Pandemic Highlights the Difference Between Economics and Finance One of the more glaring lessons of the 2020 pandemic was that the economy and the stock market are not the same thing, nor do they necessarily move in lockstep. They are measurements of two different things, often indicating how the other will react. However, as we…

A recent study revealed that young adults are more interested in spending money on experiences rather than material goods. In the study, 43 percent of respondents reported compromising on their daily expenses to save money for travel. One of the positive effects of globalization is young people have greater exposure to different cultures in different…

A recent study concluded that half of the U.S. population will be clinically obese within the next 10 years. This isn’t just a weight issue, it’s a financial one. Obesity is a major factor for developing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, joint disorders and even certain types of cancer.1 So if you think health care…

The number of workers older than 64 has increased threefold since 1989.1 And while working longer may be a marker of good health for some, it’s a necessity for others who need the income. As a result, we may need to rethink our idea of what retirement looks like in the 21st century. Consider that…

The United States is the second-largest energy consumer on the planet. Over the past dozen years, domestic production of oil and natural gas has grown thanks in part to the innovation of shale extraction. The surge in energy production has been further advanced by lower costs of renewable sources, such as wind and solar power.…

If you’ve been lucky enough to receive employer-subsidized health insurance throughout your career, retirement may be a bit of an eye-opener. Many retirees expect Medicare to cover all their health care expenses, but it doesn’t. You’ll pay a premium for comparable coverage, plus you may have to contribute to deductibles and copays throughout the year.…

The financial hardships of the Great Recession forced many people to start thinking outside the box. The “sharing economy” gained popularity in the late 2000s because it provided more affordable means to travel, maintain homes and access piecemeal work for small businesses. This was the beginning of Airbnb, Uber and other community-based platforms that enable…

Anxiety is the most common mental complaint in the U.S., with more than 40 million people suffering from it on a regular basis, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.1 Factors such as genetics, personality or life events can contribute to anxiety, but it’s important to recognize that anyone can experience serious and…

It’s not just fine wines that get better with age. We also are always improving — growing more confident over time, having met challenges and overcome them. Our decision-making gets easier. We develop coping mechanisms to handle stress. And we grow wiser. Our knowledge and experience accumulate as a strong foundation we continue to build…

Here’s an idea for restless young adults and adventurous retirees alike: Get paid to live in Italy. The region of Molise, east of Rome, has more than 100 underpopulated villages that are fading away due to migration to larger cities. These communities — some are walled, medieval towns set among olive groves and green pastures…