Author: troyashbacher

Key Takeaways Gold prices hit record highs above $4,000 per ounce this fall, tempting many to cash in. While selling could get you quick cash, gold’s long-term status as a safe haven during economic turmoil might mean holding off could be the better deal. Compare written offers before handing over your gold items—you’ll likely only get an average of 60% to 80% of the current market price for typical gold jewelery when selling to a dealer. The price of gold is over $4,000 an ounce, and cash-for-gold signs are popping up online and in storefronts nationwide. So you might be…

As states completed the “unwinding” of pandemic-era continuous coverage, Medicaid enrollment fell 7.6% in FY 2025 and is expected to be largely flat in FY 2026, according to KFF’s 25th annual Medicaid Budget Survey. At the same time, total Medicaid spending grew by 8.6% in FY 2025 and is expected to grow by 7.9% in FY 2026. States report that provider rate increases, greater enrollee health care needs, and increasing costs for long-term care, pharmacy benefits, and behavioral health services are the most significant drivers of increased costs. In addition to increasing spending demands, slower revenue growth and heightened fiscal uncertainty…

Alternative investment strategies, including those in the private markets, have long been a component of sophisticated portfolio construction.But there is a notable new trend in the financial advice industry: Retail investors are asking about them.As product innovation lowers entry points and broadens distribution, individual investors want to access the strategies once reserved for institutions and the ultrawealthy. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight…

Mortgage rates moved modestly lower this week, but interest rates were not the big news for anyone following home loans. President Donald Trump’s social media post about a 50-year mortgage stole the show, as economists and pundits critiqued the ins and outs of such a proposal. Though details weren’t provided, the three-word version says plenty: 50-year mortgage. A loan that, if you didn’t sell or refinance — which to be fair, most homeowners will at some point — would take half a century to repay. The idea popped up in a Truth Social post from the president over the weekend,…

Medicare Open Enrollment is currently underway and runs until December 7. During this period, people with Medicare can make changes to their Medicare coverage like going from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage—or vice versa—or switching to new Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Don’t Forget Networks Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage can be complex. One aspect that can be easily overlooked is the importance of networks. With Original Medicare, enrollees can see any provider and use any facility that accepts Medicare (which includes both participating and non-participating providers). Enrollees in most Medicare Advantage plans are limited to seeing…

In the next two decades, the largest intergenerational wealth shift in history will unfold.Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation are transferring assets at a pace never before seen. Cerulli Associates estimates that about $84 trillion will change hands in the U.S. through 2045, with $72 trillion flowing to heirs and nearly $12 trillion going to charity.Numbers this large can dominate the headlines, but the real story is about preparation and protection. Families who believe they’ve completed their estate plans once the technicalities, such as documents, valuations and tax strategies are in place, might be overlooking critical risks. From just $107.88…

KEY TAKEAWAYS The price of gold has rebounded over the past week after slumping for a few weeks following a series of record highs.Several demand drivers for the precious metal persist, most notably strong investment demand from ETFs.Additional policy or financial market risk could push prices up another 10%, UBS says. The price of gold surged in anticipation of the federal government shutdown, but now that it’s over, the rally won’t necessarily end. Ongoing robust investment demand amid continued economic uncertainty could keep driving gold higher, analysts say. Gold has hit a series of record highs this year, with the…

Last Updated: Nov. 13, 2025 at 7:36 p.m. ETFirst Published: Nov. 13, 2025 at 7:16 p.m. ETAfter more than a decade together, Under Armour Inc. and NBA star Stephen Curry on Thursday said they would be parting ways, as the athleisure giant moves ahead with a turnaround effort and a deeper focus on its core products.Under Armour UA, which inked a deal in 2013 to put Curry in its basketball sneakers, made the announcement on the same day that it announced an “expansion” of an earlier restructuring plan, which included the separation of the Curry brand, as well as other contract terminations…

Macy’s has started some early Black Friday deals.  So far I haven’t been super excited about any of them but this might be worth checking out.   You can save 50% off on Philosophy Body Washes in the 16oz size.  These are still pricey at $14 but there are some fantastic scents to choose from like Cinnamon Sugared Apples, Peppermint Swirl, Snow Angel and more.   Click here to see the items on sale.  

If you ever come across a discussion about portfolio construction, you’ll inevitably (and probably quickly) come across the term “core.”The exact definition will differ from one person to the next, but the general idea is that a portfolio’s core is made up of long-term investments that are expected to generate reliable returns. Anything you hold to accomplish goals outside of that core – dip into growth stocks for outperformance, try to generate above-average yield, for instance – are considered noncore or satellite holdings.You’ll typically build your core with mutual funds and/or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) because they provide exposure to basic…