Elizabeth Whitehead

3 days ago | money.usnews.com | Tim Smart |Elizabeth Whitehead

The first quarter of 2025 has provided those saving for retirement and others already enjoying it with some stomach-curdling drops in the stock market. In early April, the S&P 500 index suffered a two-day, 10% loss in value after President Donald Trump announced sweeping import tariffs. While those losses were somewhat recouped following a postponement of some levies, concern about tariffs continues to roil the markets. Bottom line? Volatility may be our constant companion in the coming months.

1 week ago | money.usnews.com | Tim Smart |Elizabeth Whitehead

If you’re like me, music has been an integral part of your existence, the soundtrack to your life. I grew up with vinyl, lived through cassettes and compact discs, and now enjoy creating streaming playlists for smartphones and my home stereo. And I am happy to say that performers I saw live in my youth–Joe Cocker and the group Bad Company–were among the latest inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Female vocalist Cyndi Lauper, also a personal favorite, made the cut too.

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Tim Smart |Elizabeth Whitehead

For 70 years, April 15 has been the day of reckoning for most Americans who must file their returns with the Internal Revenue Service. Retirees often are told that they can expect to face lower taxes once they quit working. Like many accepted “truths,” reality is not quite so cut-and-dried. In fact, IRS data (table 1.5) show that older Americans are among the highest earners and therefore their tax burden may not necessarily be lower than their younger counterparts.

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Tim Smart |Elizabeth Whitehead

There has been plenty of concerning news lately about Social Security, including reports of service disruptions and efforts to sharply reduce staff, especially at field offices, where many of the nearly 69 million recipients get their questions answered about the program. My colleagues at U.S. News have some reporting here and here that may help separate the signal from the noise.

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Tim Smart |Elizabeth Whitehead

Like many, I make use of a Medicare Advantage plan that provides additional benefits beyond the basic Medicare coverage. These plans typically offer dental and vision coverage, over-the-counter products, and other benefits. (You can use a U.S. News tool here to help identify the right plan for you.)My favorite “extra” is a gym benefit that I use two or three times a week.