(U.S. Money Reserve) - Gold prices near historic highs amid inflation concerns are prompting Americans to consider precious metals for retirement portfolios. A self-directed precious metals IRA holds physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium instead of traditional stocks and bonds, following specific IRS rules that differ from standard retirement accounts.

The IRS imposes strict requirements on gold IRAs, with violations leading to taxes, penalties, or account disqualification. Only metals meeting the minimum purity qualify: gold at 99.5% pure (except American Gold Eagles at 91.67%), silver at 99.9% pure, and platinum and palladium at 99.95% pure. Common eligible products
include American Gold Eagles, American Silver Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and bars from approved refiners.

An IRS-approved custodian must manage the metals, with storage required in an approved depository—home storage disqualifies the account. Contribution limits follow standard IRA rules: $7,500 for 2026 ($8,600 if age 50 or older).

"For those who opened or added to a self-directed IRA, having total control over its asset mix—and knowing that mix includes precious metals—may have provided additional peace of mind."

The process involves selecting a dealer like U.S. Money Reserve, which offers the Gold Standard IRA program, choosing an IRS-approved custodian, and funding through 401(k) rollovers, IRA transfers, or new contributions. Account holders then select approved metals and arrange depository storage, choosing between segregated or commingled options.

Gold IRAs incur higher fees than standard IRAs: setup fees of $50–$150, annual custodian fees of $75–$300, and storage fees of 0.5%–1% of value or $100–$300 annually. Total annual costs often range from $200–$500 for moderate accounts.

Advisors often recommend 5–15% allocation to precious metals for diversification without overexposure. Gold IRAs suit investors seeking alternatives to stocks and bonds, hedging inflation risks, and preferring tangible assets with tolerance for higher fees. U.S. Money Reserve's Gold Standard IRA program provides dedicated account executives and step-by-step guidance for the setup process.

Gold IRAs complement broader portfolios rather than replace them, requiring careful consideration of individual retirement goals and risk tolerance.

For those exploring precious metals as part of a retirement strategy, U.S. Money Reserve offers complimentary consultations with experienced account specialists. Order your free IRA Information Kit or call 1-855-329-3272.

Key Takeaways

• What it is: A self-directed IRA holding physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium instead of stocks/bonds.
• Purity standards: Gold must be 99.5% pure (American Gold Eagles exempt at 91.67%); silver 99.9%; platinum/palladium 99.95%.
• Home storage: Not allowed—metals must be held in an IRS-approved depository.
• Setup time: Typically 2–3 weeks when working with an experienced dealer.
• Annual costs: Usually $200–$500 for moderate accounts (setup + custodian + storage fees).
• Recommended allocation: Advisors commonly suggest 5–15% of a retirement portfolio.
• Learn more: usmoneyreserve.com

(Erin Culek, Head of Financial Protection and Retirement Solutions, Guardian) - For many Americans, the traditional picture of retirement is no longer. Gone is the long-viewed notion of retirement being about reaching a milestone birthday or a defined transition out of the workforce. Rather, today’s retirement is flexible and personal.

While exciting, a redefined retirement has led to some surprises and challenges for Americans. Many subsequently feel unprepared. With the support of a financial consultant, however, individuals can navigate this new retirement landscape with confidence, defining retirement on their own terms and in a way that accounts for their unique financial, health, and lifestyle needs.

Here’s what you need to know.

How longevity is impacting retirement

As Americans live longer, they are eager to make the most of their retirement years. At the same time, however, longevity and an extended retirement are impacting Americans’ mental, physical, and financial health.

According to a new report from Guardian, 54% of retirees say they are in good financial health, providing them with the financial freedom to pursue passions, travel to dream destinations, or spend quality time with family. To fund a longer retirement, however, 73% of people say they plan to continue working part-time in retirement.

Enjoying a longer retirement also means staying physically healthy. Unfortunately, only 39% of current workers and 40% of retirees rate their health as very good or excellent. Overall, 47% of retirees thought they’d be in better health in retirement.

Longevity also impacts Americans’ mental and emotional wellness. Although 60% of retirees say they have good mental health, 34% said they didn’t expect to feel so bored or miss their careers. Additionally, 27% were surprised by how lonely they feel or by how little time they are spending with family in retirement.

Getting the guidance you need

To support their well-being in retirement, many retirees and workers are taking a close look at their planning strategies. One in five retirees have regrets about how they’ve prepared for retirement. With future lifespan anticipated to increase, today’s workers are even more concerned—40% say they have regrets about how they’ve prepared financially for retirement.

As Americans live and work longer, more education about retirement income sources is needed. For example, despite Americans saying their top financial concerns are not having enough money to last through retirement and not having a source of guaranteed income in retirement, just 30% of workers know that annuities can provide guaranteed income for life. Younger workers face similar education gaps. Despite a steep decline in the number of workers with access to a pension, 55% of Gen Z expect to use a pension in retirement.

