Very big Fed week

Hold onto your hats because it’s going to be a very big Fed week Markets will gyrate right up until the Fed announces its interest-rate decision. But don’t forget: Apple reports quarterly results on Thursday, and a big jobs report lands on Friday. It may be too much to say the week coming up is…

Changes to Medicare Advantage Improvements in health equity: There are three key changes for 2024 designed to improve access to healthcare and overall experience under Medicare Advantage. Enhanced provider directories: Advantage plans must now update their provider directories to align with Medicaid standards. Directories will now include information about providers’ cultural and linguistic capabilities, making it…

The Complex Truth About Reverse Mortgages In TV commercials, pitchman Tom Selleck hawks the virtues of reverse mortgages. But are they a lifeline for retirees, or a hoax? The truth is complicated and nuanced. An Unsavory Reputation. “Reverse mortgages are viewed much more positively by economists than by advisors,” said Michael Finke, Frank M. Engle…

Tips for Boomers Who May Have Retired Too Early As a baby boomer who has opted for early retirement, you may be grappling with how to make your retirement funds stretch out over the years ahead. You’re wise to do so — especially if you’re not even 60 yet. 5 Cities Becoming Popular With Baby Boomers: Are…

Choosing the Right Seniors Reverse Mortgage : Tailoring Solutions for Seniors In the United States, the population of adults aged 65 and older stands at a staggering 54.1 million, a number that continues to grow with each passing year. As these individuals approach their golden years, financial stability becomes a paramount concern. Many seniors are…

U.S. leading indicators point to recession starting soon July 20 (Reuters) – An index designed to track turns in U.S. business cycles fell for the 15th straight month in June, dragged down by a weakening consumer outlook and increased unemployment claims, marking the longest streak of decreases since the lead-up to the 2007-2009 recession. The…

Self-Insureing for Future Long Term Care A recent column, “Should Federal Employees Self-Insure for Their Future Long Term Care,” discussed why some federal employees and retirees may want to consider self-insuring for their future long term care (LTC) costs. Some suggestions for self-insuring were made including an employee’s setting aside a portion of their Thrift…

How to prepare for FHA appraisal requirements Mortgage lenders require an appraisal of each home they extend financing for. This is to ensure they aren’t lending too much money for a place that isn’t worth it. An appraisal also comes into play if you’re a candidate for an FHA loan. If you plan to buy…

Housing market not behaving the way it’s supposed to But after 10 rate hikes, the housing market — traditionally one of the most interest-rate-sensitive areas of the economy — is anything but predictable. “It’s creating a lot of confusion,” said Orphe Divounguy, a senior economist at Zillow. Mortgage rates have likely peaked — but home…

What if mortgage interest rates stay high? Here’s what experts say buyers should do Buying a home can be challenging these days. Home prices remain high, and interest rates are up significantly compared to a few years ago. In fact, according to Freddie Mac, the average rate on 30-year loans is now creeping toward 7%.…