Interview with Mary Massoumi, CEO, Rewardopedia.

(Featured) - Massoumi explains how to compare annual fees, welcome bonuses and restrictions while avoiding unnecessary spending, interest charges and debt.

Interview with Mary Massoumi

Edited by Haley Spracale, Editor at Featured News · Oct 20, 2026

As a CEO in marketing and advertising with deep experience in digital strategy and consumer engagement, how would you describe your expertise in credit card reward programs and the perspective you bring to helping people evaluate them?

I understand the temptations and incentives credit card companies use to influence behavior. This is a big point when you need to be rational and make logical decisions.

Applying for a credit card can affect your credit score, which can have lasting effects on your personal finances and change the rate you receive for a mortgage, auto loan, and more.

I personally compare welcome offers from different sources, check historical bonuses, and match cards to my spending categories. I also look closely at redemption options and benefit restrictions.

The perspective I bring is practical: a card should fit my spending and be manageable. An impressive bonus or long list of benefits means little if I can’t use them. I focus on making those trade-offs easier to understand.

What path led you from leading marketing and advertising initiatives to becoming a trusted voice on how consumers can use credit card rewards more strategically?

Credit cards can affect personal credit scores, and credit scores are the cornerstone of all personal-finance-related subjects.

I spoke with many people who avoided getting any credit cards because they were afraid they would spend more than they should and end up with credit card debt. This is a legitimate fear, but on the other hand, avoiding credit cards can have lasting financial effects. You miss out on cash back deals that are 1% to 6% or more. You would also make slower progress in building your credit score and trustworthiness.

That’s what led me to focus on credit card rewards. I want to help people compare cards, understand the costs, and choose benefits they will use.

From your experience analyzing consumer offers and reward ecosystems, what is the first calculation you recommend people make before choosing a rewards card?

I start with one calculation: the rewards and benefits I expect to use in a year, minus the annual fee. I base that on my normal spending, not on extra purchases made to earn more points.

Irrelevant benefits have no value to me. If a card includes a credit for something I never buy, I exclude it from my calculation.

Then I compare that result with what my current cards give me. I treat the welcome bonus separately because it’s a one-time benefit. I want to know whether the card is worth keeping after the first year.

You can, of course, cancel a card after the first year, but doing so can affect your credit score and requires additional considerations.

How has your background in data analytics and return-on-investment thinking shaped the way you assess whether an annual-fee rewards card is genuinely worthwhile?

My marketing background taught me to compare results with costs. I use the same approach when evaluating an annual-fee card: I count the rewards I can actually use and the benefits that save me money, then I subtract the fee.

I look at the welcome bonus separately. It may make the first year worthwhile, but I want the card to continue making sense after that.

When reviewing a rewards program’s marketing claims, what details do you personally look for to separate a compelling offer from one that is unlikely to deliver meaningful value?

I check what I need to do to earn the rewards and how I can use them. For a welcome bonus, I look at the spending requirement and the deadline. I also compare the offer with past bonuses and offers available elsewhere.

I also check the annual fee, reward limits, and benefit rules. The goal is to know whether the card fits my usual spending and whether I'll use the perks.

A big points number alone doesn't convince me. I need to understand what those points are worth in my personal life. If the offer requires extra spending I can't achieve or gives me benefits I won't use, it loses its appeal.

You have highlighted the value of card-linked offers and shopping portals; what is your real-world process for stacking these opportunities without letting the pursuit of rewards drive unnecessary spending?

I try to stick to my budget and spending plan regardless of offers, but I allow changes in my choices based on available offers.

For example, if a rewards portal allows me to book the same category of hotel for a lower cost, I will use it.

For non-travel purchases, the portals I’ve checked haven’t been a better option for me. Travel sometimes makes sense when I get more value from my points.

I don’t buy something just because there’s an offer. If I would need to spend more or choose something I don’t want in order to earn the rewards, I skip it.

For busy professionals managing competing work and family priorities, what simple routine would you suggest for tracking rotating categories, expiring offers, and reward balances?

A simple Excel sheet or a Google Sheets document can help here. I also use chat platforms' finance integrations that allow you to combine your personal expenses in one place.

I try to keep a specific credit card for major spending categories, such as travel or online shopping, so deciding which card to use is easy. For all other purchases, I use a card with the highest cash-back category.

What is one lesson from your work with rewards programs that readers can use to earn more value while avoiding the interest charges, fees, or overspending that can erase their gains?

