Category: personal finance

Biden Admin Unveils New Proposals Aimed at Lowering Childcare Costs

The Biden administration has introduced a series of proposed measures aimed at making childcare more affordable to some working American families. The proposed measures, announced on July 11, are linked to an executive order President Joe Biden signed earlier this year calling on federal agencies to find ways to make childcare more affordable. According to the administration,…


Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold, and Other Commodities (July 11)

Benchmark U.S. crude oil for August delivery rose $1.84 to $74.83 a barrel Tuesday. Brent crude for September delivery rose $1.71 to $79.40 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for August delivery rose 5 cents $2.62 a gallon. August heating oil rose 3 cents to $2.58 a gallon. August natural gas rose 6 cents to $2.73 per…


How Major US Stock Indexes Fared July 11

Stocks closed higher on Wall Street as investors wait for updates on inflation and corporate profits. The S&P 500 rose 0.7 percent Tuesday after another quiet day of trading. The Dow rose 316 points, or 0.9 percent, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.6 percent. The week’s main event arrives Wednesday when the government offers the…


The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning: Inside Tips From an Expert (Part 4)

Firms and Compliance Departments Firms as well as individual professionals may be researched online now, but note this about firms: There is no investment or insurance manufacturer that has never had any lawsuits, settlements, or fines. Keep this in perspective and realize that when bad practices are discovered and dealt with, these manufacturers do fix…


IRS Changes Inheritance Rules, Ensuring You Pay More Taxes

Until now, many have enjoyed knowing their beneficiaries could inherit their assets tax-free through an irrevocable trust. It has been used successfully to pass assets safely to children without tax. For many people, it will no longer accomplish that goal. The New Rule on Irrevocable Trusts In March 2023, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) changed…


Major Insurance Firm Limits New Homeowners Insurance in California Amid Wildfires

Yet another major national insurance provider will no longer be selling insurance policies to new homeowners in the state of California amid rising costs and increasing risks of wildfires, leaving property owners and renters with limited options. Farmers Insurance, the state’s second-largest homeowners carrier, placed a cap on the number of new homeowners policies starting on July…


Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold, and Other Commodities (July 10)

Benchmark U.S. crude oil for August delivery fell 87 cents to $72.99 a barrel Monday. Brent crude for September delivery fell 78 cents to $77.69 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for August delivery fell 2 cents $2.57 a gallon. August heating oil fell 1 cent to $2.55 a gallon. August natural gas rose 9 cents to…


How Major US Stock Indexes Fared July 10

Stocks drifted higher on Wall Street ahead of a week with updates on where inflation and corporate profits are heading. The S&P 500 rose 0.2 percent Monday, coming off just its second losing week in the last eight. The Dow added 0.6 percent and the Nasdaq rose 0.2 percent. This week will offer the latest…


Buying a Used Car From Carvana

From August 2019 to August 2022, used-car prices increased by 52 percent, while new cars increased by 29 percent. And with soaring interest rates, it was challenging for many Americans to afford a new, let alone a used vehicle. Looking for options to buy a car became vital. Founded in 2012 and based in Arizona,…


The Secrets of Successful Financial Planning: Inside Tips From an Expert (Part 3)

Complex is “bad”? I was one of the invited speakers at a seniors’ luncheon in Charlotte, North Carolina. The host organization picked one professional from each of several areas of service to seniors. There was a Medicare expert from the government, who was very helpful and clear-speaking. There were two different types of safety experts…