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Every year, as December rolls in and holiday lights start appearing on houses, a curious phenomenon shows up in the stock market: the Santa Claus rally. If you’re an investor, it’s the kind of quirky, seasonal pattern that’s worth understanding, both for context and for timing your year-end investment decisions. So what is it, exactly? The Santa Claus rally refers to the tendency for the stock market, typically measured by the S&P 500, to post higher returns during the last five trading days of the year and the first two trading days of the new year. That said, as a strategic…

Cheryl (67) and Michael (69) have built rich, full lives: multiple careers, reinventions, and nearly 12 years of marriage. Yet when it comes to money, they feel stuck. They earn about $120,000 a year, have roughly $600,000 saved, and regularly book $10,000–$15,000 vacations focused on travel, family, and experiences. Then, almost immediately, panic sets in. With mostly separate finances, lingering trust issues from past decisions, and no clear retirement plan, they’re embarrassed to admit that they don’t actually know when (or if) they can retire. Cheryl wants clarity and confidence about the future, while Michael wrestles with fear, guilt, and…

Moving debt from a high-interest credit card to a card with a promotional 0% APR offer can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in interest. When you’re looking for a balance transfer credit card, it’s natural to gravitate toward the card with the longest 0% period or the lowest transfer fee. But that might not necessarily be the right choice for you. Balance transfer credit cards fall into two general categories: Dedicated 0% APR cards generally have a long introductory period at 0% interest. The intro period could be 18-21 months or longer. Once that promotional period runs…

Finding a place to grow your savings safely can make a big difference in reaching your financial goals. Whether you’re saving for an emergency fund, a down payment, or retirement, the right type of account can help your money work harder without taking big risks.   There are many kinds of savings accounts to choose from, and each has its own benefits and trade-offs. Learning the basics can help you decide which mix of accounts fits your needs best.  Traditional Savings Accounts  A traditional savings account is one of the most common ways to keep money safe while earning a small amount of interest. These accounts…

Beyond expensive valuations, with the S&P 500 trading at roughly 22 times estimated forward earnings, another concern for the stock market is quietly flashing red: U.S. households now have more net worth in stocks than in real estate. On the surface, this might not sound alarming. After all, the stock market has been ripping higher since 2020, aside from 2022. Stocks have dramatically outperformed real estate over the past several years, especially after the Federal Reserve began hiking interest rates. As a result, I argue housing affordability has improved thanks to the bull market in stocks. Just look at your…

The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.Each week, we answer money questions from around the web on the NerdWallet app. Here are three of the trending questions from the month of December.How can I feel less guilty about spending money on non-necessities?When you’re trying to stick to a budget, it’s easy to start questioning every non-essential expense. Do you really need that to-go coffee? What about a restaurant meal…

Living on a fixed income can make it tough for former service members to enjoy the freedom of retirement. When your benefit amounts are set but your living costs continue to rise, it’s easy to feel stretched thin.  This guide provides tips to help you make the most of your well-deserved retirement, including how to navigate everything from budgeting to earning supplemental income.  6 Financial Tips for Retired Veterans  Retirement should feel like a break, not a balancing act. Try these tips to make surviving on a fixed income easier.   1. Find a Budgeting Method That Works for You  Budgeting…

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In a bid to stabilize public finances, Colombia is preparing to execute a series of aggressive debt management operations in 2026. Credit: momentcaptured1 – CC BY 2.0 via Flickr. In a bid to stabilize public finances before the Petro administration concludes its term next August, Colombia is preparing to execute a series of aggressive debt management operations in 2026. The strategy, outlined by Ministry of Finance officials, seeks to alleviate fiscal pressure through a combination of international bond issuances, direct placements, and budget austerity. Javier Cuellar, the director of Public Credit, told Reuters that the government intends to carry out “many” operations in both…

Angola secured $753 million in financing to speed up development of the Lobito rail corridor, ending months of delays tied to talks over government guarantees.