For special benefits, such as car rental coverage or purchase protection, you should be very careful with the fine print and terms and conditions. For example, using the car rental insurance provided by your credit card can save you hundreds of dollars by allowing you to waive the rental company's insurance.

You should budget to pay off your credit cards in full every billing period. Interest rates on credit cards are usually three times the rate on a personal loan, so it doesn't make financial sense to carry any amount of credit card debt.

About the expert

Mary MassoumiCEO at Rewardopedia

This story was produced by Featured and republished with permission. Experts featured here are members of Connectively, Featured's expert network.

How I decide if a credit card sign-up bonus is worth chasing

(Mary Massoumi) - Before I apply, I check whether my normal spending covers the requirement, what the points are really worth, and what year two costs.

By Mary Massoumi

Edited by Jenn Moon, Editor at Featured News · Oct 14, 2026

Credit-card marketing is a billion-dollar business. Capital One alone reported $5.0 billion in credit-card marketing expenses in 2025. With my marketing hat on, I know how tempting a strong offer can look. Before applying, I check what it takes to earn the bonus and whether the card fits my spending.

Is the card worth it?

If there’s a sign-up bonus, determine if it makes sense based on your existing spending. For example, if you’ll typically spend $3,500 in the first three months and there’s a sign-up bonus with a spend of $4,000 requirement in the first three months, it probably won’t be worth spending an additional $500 just for the bonus. There are, of course, some exceptions to this, but I generally avoid messing with my budget for credit cards.

If there isn’t a sign-up bonus, or if you can compare the sign-up bonus to something else), try to figure out the break-even point for the annual fee. Let’s say Card A has 75,000 points as a sign-up bonus, and Card B is what you could sign up for elsewhere (or what the historical sign-up bonus has been). Assuming Card B has no annual fee (and if there is an annual fee, work that back into this example), Card A’s $795 annual fee immediately puts you at a $495 disadvantage (at 1.2¢ per point, I usually peg 75,000 points to be worth $900). To break even on the annual fee, you’d have to get $495 worth out of the card benefits. If there’s a $300 annual statement credit for eligible travel purchases (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve has), that narrows it down to $195. From there, it’s a matter of determining how much value you’ll get out of things like the DoorDash statement credit, TSA Pre/Global Entry fee reimbursement, Priority Pass (PP), etc.

PP deserves its own little PSA: PP lounge access is not guaranteed. You do have to activate it on your Chase Sapphire Reserve, and lounges can get packed and turn away visitors. However, if you do get in, you’re allowed two guests each (for you as the primary cardholder and each of your $195-a-pop authorized users!) for free, with each additional guest costing $27 per person per visit.

As another example, I saw an in-flight ad recently on an American Airlines flight for the Citi/AAdvantage Executive card with an offer of a free Admirals Club membership and first checked bag (for you and up to eight people traveling on the same domestic AA itinerary) when you become a new cardmember and use the card for eligible purchases within three months of account opening. If you can access that offer, it could definitely be worth it compared to the current offer, but it would also have a $695 annual fee. You’d have to determine how often you’d use the Admirals Club (note: you can either bring immediate family, defined as your spouse/domestic partner and children under the age of 18, or two guests each time, with adult children counting as guests) or first checked bag benefits and whether those would offset the annual fee. AA Admirals Club guest(s)/family must be traveling to or from the same city on the same day on an eligible (American or oneworld) flight and must enter with the Admirals Club member, who must show a valid physical AA Admirals Club Card and boarding pass for an eligible same day flight.

I also have the now-closed to new applicants Citi Prestige, which costs $495 a year to maintain, but does come with perks like the $250 annual statement credit for eligible travel purchases and fourth night free (when booking hotels through Citi Travel, up to two times per calendar year). With the annual statement credit, that narrows it down to $245 in benefits/value needed. The fourth night free can save you a decent chunk of change, but be sure to research the best price (the fourth night perk doesn’t always make Citi the cheapest).

Keep track of cards

Keep track of credit cards, either with an Excel sheet like I use or with your credit union/bank if it tracks them for you, including when you opened them and when any applicable bonus offer(s) expire, current balance, when the fee renews, etc. Set an alert a month in advance of renewal so you can decide what you want to do.

Decide before renewal date

I typically wait until somewhere around the one-year anniversary of a card and reassess. There are basically three options: keep as-is, call and ask if it can be downgraded to a no/lower-fee card, or cancel. In any case, it’s a good idea to double-check the terms of the bonus to ensure you’ve met them and figure out how long you have after the annual fee posts before it will be reversed if you downgrade/cancel the card.

