We're publishing the Roundup a day early this week. (Tomorrow, heading into the Labor Day weekend, we'll post the latest updates of SMI's Personal Portfolio Tracker and Fund Performance Rankings report.)
What rising global bond rates mean for your money (New York Times via Seattle Times). "When an investment appears increasingly risky, investors demand to be paid more to take on that risk."
Fiscal armageddon, revisited (Mark Joffe, National Review – soft paywall, but free for most users). The U.S. government has been able to forestall fiscal disaster because of low interest rates. Now, interest expense is surging. — Related: Crisis talks (Joe Wiggins, Behavioural Investment).
How to avoid a Social Security cut? Lawmakers are floating ideas for what to do (Associated Press). Two senators call for creating a bipartisan Advisory Board to come up with solutions. (Seems like we've been here before.)
Retirement analysis (Fidelity). Average retirement-account balances held in Fidelity accounts hit record highs in the second quarter. In workplace plans, more than 80% of workers saved enough to get their employer's full matching contribution.
The 6 financial stages of retirement (Jim Dahle, White Coat Investor). This piece is targeted to people in medical professions but it's broadly applicable.
Keeping your float afloat: A guide to earning what you deserve on your cash (Advisor Perspectives). Many savers use bank accounts, CDs, and money market funds. This article highlights another option: Treasury bill ETFs.
How Sec. 530A "Trump Accounts" impact intergenerational giving decisions (Ben Henry-Moreland, Kitces.com). Each type child-focused account — Trump Accounts, 529 plans, custodial accounts, etc. — is tax-advantaged in some fashion, but may be tax-disadvantaged in other ways.
Hundreds of colleges are sending acceptance letters to kids who didn't even apply (Wall Street Journal). Some potential recruits are getting immediate "merit aid" offers based on high school grades.
Why pre-planning your funeral is the ultimate final gift to your family (Kiplinger). Not mentioned in the article, but a wise idea: Consult with your pastor and church music director as you plan. They likely will have helpful suggestions.
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