for retirement, below the $1.46 million that Northwestern Mutual estimated earlier this year. But maybe there is no magic number.
"Chasing one is how good savers end up anxious," said Jim Crider, founder of Intentional Living FP. Having a target early on is helpful, he said, but eventually advisors should shift the conversation toward taxes, withdrawal sequencing and spending habits. "The number also becomes a treadmill. Someone hits it and immediately moves the goalposts because the number was never connected to a life they actually wanted."
Sign up for The Daily Upside at no cost for premium ******* ysis on all your favorite stocks.
It's not just real estate that's all about location, location, location.
Many clients worry they won't have enough money saved to retire comfortably, ******* uming they'll need more than $1 million by the time they leave the workforce. But where they spend their golden years can make a huge difference. Required nest eggs vary by hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the state, according to an Investopedia ******* ysis of federal data. ******* uming the traditional 4% withdrawal rule, the typical American couple needs about $1.16 million saved for retirement, below the $1.46 million that Northwestern Mutual estimated earlier this year. But maybe there is no magic number.
"Chasing one is how good savers end up anxious," said Jim Crider, founder of Intentional Living FP. Having a target early on is helpful, he said, but eventually advisors should shift the conversation toward taxes, withdrawal sequencing and spending habits. "The number also becomes a treadmill. Someone hits it and immediately moves the goalposts because the number was never connected to a life they actually wanted."
Sign up for The Daily Upside at no cost for premium ******* ysis on all your favorite stocks.
2 months ago
January 2028 may feel like a long way off, but for some savers, that could be the whole point.
In today's economic climate, in which inflation is surging, borrowing costs are elevated and the likelihood of either declining in the short term appears low, savers understandably find themselves looking for ways to protect and grow their money. Fortunately, this is where a certificate of deposit (CD) account can come in handy.
A long-term, 18-month CD, in particular, can offer savers extended protection on their principal while still growing their interest with a rate ranging from 4.15% to 4.20%, approximately. And that rate will be fixed and held until the account matures in early January 2028. So, if you have a five-figure amount such as $10,000 saved right now and aren't sure of where to deposit it, this could be a viable, secure and profitable option worth serious consideration.
Still, locking up this much money for this long shouldn't be done recklessly either. An early withdrawal fee could negate all of the interest earned to that point, so you'll want to make sure that this is the right fit for you now, before transferring your money. To determine the value an account of this size and length offers, then, it helps to start with the interest-earning potential. And that's easy to calculate thanks to that fixed interest rate.
Start earning more interest on your money with a CD account now.
In today's economic climate, in which inflation is surging, borrowing costs are elevated and the likelihood of either declining in the short term appears low, savers understandably find themselves looking for ways to protect and grow their money. Fortunately, this is where a certificate of deposit (CD) account can come in handy.
A long-term, 18-month CD, in particular, can offer savers extended protection on their principal while still growing their interest with a rate ranging from 4.15% to 4.20%, approximately. And that rate will be fixed and held until the account matures in early January 2028. So, if you have a five-figure amount such as $10,000 saved right now and aren't sure of where to deposit it, this could be a viable, secure and profitable option worth serious consideration.
Still, locking up this much money for this long shouldn't be done recklessly either. An early withdrawal fee could negate all of the interest earned to that point, so you'll want to make sure that this is the right fit for you now, before transferring your money. To determine the value an account of this size and length offers, then, it helps to start with the interest-earning potential. And that's easy to calculate thanks to that fixed interest rate.
Start earning more interest on your money with a CD account now.
2 months ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Find out how much you could earn by locking in a high CD rate today. A certificate of deposit (CD) allows you to lock in a competitive rate on your savings and helps your balance grow. However, rates vary widely across financial institutions, so it's important to ensure you're getting the best rate possible when shopping around for a CD. The following is a breakdown of CD rates today and where to find the best offers.
Historically, longer-term CDs offered higher interest rates than shorter-term CDs. Generally, this is because banks would pay better rates to encourage savers to keep their money on deposit longer. However, in today's economic climate, the opposite is true.
Today, Sunday, July 5, 2026, the highest CD rate is 4.10% APY. This rate is offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs on its 14-month CD.
The amount of interest you can earn from a CD depends on the annual percentage rate (APY). This is a measure of your total earnings after one year, taking into account the base interest rate and how often interest compounds (CD interest typically compounds daily or monthly).