When calling, if you tell them you’d like to cancel, sometimes they’ll offer to waive/rebate the annual fee to keep the account open (no promises, though, and always ask about any strings attached to these offers, like spend requirements or whether you have to keep the account open for x months). Cancelling a card can adversely affect your credit score(s), so a downgrade may be best in some situations. If cancelling, make sure you use/save any points/miles, update any automatic payments, and pay off/transfer the balance before closing the account.

Bottom line

Always pay attention to credit card offers and read the fine print before applying. Double-check bonus terms and expiration dates, perks and annual fees before renewal. Sign-up bonuses typically can only be earned once and some companies won’t honor sign-up bonuses if you’ve had the card in the past. Set up payment alerts and calendar reminders so you don’t miss anything and remember to pay your statement balance in full to avoid interest charges.

Disclosure: As of October 2026, Rewardopedia has no affiliate or referral arrangements with Chase, Citi, or American Airlines. We are pursuing affiliate partnerships.

About the author

Mary Massoumi

Mary Massoumi is the CEO at Rewardopedia. She draws on her own experience managing credit cards and travel rewards to explain how she weighs sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and card perks. Her approach starts with everyday spending, reading the fine print, and checking whether benefits justify the cost.

This story was produced by Featured and republished with permission. Experts featured here are members of Connectively, Featured's expert network.

Coast FIRE vs classic FIRE: which question are you really asking?

(Mehdi Zare CFA) - Classic FIRE aims to stop work as early as possible. Coast FIRE aims to stop heavy saving early and let compounding finish the job.

By Mehdi Zare CFA

Edited by Adrian James, Editor at Featured News · Oct 8, 2026

Classic FIRE, which is what the term FIRE originally referred to (financial independence, retire early) requires you save a high % of your income (40-50% is commonly cited), for long enough, so that your investment portfolio will be enough to cover your expenses for the rest of your life.

Coast FIRE refers to the point when you have saved enough aggressively that your investments should grow into a sufficient nest egg by the time you plan on traditional retirement. You’d continue working (and covering your expenses with income), but you would no longer have to save aggressively.

Which should you go for? Well, they’re optimizing for different things. With classic FIRE you can stop working completely sooner, with coast FIRE you get out of saving mode sooner. I think that Coast FIRE doesn’t get enough credit.

Which FIRE Approach Is Right for You?

There are some questions you need to ask yourself though

Can you bear saving X% for another Y years? Obviously with coast FIRE you’re getting out of that situation sooner, which is why it can be attractive. Saving 40-50% is no easy feat and may require both a higher income and lower expenses (or a varying degree of each). Maintaining that for over a decade could be rough. If the idea makes you queasy your FIRE number better be pretty attainable!

What will you be giving up? This is mostly applicable to Classic FIRE, since Coast FIRE by definition requires that you continue working. If you’re trying to fully retire at 40 what happens when the market tanks that year? Would you consider part time work? How much income would you need?

When can you get health insurance? This one goes for either situation and is a common mistake I see people make when planning for early retirement. Health insurance can be expensive if you leave too soon, which could sour either situation.

Can you coast on part time income? This one applies to either situation, but is another common mistake I see people make when they think they’ll be coasting, but find that a part time job without employer-provided insurance means that their income doesn’t even cover rent.

How will this help? What’s your goal here? Classic FIRE means you’ll be able to not have to work. Coast FIRE means that you’ll be able to reduce stress, take a lower paying job you enjoy more, work part time, etc. If the idea of having the option to say no to a bad boss or say yes to a great opportunity excites you, then Coast FIRE may fit you better than full FIRE.

Crunch the Numbers

Next you’re going to want to crunch some numbers

How much do you spend in a year (in today’s dollars)? (yes this means you need to do this part first)

Classic FIRE: use this to figure out your FIRE number. This step often times involves using a withdrawal rate (WR), which is really a rule of thumb and shortcut (not a guarantee!)

Coast FIRE: figure out your target age to retire traditionally and figure out how much you would need at that age. Work backwards from there using a reasonable return on investments to determine what you need today.

Watch Out for These Common Mistakes

The formulas are pretty straightforward. It’s the inputs where people go astray. I’ve seen some common problems people run into.

I’m coasting but still need to save a ton...forever? Chances are you’re not coasting.

