ACTION ITEMS
Money moves from this week's headlines
The fastest-growing commute is no commute at all
The gist → Walking from your bed to your desk has recently overtaken public transit as the third-most-popular commuting method in the country, after driving and carpooling. Washington Post
The move → The time back is just one of the perks. If you’re one of the many people who have decamped to a home office, make sure you’re taking advantage of the tax benefits available to you.
How employers make it impossible for working women to breastfeed
The gist → Federal law mandates that employers provide accommodations to nursing mothers for up to a year after birth. But throughout the country, across multiple industries, employers are denying break times and failing to provide safe pumping spaces — and breaking the law. HuffPost
The move → It’s your right to have the time and space to pump, as well as breast pump coverage and lactation support from your health insurance company. Know what new moms are entitled to when returning to work.
Charles Schwab is ending commissions on stock trading
The gist → Starting Oct. 7, Charles Schwab will be slashing its online trading commissions for U.S. stocks, ETFs and options from $4.95 to zero. “This is our price. Not a promotion. No catches. Period,” said CEO Walt Bettinger. Bloomberg
The move → The market for your stock trades is getting more competitive. Make sure you’re getting the best deal for managing your portfolio.
No money moves to make this week? Why not try a 5-minute money task? May we suggest:
🛍️ Consider a splurge fund
đź“ť Figure out if you need a will or trust
KEEPING SCORE
This week in money gossip
1 in 5
The number of people who feel comfortable spending $500 without telling their partner, according to the 2019 Policygenius Couples & Money Survey. Policygenius Magazine
$4,497
The listed price for an Airbnb experience in Seattle that simulates Amazon’s employee interview process. Airbnb
33
The age at which Queer Eye’s Tan France retired, well before the filming of the show. Refinery29
$350,000
The combined salary of a couple featured in a budget breakdown that went viral this week. Their annual cash flow ends up being only $1,456. Marketwatch
$32,119
The amount of the average auto loan for a new car, which stretches for roughly 69 months. Wall Street Journal.
GOOD GRAPH
42% of parents say they weren't financially prepared to have a child
Parenting comes with many rewards. But it can also be a huge financial burden — and moms and dads are feeling the weight. For more analysis among American parents of varying age, gender and marital status,read the full Policygenius Parents & Money Survey.
100 WORDS OR LESS
Fast + free money advice from the Policygenius advisers
If you don't save enough for retirement, what will actually happen? — Audrey
If you’re still able, you may have to keep working. If you own your home, you may be able to sell it and move to a smaller home where you can live off the profits of the sale. The later you retire, the higher your accrued Social Security benefits, which will also be a big help. Many retirees live on a combination of Social Security benefits and part-time work. If you claim Social Security, you’re also eligible for Medicare, which will cover your health care expenses for free or at a highly reduced rate.
— Patrick Hanzel, Policygenius CFP®
PRO TIPS
Patrick Bell, licensed Policygenius adviser
Current money goal: Save for retirement
How you’re working towards it: Minimizing spending and increasing contribution to 401(k). I am also researching additional accounts —high-interest savings and IRA are two options.
Best financial advice your ever got: It’s OK to have some student loan debt. Don’t rush to pay it off, pay it off gradually and invest the additional amount you would put toward it otherwise.
#1 money tip you give to people: Being frugal doesn’t mean you need to be cheap. Spend your money on the right things.
Check out more of Patrick’s pro tips, including how he budgets and what he’d do with a $1M windfall, at Policygenius Magazine.