Find out how much you could earn by locking in a high CD rate today. A certificate of deposit (CD) allows you to lock in a competitive rate on your savings and helps your balance grow. However, rates vary widely across financial institutions, so it's important to ensure you're getting the best rate possible when shopping around for a CD. The following is a breakdown of CD rates today and where to find the best offers.
Historically, longer-term CDs offered higher interest rates than shorter-term CDs. Generally, this is because banks would pay better rates to encourage savers to keep their money on deposit longer. However, in today's economic climate, the opposite is true.
Today, Sunday, July 5, 2026, the highest CD rate is 4.10% APY. This rate is offered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs on its 14-month CD.
The amount of interest you can earn from a CD depends on the annual percentage rate (APY). This is a measure of your total earnings after one year, taking into account the base interest rate and how often interest compounds (CD interest typically compounds daily or monthly).
2 months ago
A $1 million nest egg at the 4% withdrawal rule yields just $40,000 annually, which is barely half of what the average household spends each year at $78,535.
Rising inflation and healthcare costs make $40,000 buy noticeably less each year, with annualized healthcare spending alone jumping $204 billion year over year.
Average Baby Boomer 401(k) balances sit at just $267,900, far below the $1.26 million to $1.6 million that workers say they actually need to retire comfortably.
Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset's free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don't waste another minute; learn more here.
The $1 million retirement target has been the round-number benchmark for a generation of savers. Run that balance through the classic 4% safe withdrawal rule, and it produces $40,000 in first-year income. On paper, that sounds workable. Measured against what the average American household actually spends, and against inflation that has not let up, the gap between the headline number and lived purchasing power is wider than most savers ****** ume.
Rising inflation and healthcare costs make $40,000 buy noticeably less each year, with annualized healthcare spending alone jumping $204 billion year over year.
Average Baby Boomer 401(k) balances sit at just $267,900, far below the $1.26 million to $1.6 million that workers say they actually need to retire comfortably.
Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset's free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don't waste another minute; learn more here.
The $1 million retirement target has been the round-number benchmark for a generation of savers. Run that balance through the classic 4% safe withdrawal rule, and it produces $40,000 in first-year income. On paper, that sounds workable. Measured against what the average American household actually spends, and against inflation that has not let up, the gap between the headline number and lived purchasing power is wider than most savers ****** ume.
3 months ago
The record $131,380 average IRA balance is skewed upward by over 559,000 millionaire accounts, making it a poor benchmark for most savers.
Generational averages offer sharper context: Boomers average $257,002, Gen X $103,952, Millennials $25,109, and Gen Z $6,672, gaps driven by compounding time.
Gen Z IRA contributions surged 65% year over year and 67% of all contributions flowed into Roth accounts, signaling younger savers betting on higher future taxes.
A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans' retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here.
The headline number from Fidelity's Q1 2026 retirement ****** ysis is striking. The average IRA balance now sits at $131,380, and IRA contributions hit a record, climbing 29% year over year. More Americans are funding these accounts too, with the number of contributing Fidelity IRA holders up 28% from a year earlier. That makes the average a useful starting point, but not a complete picture.
Generational averages offer sharper context: Boomers average $257,002, Gen X $103,952, Millennials $25,109, and Gen Z $6,672, gaps driven by compounding time.
Gen Z IRA contributions surged 65% year over year and 67% of all contributions flowed into Roth accounts, signaling younger savers betting on higher future taxes.
A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans' retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here.
The headline number from Fidelity's Q1 2026 retirement ****** ysis is striking. The average IRA balance now sits at $131,380, and IRA contributions hit a record, climbing 29% year over year. More Americans are funding these accounts too, with the number of contributing Fidelity IRA holders up 28% from a year earlier. That makes the average a useful starting point, but not a complete picture.
3 months ago
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Catch-up contributions are designed to help people save extra money in tax-advantaged retirement accounts once they hit age 50. For many savers who are behind on their retirement savings goals, catch-up contributions represent a not-to-be-missed second chance at securing a more comfortable retirement.
A financial advisor can help you plan and save for retirement. Connect with a fiduciary advisor today.
But what if you've already amassed a sizable retirement nest egg? Say for example that you're 55 years old with $1.2 million in a 401(k). Making catch-up contributions may not be a necessity, especially if you have other immediate financial needs like covering your living expenses or paying down high-interest debt.