I can coast on practically nothing! You’re underestimating how much you need. See the part-time income question above.

I’ll retire at ___. Fill in the blank. This one could be that you picked a number without figuring out what you actually needed. Or, this could be the opposite problem that you picked a number you saw online, didn’t dig deeper and may find you need more.

The inputs are very situation and timing specific. Have a kid and your timeline may slip a few years. Move to an expensive (or inexpensive) city and your timeline will shift. Improve your health insurance situation or find a job you love and your timeline may change too. Update your numbers often.

About the author

Mehdi Zare CFA

Mehdi Zare, CFA, is the founder of Bina Capital, a free financial education site built around side-by-side comparisons. He writes about FIRE paths, retirement accounts, tax basics, and turning a paycheck into a long-term plan, with an education-first approach and no product pitches.

This story was produced by Featured and republished with permission. Experts featured here are members of Connectively, Featured's expert network.

The 401(k) Match You Earned but Never Collected

(Mehdi Zare CFA) - Matching contributions are compensation, so don’t leave any on the table

By Mehdi Zare CFA

Edited by Adrian James, Editor at Featured News · Oct 12, 2026

Contributing to your 401(k) plan and maximizing any matching employer contribution is one of the most impactful financial decisions you can make to help ensure a successful financial retirement.

Matching employer contributions are compensation

It’s important to treat any employer match like what it really is: a component of your compensation. Vanguard’s How America Saves 2026 publication reports the average employer match as promised was 4.7% of pay and the median employer match was 4.0%. These statistics are calculated across all plans that are recorded by Vanguard analyzed in their study.

It’s important to know your plan’s matching contribution formula to be able to maximize that employer’s matching contribution. For example, assume your employee contribution is 3% of compensation. One plan promises a 50% match of the first 6% employee contribution, and the other promises a 100% match of the first 3% employee contribution. With a 3% employee contribution, you’ll receive a 1.5% matching contribution from the former plan and a 3.0% matching contribution from the latter plan.

The next detail to check is whether your match is calculated each paycheck or across the year.

Contributing to maximize the matching contribution

For 2026, the IRS allows $24,500 of compensation deferral into a 401(k) plan by the employee. Employees can defer more with catch-up contributions if eligible; $8,000 more for those that will be 50 years old or older this year, or $11,250 for those turning 60-63 this year. Compensation your employer contributes to match your employee contributions does not count towards this IRS defined employee elective-deferral limit.

Say you earn $150,000, receive 26 equal biweekly paychecks, and contribute 25% starting with your first paycheck. Assuming no catch-up contributions, bonuses, or other deferrals, you would reach $24,500 on paycheck 17. Your contribution on that check would be reduced to the remaining available amount, and regular elective deferrals would stop for the final nine paychecks.

Assuming your employer matches 100% of the first 5% of pay, the full annual match would be $7,500. But if matching is calculated separately each paycheck and the plan provides no annual adjustment, those nine paychecks without contributions would cost you approximately $2,596 in missed matching contributions, or leaving money on the table.

That is why it pays to ask about a true-up: an adjustment that reconciles the match already paid with what you qualify for under the plan’s annual formula. Some employers provide one; others do not. Ask when it is paid and what eligibility requirements apply, including whether leaving the company affects it. A true-up may arrive after the year ends.

What does all of this mean?

Read your plan’s summary description or speak to your Human Resources contact to fully understand your company’s matching formula; Whether it’s on each paycheck or the year as a whole, and if there’s a true-up and the rules around the true-up.

If your company’s formula calculates matches on each paycheck and doesn’t true-up, contributing evenly across paychecks will help you not leave matching compensation on the table. This can be accomplished by contributing an amount evenly through the year.

Increasing your deferral percentage during the year may not mean you’ll hit the IRS contribution limit sooner. Starting at a lower rate and raising it later generally means reaching the cap later than if you had used the higher rate all year.

I know first-hand about not capturing an employer match, when I changed jobs midyear, I had already hit my contribution limit so couldn’t defer compensation into my new employer’s plan to receive their matching contribution!

Things to look out for

Vesting. While employee contributions are vested, employer matching contributions could be vested immediately, fully vested after three years, or even vested over a six-year graded schedule per IRS vesting guidelines. Learn more about your plan’s vesting schedule.

Check that your deferral rate didn’t reset. This can happen after taking a leave of absence, changing employers, or if your benefits platform was updated. I’ve experienced this reset before!

