Making Cents Sense

The recent updates on Social Security payments for Americans aged 62 to 70 shed light on the intricacies of retirement planning and the critical role Social Security plays in many retirees' financial stability. With payments scheduled for late August and throughout September, the amounts that seniors receive vary significantly based on factors like their age, work history, earnings, and the age at which they chose to start claiming benefits. As retirees navigate these payments, understanding the broader financial landscape and making informed investment choices become increasingly important for ensuring a secure retirement. Understanding the Impact of Social Security on Retirement Planning Social Security serves as a crucial financial pillar for many retirees, but the amount each person receives can vary widely. Factors influencing these payments include the recipient's age at the time of filing for benefits, their earnings record, the taxes they paid into the Social Security s...

Are you ready to dive into the world of real estate stocks and uncover some hidden gems? Well, grab your monocle and your fancy investor hat because today, we’re going on a treasure hunt! We’ve got two ultra-high-yield real estate stocks that are worth snatching up faster than a free donut at a weight loss seminar—and one that’s about as appealing as a timeshare in a haunted mansion. 1. Realty Income (O): The Stock That Keeps on Giving 📈🏠 Why You Should Buy It Hand Over Fist: Realty Income is the dividend aristocrat of the real estate world, and not just because it sounds fancy. This company has been paying dividends for what feels like centuries (actually, since 1969), and it’s been increasing those dividends consistently. They call themselves “The Monthly Dividend Company” because, unlike your lazy friend who pays back his loans once a year (maybe), Realty Income dishes out the cash every single month. The Secret Sauce: What makes Realty Income a star? Their secret weapon is the...

Millennials and real estate—two things that seem about as compatible as oil and water, or avocado toast and a budget. According to the latest buzz, millennials are finally getting into the housing market, but not without a few laughs (and maybe a few tears) along the way. First off, let's talk about the mythical creature that is homeownership. For years, millennials have been told that owning a home is the ultimate goal, right up there with finding the perfect brunch spot and scoring Taylor Swift tickets. But with sky-high prices, student loan debt, and the allure of a perfectly curated apartment, buying a home has often felt like chasing a unicorn—rare, magical, and probably not going to happen. But now, as they inch closer to their 40s, millennials are finally getting serious about real estate. They’ve traded in their dreams of a downtown loft for something with a little more square footage and, hopefully, a backyard for their dog, aptly named "Crypto." The irony? Many ...

Step aside, Kardashians—there’s a new money drama in town, and it stars none other than Tim Walz and J.D. Vance! The Wall Street Journal just dropped a deep dive into their finances, and let’s just say, it’s got all the twists and turns of a prime-time reality show. On one side, we’ve got Tim Walz, who’s balancing his checkbook like he’s on a tightrope, and on the other, J.D. Vance, whose financial strategy seems to be, “How many zeros can I add before it looks weird?” 💵🤔 But the real question is: Who’s better at managing their dough? Spoiler alert—it’s not as glamorous as you might think. Between investments, debts, and the occasional splurge, these two are proving that even politicians have to play the financial game just like the rest of us. Only difference? Their stakes are a tad higher… and way more public. Now, while they’re busy juggling their portfolios, you might be wondering how you can get a handle on your own finances without the drama. That’s where Every Excel Now! come...