Catch-up contributions allow savers who are 50 and older make extra contributions to tax-advantaged retirement plans each year. These amounts adjust periodically. For 2024, an eligible saver can contribute an extra $7,500 to a 401(k), 403(b), 457 or government Thrift Savings Plan, bringing their total annual contribution to $30,500. The IRS also permits people 50 and older to save an extra $1,000 in an IRA.
Catch-up contributions are designed to help people save extra money in tax-advantaged retirement accounts once they hit age 50. For many savers who are behind on their retirement savings goals, catch-up contributions represent a not-to-be-missed second chance at securing a more comfortable retirement.
A financial advisor can help you plan and save for retirement. Connect with a fiduciary advisor today.
But what if you've already amassed a sizable retirement nest egg? Say for example that you're 55 years old with $1.2 million in a 401(k). Making catch-up contributions may not be a necessity, especially if you have other immediate financial needs like covering your living expenses or paying down high-interest debt.
Catch-up contributions allow savers who are 50 and older make extra contributions to tax-advantaged retirement plans each year. These amounts adjust periodically. For 2024, an eligible saver can contribute an extra $7,500 to a 401(k), 403(b), 457 or government Thrift Savings Plan, bringing their total annual contribution to $30,500. The IRS also permits people 50 and older to save an extra $1,000 in an IRA.
3 months ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
When the Federal Reserve changes interest rates, the impact reaches far beyond Wall Street. Higher rates can help savers earn more on their cash, while lower rates can make mortgages, car loans, and credit cards more affordable. But because every rate move creates both winners and losers, there's no simple answer to whether high or low rates are best.
Understanding why the Fed raises and lowers rates — and how those decisions affect your money — can help you make smarter choices about saving and borrowing.
The Federal Reserve is mandated by Congress to promote stable prices and maximum employment within the US economy. One of the tools it has at its disposal to achieve these goals is the federal funds rate.
During times of high inflation, for instance, the Fed will raise its federal funds rate, which is the rate banks charge each other for overnight loans to meet cash reserve requirements.
When the Federal Reserve changes interest rates, the impact reaches far beyond Wall Street. Higher rates can help savers earn more on their cash, while lower rates can make mortgages, car loans, and credit cards more affordable. But because every rate move creates both winners and losers, there's no simple answer to whether high or low rates are best.
Understanding why the Fed raises and lowers rates — and how those decisions affect your money — can help you make smarter choices about saving and borrowing.
The Federal Reserve is mandated by Congress to promote stable prices and maximum employment within the US economy. One of the tools it has at its disposal to achieve these goals is the federal funds rate.
During times of high inflation, for instance, the Fed will raise its federal funds rate, which is the rate banks charge each other for overnight loans to meet cash reserve requirements.
3 months ago
For many retirees, the biggest fear isn't a health event -- it's the possibility of outliving their money. And if you make a habit of dipping into your retirement savings at random instead of having a strategy, you could end up with $0 to your name with plenty of years left on the planet.
For this reason, financial experts strongly encourage savers to come up with a strategic withdrawal rate based on their ****** et allocation, income needs, and retirement timeline.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
But even if you come up with a withdrawal rate that works in theory, in practice, you're not guaranteed to never run out of funds. There's one mistake retirees make all too often that could put their savings at risk. And it's a misstep you'll want to avoid.
One of the most damaging behaviors retirees engage in is withdrawing a fixed dollar amount from their portfolios regardless of market conditions. While the consistency of sticking to that fixed amount may feel safe, it can create unintended consequences during periods of market volatility.
For this reason, financial experts strongly encourage savers to come up with a strategic withdrawal rate based on their ****** et allocation, income needs, and retirement timeline.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
But even if you come up with a withdrawal rate that works in theory, in practice, you're not guaranteed to never run out of funds. There's one mistake retirees make all too often that could put their savings at risk. And it's a misstep you'll want to avoid.
One of the most damaging behaviors retirees engage in is withdrawing a fixed dollar amount from their portfolios regardless of market conditions. While the consistency of sticking to that fixed amount may feel safe, it can create unintended consequences during periods of market volatility.
3 months ago
Turning 55 can be a wake-up call for retirement savers. You're only seven years from being eligible for Social Security (albeit at a reduced rate) and you're 10 years away from Medicare enrollment. And while retirement might still seem far away, you don't have unlimited time to make up for missing savings.