The opportunity is meaningful. In its separate 2024 paper, Are employers optimizing their 401(k) match?, Vanguard found that 24% of employees in its study sample contributed below the threshold for the full match, while another 22% did not participate. Those findings appear in Figure 8, page 11, and reflect observations from 2013–2022.

Your employer’s match is part of your compensation. Knowing the formula is the first step; checking that your contributions actually earn it is what puts the money in your account.

About the author

Mehdi Zare CFA

Mehdi Zare, CFA, is the founder of Bina Capital, a free financial education site built around side-by-side comparisons. He writes about FIRE paths, retirement accounts, tax basics, and turning a paycheck into a long-term plan, with an education-first approach and no product pitches. https://www.bina.capital

This story was produced by Featured and republished with permission. Experts featured here are members of Connectively, Featured's expert network.

(NewsUSA) - Does feeling confident about your finances seem increasingly out of reach? If so, you aren’t alone. In fact, research from Guardian shows that Americans’ financial wellness is at its lowest point in 15 years.

While everyone’s financial picture is different, achieving your goals is often about more than reaching a savings milestone. No matter what you’re working towards, having the right strategies in place and guidance along the way is crucial. Whole life insurance can be one tool that supports those aspirations as part of a holistic financial plan in more ways than you might expect.

Understanding today’s financial challenges

According to Guardian’s research, money and finances are Americans’ top sources of stress. Perhaps contributing to this stress is the fact that fewer than one-third say they’re very good at managing their finances or sticking to a long-term financial plan. 

Financial concerns persist even among those with significant assets, with nearly 40% of high-net-worth individuals saying they avoid dealing with their finances because it feels overwhelming. 

For many Americans, retirement is an area of particular concern, especially as lifespans continue to grow longer. More than four in 10 worry their savings won't last as long as needed, while over half of those age 45 and older regret not starting to save sooner. 

Finding the right tool for your goals

The good news is that whole life insurance can help address these and other common financial concerns by offering a balance of growth now, confidence in retirement, and impact beyond your lifetime. A whole life policy can:

• Provide lifelong protection. Whole life insurance offers a guaranteed death benefit that never expires, is generally paid income tax-free, and can help protect loved ones, cover immediate expenses, and preserve a legacy.
• Create stability amid uncertainty. With set premiums and predictable benefits, whole life insurance can provide a stable foundation as markets, income, and life priorities change.
• Build accessible cash value. A whole life policy builds cash value that grows tax-deferred and can be accessed through policy loans, providing a source of liquidity for needs such as emergencies, family milestones, or home purchases.
• Support retirement planning. Whole life insurance can complement other retirement income vehicles by providing an additional source of funds to help cover health care costs or other major expenses, while also helping to boost confidence in spending retirement savings knowing money is still being preserved for loved ones.

“Whether you're focused on protecting your family, planning for retirement, or preparing for what's next, having a strong financial foundation matters,” said Andy Gordon, Head of Life Insurance at Guardian. “Whole life insurance can help provide stability and confidence as part of a protection-first, holistic plan, supporting your goals today and in the years to come.”

Getting help along the way

When it comes to shaping your financial future, having the right guidance can be just as important as having the right tools. A financial advisor can help you understand how whole life insurance may fit within a broader financial strategy that brings together protection, savings, retirement planning, and legacy goals. Consider reaching out to one today.

Planning with confidence

With a financial plan that reflects your priorities and helps you prepare for whatever lies ahead—alongside guidance from a trusted professional—taking steps towards achieving your financial goals can be easier than you may think.

To learn more about how whole life insurance can play an important role within your broader financial strategy, visit https://www.guardianlife.com/reports/whole-life-for-whole-wealth.

(NewsUSA) - Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how consumers research financial decisions.

Whether someone is comparing investment firms, researching retirement strategies, evaluating insurance products or investigating a financial technology company, the traditional online search is increasingly being supplemented by a simple question posed to an AI platform.

That creates a new challenge for companies in financial services: What will AI find when consumers ask about you?

For years, financial companies have invested heavily in their websites, search-engine optimization and digital advertising. Those channels remain important, but AI-driven discovery introduces another consideration—the amount and quality of credible information about a company that exists beyond its own website.

That distinction can be particularly important in financial services, where trust plays such a significant role in consumer decisions.