Despite the complexity of modern retirement, fewer than half of retirees (48%) and current workers (40%) have sought guidance from a financial consultant. When workers and retirees did work with a financial consultant, research showed they were much more likely to say they are on track for retirement than those who don’t.

Connecting with a financial consultant can help Americans take charge of their retirement—no matter how long it lasts. Financial consultants can provide support in countless ways, including:

• Exploring multiple retirement scenarios: Eighty-four percent of people expect to retire at a specific age, but only 52% actually retired when they thought they would. A financial consultant can help you understand potential retirement timelines and how to plan for various scenarios.
• Evaluating retirement income options: With almost half of Americans worried about having a guaranteed source of income in retirement, a financial consultant can help you assess options such as annuities that can play an important role in retirement planning. The only product on the private marketplace that can provide guaranteed income for life, annuities can help diversify a retirement portfolio and offer a range of potential benefits, from protection against market loss to tax-deferred growth.
• Considering future mental and physical health needs: Given that nearly half of retirees said they thought they would be healthier than they actually are in retirement, a financial consultant can offer insight on how to help address these factors through planning, particularly amid rising healthcare costs.

The bottom line

In the years to come, what it means to be retired—and how to prepare for this chapter—is only going to continue to evolve. Whether your retirement is on the horizon or still decades away, working with a financial consultant can help you approach the planning journey with confidence to support your mental, physical, and financial wellness over the long term.

To learn more, visit http://www.guardianlife.com/reports/retirement-redefined.

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All guarantees are backed exclusively by the strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

(Andy Gordon, Head of Life Insurance, Financial Protection and Retirement Solutions, and Jessica Vanscavish, Head of Disability, Absence, Life, and Supplemental Health, Group Benefits, Guardian) - The loss of a loved one is a tragedy we’ll never be fully prepared for, but there are tactics to consider that can ensure a family is protected financially in the face of personal loss.

Recent research from Guardian found that eight in ten Americans are concerned about being financially prepared in the event of a premature death. At the same time, however, LIMRA reports that life insurance ownership in the US has been declining over the past 40 years.

Life insurance is a key tool for financial protection, but many individuals may be putting off the purchase or don’t have enough coverage. Some don't think they need it because they have no current financial dependents, others are juggling competing financial priorities, and some may not even know where to start. Regardless, there can be serious risks to not considering a policy earlier in life.

To help guide your search and ensure you find a policy that protects you and your family’s well-being, here are a few factors to consider.

Finding the right coverage

Most working adults receive life insurance through their employers. In fact, Guardian research shows that nearly two-thirds of working adults who currently own life insurance got their coverage through work.

While employer-provided coverage offers an important financial foundation, many individuals underestimate the financial impact their premature passing could have on their loved ones. Consider, for instance, factors such as bringing in income, paying off a mortgage, funding a child’s education, or building retirement savings.

Given this gap, it’s worth reviewing your life insurance coverage early on and considering if additional individual life insurance may be effective to help ensure your family is fully protected if the unexpected happens.

Understanding your needs

Regardless of whether a policy is purchased through their employer or individually, there is a disconnect between what many people think they know about life insurance and what they actually do. According to Guardian, only 41% of people say they understand their family’s life insurance needs, including:

• How much coverage to purchase.
• What benefits are included.
• How life insurance can be used.

Having a basic understanding of the different life insurance options can help ensure individuals are choosing the right policy for their needs given that there are different types of life insurance to consider, such as term versus whole.

Many Americans purchase term life insurance by default because it’s straightforward. However, this may not account for changing life stages and financial needs. In some cases, whole life insurance may be a better long-term solution.

Whole life insurance can go beyond income replacement in the event of death. It can also be used during one’s lifetime to address what Guardian has found to be some of Americans’ most pressing financial concerns, including saving for retirement. Understanding what you want from your policy will help you make an informed decision that supports your long-term financial wellness.

Getting guidance

Consider working with a financial professional to obtain the right policy for you. While having an employer-provided policy creates a solid foundation, a financial professional can help you assess your full financial picture and recommend any additional coverage.

Ultimately, life insurance is most effective when the coverage amount allows you to plan appropriately for the future, both for your family’s confidence and your own lifetime needs. By understanding what life insurance you may already have from work, reviewing your current situation, and getting guidance where needed, you’ll be able to confidently determine the right life insurance strategy that best supports your financial goals.

To learn more, visit www.guardianlife.com/reports/prepared-and-protected.

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(NewsUSA) - Tips from Edelman Financial Engines (EFE) to help you stay secure, no matter what the economy throws your way.

When deciding what actions to take in the face of potential recession, it’s important to remember this: You don’t control inflation. You don’t control GDP. And you don’t control any of the policy decisions that could lead to a recession.

