Author: troyashbacher

Think about all of the people on your holiday gift list. Now, think about how much all those gifts are going to cost you. Are you starting to sweat a little bit? If gift shopping feels like a bigger financial burden this year, you’re not alone. Chalk it up to “giftflation.”“Giftflation” refers to the rising cost of gift giving, fueled by inflation and the growing pressure to give.Shoppers are getting a strong dose of sticker shock this year.Sweeping tariffs have hit popular gift categories, such as apparel, household goods and appliances. It’s no surprise that many holiday shoppers (74%) expect…

We’ve all heard the line: “Retirement is a marathon, not a sprint.” It sounds reasonable on the surface.  You’ve got 20, maybe 30 years ahead of you.  Take it slow.  Pace yourself. You’ve got all the time in the world. But after seven years of living this retirement life, I’ve realized something important: We’re better off living retirement as a sprint. I ran a marathon during my running years (3 Hours, 56 Minutes), and I know what a marathon entails.  Start slow, pace yourself, save it for the end. As I reflect on the past seven years, I’ve realized that’s…

Michael Burry, the provocative fund manager whose bets against the housing market were chronicled in “The Big Short,” is closing his hedge fund, a securities filing shows.

Key Takeaways If your rent increases, you may think buying is the way to save, but interest rates and housing costs are critical factors.Staying in one place for at least five to seven years often makes homeownership more advantageous.If both renting and buying feel unaffordable, strategies like shared housing, relocating, or negotiating your salary can help. With average rent prices climbing nearly 28% over the past five years, many renters across the country are wondering if homeownership might be the smarter financial move. The answer isn’t exactly straightforward, according to Kirk Reagan, owner of High Flight Financial. “There are too…

Key Takeaways Disney is set to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings before the opening bell Thursday.Wall Street analysts said they’ll be particularly focused on growth in Disney’s streaming business. Walt Disney Co. is set to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings before the opening bell Thursday, with Wall Street analysts looking for growth from its streaming business and theme parks, as well as sports. Citi analysts, who recently raised their price target for Disney stock (DIS) to $145 from $140, said they expect investors to be particularly focused on updates to the firm’s streaming outlook through its direct-to-consumer segment, given a hike…

Wow you can get a fantastic deal on airtags today only.  This 4pk of Apple Airtags is on sale for $64.99- or $16.24 each.  The cheapest I have seen is closer to $19 each on these 4pks.  These are great for keys, luggage, backpacks or I have one on my cat’s collar.  If you have pets, this is great piece of mind.  Click here to order from Amazon.  Click here to order from Target.

Visa and Mastercard have proposed a new settlement of a long-running legal battle over credit card “swipe fees” that could upend how you pay (and earn rewards) at checkout — or not.Previous attempts at settling this decades-long dispute have fizzled in court, and this new proposal also faces legal hurdles and has detractors on both sides of the issue.Here’s how it might affect you.What is this settlement about? It’s a proposal from Visa and Mastercard — the two largest credit card payment networks. Merchants have long argued that Visa and Mastercard are gouging them on the fees they must pay…

In This Article If real estate investing is all about cash flow, President Donald Trump’s proposed 50-year mortgage touts itself as being a winner for homeowners and landlords. The reality, however, is a little more complicated. The affordability crisis currently gripping the U.S. housing market has been exacerbated by stubbornly high interest rates, insurance costs, and high home prices. A 50-year mortgage would lower the payments compared to the current standard 30-year mortgage, making affording a home easier. However, with payments spread out over a longer period, the interest paid on the loan would be much higher. A crucial area…

Medicare’s telehealth services are set to resume under the agreement to reopen the government, bringing back the pandemic-era service that allows doctors to conduct about 5% of Medicare’s overall outpatient visits remotely.

Key Takeaways Households ages 45–54 earn a median income of $91,880—the highest of any group—reflecting peak career years, greater experience, and often two full-time earners.Income levels vary widely across groups, with homeowners and college graduates earning substantially more than renters and those without a college degree.Income is just one piece of the puzzle—tracking your net worth offers a fuller picture of long-term financial health and overall stability. Household income—and wealth—shift significantly with age. Data from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances show that families typically see earnings and assets rise through midlife—reaching a peak at ages 45–54. Understanding how…