"Companies naturally spend a great deal of time making sure their own websites explain who they are and what they do," says Rick Smith, founder of News USA, a media syndication company that has worked with more than 32,000 organizations during nearly four decades in business. "But consumers—and increasingly the technologies helping consumers conduct research—have an entire Internet available to them."

That is putting renewed emphasis on third-party media visibility.

Articles appearing on independent news and information websites can create a broader digital record of a company's expertise, products, executives and perspective. For financial organizations, that might include educational information about retirement planning, investing, insurance, credit, mortgages, taxes or other issues consumers are actively researching.

The objective is not simply to promote a company.

Useful financial content can answer questions consumers are already asking while establishing clearer connections between an organization and the subjects in which it has expertise.

AI adds another dimension to that strategy.

Businesses are beginning to examine how they appear when common customer questions are asked across major AI platforms. They can then compare those results with competitors and identify areas where their organizations have little or no visibility.

For example, a wealth-management firm might discover that competitors consistently appear when consumers ask about retirement income strategies. A mortgage company could find that competing brands are associated with questions about first-time home buying. A financial technology company might find competitors appearing prominently in discussions of a product category it considers central to its business.

Those gaps can provide a roadmap for future content and media activity.

News USA distributes editorial-style content through U.S. news and information websites, creating third-party exposure beyond a client's own digital properties. Smith believes the growing use of AI makes that broader information footprint increasingly worth examining.

No company can guarantee that an AI platform will mention, cite or recommend a particular organization. AI systems and the sources they rely upon are continually changing.

But the underlying principle is familiar to anyone in financial communications: credibility is stronger when it doesn't come exclusively from the company making the claim.

That may ultimately be one of AI's more significant effects on financial marketing.

Companies will still need strong websites, good products and traditional search visibility. But they may increasingly have to think about a broader question as well:

When an investor or consumer asks AI about the financial problem your company solves, does your organization become part of the answer?

You can get your company's own free report that shows where you and your top 3 competitors compare at newsusa.ai 

(U.S. Money Reserve) - Gold prices near historic highs amid inflation concerns are prompting Americans to consider precious metals for retirement portfolios. A self-directed precious metals IRA holds physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium instead of traditional stocks and bonds, following specific IRS rules that differ from standard retirement accounts.

IRS requirements and approved metals

The IRS imposes strict requirements on gold IRAs, with violations leading to taxes, penalties, or account disqualification. Only metals meeting the minimum purity qualify: gold at 99.5% pure (except American Gold Eagles at 91.67%), silver at 99.9% pure, and platinum and palladium at 99.95% pure. Common eligible products
include American Gold Eagles, American Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and bars from approved refiners.

An IRS-approved custodian must manage the metals, with storage required in an approved depository—home storage disqualifies the account. Contribution limits follow standard IRA rules: $7,500 for 2026 ($8,600 if age 50 or older).

How to set up a gold IRA rollover

"For those who opened or added to a self-directed IRA, having total control over its asset mix—and knowing that mix includes precious metals—may have provided additional peace of mind."

— Philip N. Diehl, President of U.S. Money Reserve and former Director of the U.S. Mint

The process involves selecting a dealer like U.S. Money Reserve, which offers the Gold Standard IRA program, choosing an IRS-approved custodian, and funding through 401(k) rollovers, IRA transfers, or new contributions. Account holders then select approved metals and arrange depository storage, choosing between segregated or commingled options.

Costs and considerations

Gold IRAs incur higher fees than standard IRAs: setup fees of $50–$150, annual custodian fees of $75–$300, and storage fees of 0.5%–1% of value or $100–$300 annually. Total annual costs often range from $200–$500 for moderate accounts.

Advisors often recommend 5–15% allocation to precious metals for diversification without overexposure. Gold IRAs suit investors seeking alternatives to stocks and bonds, hedging inflation risks, and preferring tangible assets with tolerance for higher fees. U.S. Money Reserve's Gold Standard IRA program provides dedicated account executives and step-by-step guidance for the setup process.

Gold IRAs complement broader portfolios rather than replace them, requiring careful consideration of individual retirement goals and risk tolerance.

For those exploring precious metals as part of a retirement strategy, U.S. Money Reserve offers complimentary consultations with experienced account specialists. Order your free IRA Information Kit or call 1-855-329-3272.