If your IRA or 401(k) isn't where you want it to be by 55, you're not alone. Many people reach their mid-50s feeling that they're behind on retirement savings.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The good news is that you still have time to change your financial outlook if your savings aren't adequate. Here's what to do immediately and in the coming years.
If you're 55, you may be earning more money now than ever before. That means that even if you still have looming expenses, you may have more leeway to boost your IRA or 401(k) plan contributions.
If your IRA or 401(k) isn't where you want it to be by 55, you're not alone. Many people reach their mid-50s feeling that they're behind on retirement savings.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The good news is that you still have time to change your financial outlook if your savings aren't adequate. Here's what to do immediately and in the coming years.
If you're 55, you may be earning more money now than ever before. That means that even if you still have looming expenses, you may have more leeway to boost your IRA or 401(k) plan contributions.
4 months ago
3 CD account mistakes to avoid in today's economy
The economic terrain millions of Americans find themselves in lately may not be the one many were hoping for. With inflation surging in recent months – now at its highest level in three years – and elevated interest rates effectively frozen for the foreseeable future, many understandably feel stuck right now. For savers, however, there remains a silver lining in the form of elevated interest rates on select savings accounts. That can help boost their money and protect it from the volatility it would otherwise feel if invested or stored in low-rate account alternatives.
A certificate of deposit (CD) account, for example, now comes with an interest rate of 4% or higher, depending on the term. That's $4 earned for every $100 deposited. Considering that the average rate on a traditional savings account is just 0.38% now, the benefits of a CD account are clear. Plus, CD rates are fixed, meaning that they won't change even if the economy or interest rate climate does. That's something that traditional, high-yield savings and money market accounts all fail to offer.
At the same time, a CD account is a savings tool that, like all others, will only be as effective as the saver who maintains it. And that means knowing which mistakes to avoid in today's economy, specifically. Below, we'll outline three worth understanding for those savers who have yet to take advantage of today's market with a high-rate CD account.
Start by seeing how much interest you could still be earning with a CD here.
3 CD account mistakes to avoid in today's economy
https://finance.yahoo.com/...
The economic terrain millions of Americans find themselves in lately may not be the one many were hoping for. With inflation surging in recent months – now at its highest level in three years – and elevated interest rates effectively frozen for the foreseeable future, many understandably feel stuck right now. For savers, however, there remains a silver lining in the form of elevated interest rates on select savings accounts. That can help boost their money and protect it from the volatility it would otherwise feel if invested or stored in low-rate account alternatives.
A certificate of deposit (CD) account, for example, now comes with an interest rate of 4% or higher, depending on the term. That's $4 earned for every $100 deposited. Considering that the average rate on a traditional savings account is just 0.38% now, the benefits of a CD account are clear. Plus, CD rates are fixed, meaning that they won't change even if the economy or interest rate climate does. That's something that traditional, high-yield savings and money market accounts all fail to offer.
At the same time, a CD account is a savings tool that, like all others, will only be as effective as the saver who maintains it. And that means knowing which mistakes to avoid in today's economy, specifically. Below, we'll outline three worth understanding for those savers who have yet to take advantage of today's market with a high-rate CD account.
Start by seeing how much interest you could still be earning with a CD here.
3 CD account mistakes to avoid in today's economy
https://finance.yahoo.com/...
9 months ago
Key Takeaways
Bitcoin adoption could rise “200 times” if global retirement savers allocate even modestly, Tom Lee said.
Lee predicts the traditional four-year Bitcoin cycle is ending.
Tokenization and Ethereum’s growing role will define 2025.
Crypto strategist Tom Lee said Bitcoin adoption could rise as much as “200 times” from current levels and predicted that the long-established four-year cycle in Bitcoin’s price action is set to break.
https://finance.yahoo.com/...
Bitcoin adoption could rise “200 times” if global retirement savers allocate even modestly, Tom Lee said.
Lee predicts the traditional four-year Bitcoin cycle is ending.
Tokenization and Ethereum’s growing role will define 2025.
Crypto strategist Tom Lee said Bitcoin adoption could rise as much as “200 times” from current levels and predicted that the long-established four-year cycle in Bitcoin’s price action is set to break.
https://finance.yahoo.com/...