If you’ve ever wondered how scammers know so much about you – your name, relatives, addresses, and even old phone numbers – it’s because of data brokers. And most of that information is public. ...

Social Security gives everyone an official “Full Retirement Age.” It’s 67 for those born in 1960 or later, but you can claim as early as age 62, as late as age 70, or anywhere in between. The tradeoff is between a lower monthly benefit for more years and a higher monthly benefit for fewer years. The uncertainty lies in how long you’ll live. ...

For investors seeking professional management of their hard-earned money, diversification, and an easy way to grow wealth without spending too much time and effort, two popular options often jump to mind: Mutual Funds and Portfolio Management Services. Both are investment vehicles, so technically, you don’t invest in them, but rather through them. They act as channels that help you invest in different types of securities and strategies with the same ultimate goal, making your money work for you. While there are some similarities between mutual funds and portfolio management services, the two vehicles are distinct. Every investor should understand what sets them apart before deciding which one suits their financial goals, risk appetite, and investment style. ...

Do you know how the framing effect in behavioral finance shapes Indian investors’ decisions? Learn through real examples and avoid common investing mistakes. ...

An old friend called me the other day and while catching up, we got onto the subject of investing. ...

I mentioned in the previous post When to Claim Social Security: How Much Does It Matter, Anyway? that a common recommendation for a married couple is for the lower-earning spouse to claim Social Security early at 62, and for the higher-earning spouse to delay claiming until age 70. Several readers raised a concern that claiming Social Security at 62 may raise the ACA health insurance premiums. The same concern also applies to a single person considering claiming at 62. ...

In the past, investing in gold meant buying it physically, which came with concerns about purity, storage, and making charges. Nowadays, with the rise of digital platforms, these challenges have largely disappeared. One of the most convenient and affordable ways to invest in gold today is through Gold SIP, which makes it easier to build a significant holding without the need for a large up-front commitment. Let’s understand what gold SIPs are, how you can start one, and why they can be the perfect addition to your portfolio this festive season. ...

EPF and EPS withdrawal rules after job loss explained with examples. Learn EPF liquidity, EPS 36-month rules, 8.33% employer cap, and pension continuity. ...

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Gold has been in the news a lot since it's shot up over 50% in value this year to the lofty price of over $4,000 an ounce. ...