Key Takeaways

• What it is: A self-directed IRA holding physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium instead of stocks/bonds.
• Purity standards: Gold must be 99.5% pure (American Gold Eagles exempt at 91.67%); silver 99.9%; platinum/palladium 99.95%.
• Home storage: Not allowed—metals must be held in an IRS-approved depository.
• Setup time: Typically 2–3 weeks when working with an experienced dealer.
• Annual costs: Usually $200–$500 for moderate accounts (setup + custodian + storage fees).
• Recommended allocation: Advisors commonly suggest 5–15% of a retirement portfolio.
• Learn more: usmoneyreserve.com

(Erin Culek, Head of Financial Protection and Retirement Solutions, Guardian) - For many Americans, the traditional picture of retirement is no longer. Gone is the long-viewed notion of retirement being about reaching a milestone birthday or a defined transition out of the workforce. Rather, today’s retirement is flexible and personal.

While exciting, a redefined retirement has led to some surprises and challenges for Americans. Many subsequently feel unprepared. With the support of a financial consultant, however, individuals can navigate this new retirement landscape with confidence, defining retirement on their own terms and in a way that accounts for their unique financial, health, and lifestyle needs.

Here’s what you need to know.

How longevity is impacting retirement

As Americans live longer, they are eager to make the most of their retirement years. At the same time, however, longevity and an extended retirement are impacting Americans’ mental, physical, and financial health.

According to a new report from Guardian, 54% of retirees say they are in good financial health, providing them with the financial freedom to pursue passions, travel to dream destinations, or spend quality time with family. To fund a longer retirement, however, 73% of people say they plan to continue working part-time in retirement.

Enjoying a longer retirement also means staying physically healthy. Unfortunately, only 39% of current workers and 40% of retirees rate their health as very good or excellent. Overall, 47% of retirees thought they’d be in better health in retirement.

Longevity also impacts Americans’ mental and emotional wellness. Although 60% of retirees say they have good mental health, 34% said they didn’t expect to feel so bored or miss their careers. Additionally, 27% were surprised by how lonely they feel or by how little time they are spending with family in retirement.

Getting the guidance you need

To support their well-being in retirement, many retirees and workers are taking a close look at their planning strategies. One in five retirees have regrets about how they’ve prepared for retirement. With future lifespan anticipated to increase, today’s workers are even more concerned—40% say they have regrets about how they’ve prepared financially for retirement.

As Americans live and work longer, more education about retirement income sources is needed. For example, despite Americans saying their top financial concerns are not having enough money to last through retirement and not having a source of guaranteed income in retirement, just 30% of workers know that annuities can provide guaranteed income for life. Younger workers face similar education gaps. Despite a steep decline in the number of workers with access to a pension, 55% of Gen Z expect to use a pension in retirement.

Despite the complexity of modern retirement, fewer than half of retirees (48%) and current workers (40%) have sought guidance from a financial consultant. When workers and retirees did work with a financial consultant, research showed they were much more likely to say they are on track for retirement than those who don’t.

Connecting with a financial consultant can help Americans take charge of their retirement—no matter how long it lasts. Financial consultants can provide support in countless ways, including:

• Exploring multiple retirement scenarios: Eighty-four percent of people expect to retire at a specific age, but only 52% actually retired when they thought they would. A financial consultant can help you understand potential retirement timelines and how to plan for various scenarios.
• Evaluating retirement income options: With almost half of Americans worried about having a guaranteed source of income in retirement, a financial consultant can help you assess options such as annuities that can play an important role in retirement planning. The only product on the private marketplace that can provide guaranteed income for life, annuities can help diversify a retirement portfolio and offer a range of potential benefits, from protection against market loss to tax-deferred growth.
• Considering future mental and physical health needs: Given that nearly half of retirees said they thought they would be healthier than they actually are in retirement, a financial consultant can offer insight on how to help address these factors through planning, particularly amid rising healthcare costs.

The bottom line

In the years to come, what it means to be retired—and how to prepare for this chapter—is only going to continue to evolve. Whether your retirement is on the horizon or still decades away, working with a financial consultant can help you approach the planning journey with confidence to support your mental, physical, and financial wellness over the long term.

To learn more, visit http://www.guardianlife.com/reports/retirement-redefined.

 

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All guarantees are backed exclusively by the strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

(Andy Gordon, Head of Life Insurance, Financial Protection and Retirement Solutions, and Jessica Vanscavish, Head of Disability, Absence, Life, and Supplemental Health, Group Benefits, Guardian) - The loss of a loved one is a tragedy we’ll never be fully prepared for, but there are tactics to consider that can ensure a family is protected financially in the face of personal loss.

