Author: Smart Wealthhabits

Pool/Getty Images 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 President Donald Trump made eliminating taxes on Social Security a centerpiece of his campaign in 2024, and his administration is now claiming it has fulfilled that promise. However, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act…

Are you determined to build wealth and feel like you are doing everything right to do so? However, despite your efforts, you are unable to get there. Perhaps you are troubled by the rising cost of living or have not been able to adjust your spending habits as smartly as you should have. Whatever the case, there are some steps you can take to improve your situation.trending Now: I’m a Millionaire: 3 Frugal Ways I Can Stay That WayFor you: Start Growing Your Net Worth with Better TrackingWe consulted financial planners to find out the best advice they give clients…

Aaron Schwartz / Pool via CNP / SplashNews.com / Aaron Schwartz / Pool Via CNP / SplashNews.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 Despite President Donald Trump’s controversial tariff-launching “Liberation Day” being just over a year old – and with the legality…

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 one in blog postSuze Orman said that right now, it is especially important for people to invest in themselves and their career skill sets due to the rapid advancements of artificial intelligence (AI). People who can…

© Waltrak/iStock Editorial via Getty Images As volatility increases and capital gains turn into losses for some, it may be time to consider cheap, unloved dividend stocks that will pay you to hold on into the second quarter, which should see more of the same. Of course, there were high expectations that the Iran war would end soon this week. Now, it looks like the crisis may last a while longer, as companies look to pass on the benefits of higher transportation prices to consumers. With inflation headed for an untimely comeback, I think the case for…

USA TODAY NETWORK/ReutersMomentum appears to be growing to suspend or eliminate the 18-cent-per-gallon federal gas tax to help drivers suffering from higher prices at the pump because of the Iran war. The largest lobbying group for car makers in Washington, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, came out in favor of a plan to eliminate the federal gas tax in favor of a new vehicle fee that would be based on…

uncertainty This time it feels different. This is something that many investors around the world may be silently thinking about. Between geopolitical tensions, inflation pressures, and rapidly changing markets, it can feel like the usual rules no longer apply. The question is inherently simple: Is there any point in sticking to an investment strategy when the environment seems so unpredictable? This is a legitimate concern. Still, it’s worth remembering that each period of uncertainty feels different in the moment. The reasons may change, but the key point is this: investor discipline and a committed strategy remain reliable anchors through the…

Pablo Gianninazzi/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock / Pablo Gianninazzi/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock 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 When President Donald Trump took office, it seemed as if cryptocurrencies – especially Bitcoin – could achieve increased legitimacy and market stability. The Genius Act was introduced with the goal of…

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 Many retirees find that after a few years of retirement they miss work and the sense of purpose they once had. So, it’s no surprise that according to research, 7.2% of independent contractors are 70 or…

© Suthiphong Chandeng / Shutterstock.com Dividend stocks have quietly outperformed growth names so far in 2026 S&P 500The 1.2% yield looks weak ahead of inflation which is still near 2.5%. Retail investors looking for reliable income put money into ETFs that screen for quality issuers with long histories of growth. Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHD) has just given its first-quarter distribution for 2026. The payout came at exactly $0.2569 per share, a 3.3% year-over-year jump that confirms the ETF’s upside. Or is it really indicating slow growth onset? Let’s examine the numbers and what they mean for your…