John Schmoll

The stock market has seen its share of tumult in 2025. Markets whipsawed in reaction to President Donald Trump’s tariffs in April, only to bounce back and experience growth.
Despite the uptick, investors may be nervous as they wonder what’s in store for stocks in 2026. Many experts see a mix of opportunities and risks for the stock market next year.
Also see what to do with your money before the end of the year.
Falling Interest Rates Could Spark Both Relief and Risk
Interest rates have been ...

Learn how to effectively rollover your 401(k) to secure your financial future. Discover essential steps and tips to make the process smooth.
Millions of Americans receive access to retirement planning through their employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. Although a powerful tool to save for retirement, it’s easy to forget when you switch jobs or retire. Scores of 401(k) plans are forgotten by Americans, with Capitalize reporting over 29 million 401(k) accounts, worth $1.65 trillion in retirement ass...

Discover the top banks for emergency funds to keep your savings safe and accessible. Find the best options for your financial peace of mind.
Life is rarely predictable. Your car needs a major repair, or you have unplanned medical bills, and you need quick access to cash to avoid burdensome debt. An emergency fund is designed to cover unexpected expenses, ensuring you have the resources to handle surprise costs without financial strain.
Setting aside additional money is crucial so you’re prepa...

It’s safe to say the American Dream is well sought after for families all across the nation. A study sent via email from DST Gaming revealed the top 10 states where the American Dream is becoming increasingly difficult to attain, based on median family income, the cost to achieve it and the cost as a percentage of income.
The study based its results on a range of factors, including housing-related costs, transportation and food expenses. Below is what the American Dream looks like, plus the 1...

Going on vacation creates memories, but not always good ones. Flight delays and unexpected costs can hamper a trip. Worse yet, travel is becoming more expensive. The consumer price index for airfare has increased by 25% over the past year, according to the Federal Reserve of St. Louis.
Hotel rates are similarly increasing, with the average room in many cities now exceeding $200, according to The Wall Street Journal. Thankfully, the right travel credit card can save money and reduce stress whi...

Going on vacation creates memories, but not always good ones. Flight delays and unexpected costs can hamper a trip. Worse yet, travel is becoming more expensive. The consumer price index for airfare has increased by 25% over the past year, according to the Federal Reserve of St. Louis.
Hotel rates are similarly increasing, with the average room in many cities now exceeding $200, according to The Wall Street Journal. Thankfully, the right travel credit card can save money and reduce stress whi...

The headlines have been filled with news of a hiring slowdown lately. Losing a job can grip those impacted with fear, as they’re likely unsure of the future and what it holds for their household and finances. Worse yet, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the job market isn’t as healthy as once thought. A total of 911,000 fewer jobs were added over the prior 12 months ending in March 2025 than originally thought, according to the BLS.
Where you live may also play a part in job ...

President Donald Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act over the summer, which has some tax changes that could benefit retirees struggling to manage their finances.
GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT how Trump’s tax law could save retirees thousands. Here’s what the artificial intelligence (AI) tool had to say.
Bonus Senior Deduction
President Trump spent a considerable amount of time campaigning on the promise of eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits for retirees. No taxes on...

Owning a mansion is the pinnacle of the American Dream for many homeowners. From upscale finishes to gated communities, it’s easy to think of owning a million-dollar home and dream of what you may get.
According to a recent Zillow study, there are only four major metros where mansions are valued under $1 million, with the median mansion valued at $1.4 million nationwide. Carrying the moniker of “starter mansions,” these homes boast at least 5,000 square feet that are attainable without spendi...

Retirees may fantasize about retiring to California, only to meet the reality of the state’s expensive real estate market. It’s no surprise that the Golden State is losing residents nearing or in retirement.
California lost almost 57,000 residents aged 60 and over in 2023, according to CNBC. Retirees who remain have the challenge of finding an affordable place to live. Purchasing a house in California is notoriously expensive. It’s no surprise that renters face similar difficulties in the Gol...

Inflation continues to stubbornly impact the budgets of many Americans. Left looking for ways to make ends meet, more workers are opting for a side hustle to curb inflation. A growing number of people working second jobs are taking on more work. In a survey, Zety reported 88% of side hustlers are taking on more gigs to fight inflation.
Earning extra income is a key piece of battling inflation, along with eliminating high-interest debt. Of those working side hustles, Zety reports 55% depend on...

Purchasing a new car is often the second most expensive purchase many Americans make. President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) offers new benefits to prospective car buyers that might entice some to buy a car.
However, personal finance expert Suze Orman warned in a recent article on her website of the dangers of using the new benefits to justify an unplanned purchase. Here’s why Orman believes the tax law changes aren’t a license to drive off with a new set of wheels.
Also ...

Discover essential factors to consider before opening an IRA with your bank. Understand the benefits and make an informed decision.
Saving for retirement is crucial for Americans who want to plan for their golden years. Fortunately, there are various tools you can use to plan for life after work, with individual retirement accounts (IRAs) being among the most popular. There are several types of IRAs, each with its own features and benefits, such as Traditional, Roth, Rollover, Inherited, and ...

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Indebtedness is something many Americans are familiar with. Repaying credit card debt can be a challenge when financial pressures persist. Job loss is a common cause of financial difficulty that can lead to delinquency. Falling behind on payments intensifies the problem as fees and interest hit accounts. More Americans are facing this challenge, with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York re...

Social Security is a fact of life for many retired Americans. Over 57 million Americans aged 65 or over receive monthly benefits, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Unfortunately, benefits may not be enough to maintain your lifestyle. If your personal finances are fine, you may desire to return to the workforce for social connections.
Deciding to return to work is often as personal as the decision to receive benefits. In light of this, GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT if you s...