Recent research from Guardian found that eight in ten Americans are concerned about being financially prepared in the event of a premature death. At the same time, however, LIMRA reports that life insurance ownership in the US has been declining over the past 40 years.

Life insurance is a key tool for financial protection, but many individuals may be putting off the purchase or don’t have enough coverage. Some don't think they need it because they have no current financial dependents, others are juggling competing financial priorities, and some may not even know where to start. Regardless, there can be serious risks to not considering a policy earlier in life.

To help guide your search and ensure you find a policy that protects you and your family’s well-being, here are a few factors to consider.

Finding the right coverage

Most working adults receive life insurance through their employers. In fact, Guardian research shows that nearly two-thirds of working adults who currently own life insurance got their coverage through work.

While employer-provided coverage offers an important financial foundation, many individuals underestimate the financial impact their premature passing could have on their loved ones. Consider, for instance, factors such as bringing in income, paying off a mortgage, funding a child’s education, or building retirement savings.

Given this gap, it’s worth reviewing your life insurance coverage early on and considering if additional individual life insurance may be effective to help ensure your family is fully protected if the unexpected happens.

Understanding your needs

Regardless of whether a policy is purchased through their employer or individually, there is a disconnect between what many people think they know about life insurance and what they actually do. According to Guardian, only 41% of people say they understand their family’s life insurance needs, including:

• How much coverage to purchase.
• What benefits are included.
• How life insurance can be used.

Having a basic understanding of the different life insurance options can help ensure individuals are choosing the right policy for their needs given that there are different types of life insurance to consider, such as term versus whole.

Many Americans purchase term life insurance by default because it’s straightforward. However, this may not account for changing life stages and financial needs. In some cases, whole life insurance may be a better long-term solution.

Whole life insurance can go beyond income replacement in the event of death. It can also be used during one’s lifetime to address what Guardian has found to be some of Americans’ most pressing financial concerns, including saving for retirement. Understanding what you want from your policy will help you make an informed decision that supports your long-term financial wellness.

Getting guidance

Consider working with a financial professional to obtain the right policy for you. While having an employer-provided policy creates a solid foundation, a financial professional can help you assess your full financial picture and recommend any additional coverage.

Ultimately, life insurance is most effective when the coverage amount allows you to plan appropriately for the future, both for your family’s confidence and your own lifetime needs. By understanding what life insurance you may already have from work, reviewing your current situation, and getting guidance where needed, you’ll be able to confidently determine the right life insurance strategy that best supports your financial goals.

To learn more, visit www.guardianlife.com/reports/prepared-and-protected.

 

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(NewsUSA) - Tips from Edelman Financial Engines (EFE) to help you stay secure, no matter what the economy throws your way.

When deciding what actions to take in the face of potential recession, it’s important to remember this: You don’t control inflation. You don’t control GDP. And you don’t control any of the policy decisions that could lead to a recession.

But you do control your own financial plan. These are all steps you should take regardless of the economic environment, but they become even more important when uncertainty is high.

1. Diversify your portfolio – Diversification should be a cornerstone of any investment plan, and the goal is to reduce portfolio risk and optimize returns. Having exposure to better-performing investments doesn’t guarantee positive returns, but it does help dampen overall portfolio losses if we enter a bear market.
    
2. Check your emergency fund – The ideal amount you should have in your emergency fund to carry you through a potential job loss depends on several factors, including how at-risk your job is, how reliant your household income is, and how much of your budget is discretionary. This is a great time to make sure you have an appropriate amount saved in liquid assets.
    
3. Hold off on spending – The more money you have available, the calmer you’re likely to feel about a potential economic downturn. You might want to wait on big nonessential decisions that would eat into your liquidity, like buying a second home, retiring early or paying off large debts.
    
4. Increase your income – Consider upskilling at your current job, pursuing a promotion or starting a side business.
    
5. Look at your tax strategies – Recessionary environments can trigger permanent or temporary changes in tax regulations, to stimulate the economy. But tax planning should always be part of your financial plan, and it should happen all year long, not just during tax season or when something changes. If you haven’t met with a tax professional and a financial planner to talk about foundational tax strategies that make sense for you, do that now.
    
6. Make sure you are getting good rates on your cash – High-yield savings accounts, CDs and money markets generally offer higher rates than bank accounts. Take advantage of them.

Bottom line: The economy may be uncertain. Your plan doesn’t have to be. Start building financial confidence at www.edelmanfinancialengines.com.