Author: Smart Wealthhabits

A study shows that most Americans have health insurance, but that doesn’t ease the fear of a medical emergency pushing them to the financial brink. About 97% of 1,507 Americans surveyed in February by financial services firm JG Wentworth said they had health insurance. Still, 94.7% of the insured said they were still worried about hospital bills. On average, the $4,354 tab would be the financial breaking point for Americans. Seven in ten Americans said an unexpected medical bill of less than $10,000 would hinder their ability to cover essential expenses. To put it in perspective, the average cost of…

March of 2020. October of 2022. Market turmoil in early 2025. Every time the stock market goes down sharply, my phone rings more. Not that Utah retirees are panicking, most of the people I work with are too measured for that. They call because the number they’ve been eyeing for years is now much smaller, and they want to know if their retirement plan can really withstand another decade or two of this.Recent data makes the stakes clear. Retirement savings tracking in 2026 shows that the average nest egg is projected to last about 15 years, a figure that sounds…

Apps like Cash App, Venmo, PayPal and Zelle are now routine for making payments and transferring money in the United States, but the State Department is reminding Americans not to rely too heavily on them overseas. “Our consular sections around the world have observed that many Americans face problems receiving money abroad due to their reliance on apps. Some common cash transfer apps in the United States do not work abroad,” the department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs posted on X. “If you’re traveling outside the United States make sure you have access to a credit or debit card that works…

In 45 years in personal finance – as a CPA, a Wall Street investment advisor and a two-time Emmy-winning financial journalist – I’ve seen thousands of retirement portfolios, along with what protected them, what didn’t, and what most financial advisors consistently fail to discuss with clients who are within 10 years of retirement. This article covers five of those risks. None of them are foreigners. They are all real. And almost none of them come to the general advisory meeting – because there is no commission in pointing them out. If you already know you want to protect your savings…

While it may not have the flash of social media campaigns or the immediate impact of paid ads, email marketing offers an unmatched level of personalization and targeted communications, making it one of the most effective strategies in the financial sector. April 23, 2026, 02:00 pm Last modified: April 23, 2026, 02:14 pm symbolic image”> symbolic image Email marketing is often viewed as a traditional tool in the digital marketing toolbox. However, in the ever-evolving landscape of the financial industry, it plays a vital role in driving engagement, nurturing customer relationships and enhancing brand trust. While it may not have…

Editor’s note: This story was originally published here Live and invest abroad. As the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean, the sky lights up with different colors, gradually changing from pink, purple and orange to bright blue. Palm trees sway gently in the morning breeze as ocean waves crash against miles of undeveloped beach. it is Las LajasOne of the longest stretches of beach in Panama and one of the quietest. A place where pelicans often outnumber people, and sea turtle hatchlings climb to the safety of the water. Quiet Life in Las Lajas It’s a six-hour drive from Las…

Editor’s note: This story was originally published here penny hoarder. Home improvement projects aren’t as entertaining as the ones you see on HGTV. Tasks like cleaning HVAC ducts or replacing your roof aren’t as glamorous as a fancy kitchen remodel. And in real life, you have to face the burden of payment to get the work done – spending hundreds or thousands of your hard-earned money. Many homeowners finance expensive repairs around the house, but setting up a home improvement budget can help you keep your debt load from growing. Planning in advance for all your home improvement needs (or…

feverpitched/Getty Images/iStockphoto Commitment to our readers The GOBankingRates editorial team is committed to providing you with unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methods to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our review methodology for products and services. 20 yearshelp you get rich trusted by millions of readers Even though cruise lines seek to attract younger travelers and families, nearly a third (32%) of the cruise market remains baby boomers ages 65 and older. According to PortEconomicsManagement.org. Cruises are convenient and usually…

jetcityimages / iStock.com Commitment to our readers The GOBankingRates editorial team is committed to providing you with unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methods to evaluate financial products and services – our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our review methodology for products and services. 20 yearshelp you get rich trusted by millions of readers Dollar Tree could be a smart stop for retirees looking to cut everyday costs this spring. It provides a low-cost alternative to items that people replace frequently. For those living on a fixed…

AmeriLife leaders highlight how essential well-trained, licensed professionals are to meeting Americans’ complex insurance and retirement needs. Clearwater, FL/ Access Newswire / April 23, 2026 / As the nation celebrates Financial Literacy Month, AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in the development, marketing and distribution of life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions, is reaffirming its commitment to professional education, ethical business practices and collaborative industry advocacy—core principles the company believes are essential to meeting the financial security needs of Americans approaching and living in retirement. For more than 50 years, AmeriLife has operated on the fundamental…