But you do control your own financial plan. These are all steps you should take regardless of the economic environment, but they become even more important when uncertainty is high.

1. Diversify your portfolio – Diversification should be a cornerstone of any investment plan, and the goal is to reduce portfolio risk and optimize returns. Having exposure to better-performing investments doesn’t guarantee positive returns, but it does help dampen overall portfolio losses if we enter a bear market.
    
2. Check your emergency fund – The ideal amount you should have in your emergency fund to carry you through a potential job loss depends on several factors, including how at-risk your job is, how reliant your household income is, and how much of your budget is discretionary. This is a great time to make sure you have an appropriate amount saved in liquid assets.
    
3. Hold off on spending – The more money you have available, the calmer you’re likely to feel about a potential economic downturn. You might want to wait on big nonessential decisions that would eat into your liquidity, like buying a second home, retiring early or paying off large debts.
    
4. Increase your income – Consider upskilling at your current job, pursuing a promotion or starting a side business.
    
5. Look at your tax strategies – Recessionary environments can trigger permanent or temporary changes in tax regulations, to stimulate the economy. But tax planning should always be part of your financial plan, and it should happen all year long, not just during tax season or when something changes. If you haven’t met with a tax professional and a financial planner to talk about foundational tax strategies that make sense for you, do that now.
    
6. Make sure you are getting good rates on your cash – High-yield savings accounts, CDs and money markets generally offer higher rates than bank accounts. Take advantage of them.

Bottom line: The economy may be uncertain. Your plan doesn’t have to be. Start building financial confidence at www.edelmanfinancialengines.com.

(Gene Lanzoni, Head of Enterprise Content, Guardian) - For many people, the term “well-being” may bring to mind a quiet walk outdoors or a trip to the gym. In fact, according to this year’s Mind, Body, and Wallet® report from The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), most Americans (93%) say that physical and mental health are essential or very important to their overall well-being. Safety and security and healthy relationships also rank highly as key factors impacting their wellness.

When it comes to how people achieve their wellness goals, financial health plays an important role. Put simply, when individuals have poor financial health, it’s often much harder for them to achieve their mental and physical health goals. For example, rising healthcare costs mean many Americans are skipping routine or preventive doctors’ appointments, and market uncertainty can lead to stress around retirement planning.

Given the importance of financial health to supporting overall well-being, it’s especially concerning that a significant number of Americans are struggling with their finances. The same Guardian report found that only 30% of Americans say they have good financial health—a significant drop from 44% in 2022 and an all-time low in the 14-year history of the report.

In sum, financial wellness is about more than building wealth. By lowering stress and freeing up time to attend to physical and mental wellness needs, good financial health can help improve overall well-being in countless ways.

So how can you help support your financial wellness in order to pursue your mental and physical well-being goals? Here are a few ways to get started.

• Take a closer look at the benefits you already have: If you’re currently working, your employer might offer benefits that can help with your financial health. Take the time to learn about these options, especially non-health insurance offerings. For example, life and disability insurance can provide financial confidence in case the unexpected happens. Supplemental health plans like accident, critical illness, cancer, or hospital indemnity insurance can give you extra support by paying a cash benefit directly to you for getting preventive care or if you are hospitalized. Talking to your HR team is a great first step to understanding what’s available and making sure you’re taking full advantage of these resources.
• Start planning for your future today: Having a clear retirement savings plan can help reduce unnecessary stress. To build this plan, begin by reviewing the savings you already have, then assess your current expenses and how they might change in retirement. Don’t forget to account for inflation. Once you have a basic idea of your retirement income needs, you can develop or adjust your savings plan to fill any gaps. This might mean putting more money into your retirement account or adding new products like annuities to your savings strategy. The sooner you start, the better prepared you’ll be for a happy and secure retirement.
• Connect with a financial professional: By working with a financial professional, you can access the tools, solutions, and advice needed to plan for today and the future. Financial professionals can help you develop a plan to support your short- and long-term financial goals. With the support of a financial professional, you can feel more confident in your financial wellness and empowered to achieve your broader wellness goals.

To learn more, visit https://www.guardianlife.com/reports/mind-body-wallet.

Disclaimer

Guardian’s Group Insurance products are underwritten and issued by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY.  Products are not available in all states.

Material discussed is meant for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, medical, or financial advice. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, medical or finance advice. Consult your tax, legal, medical or finance professional regarding your individual situation.

Guardian® is a registered trademark of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY. Copyright© 2025 The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. All rights reserved.

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(Keith Namiot, Head of Annuities, Guardian) - Saving for retirement can be challenging under everyday circumstances, and especially so during times of economic uncertainty and market volatility. For many, it can be a major concern that affects their financial health and overall well-being.

According to recent data from Guardian’s 2025 Mind, Body, and Wallet® report, retirement-related concerns are the top financial stressors keeping Americans up at night, with nearly half of Americans indicating that having a source of guaranteed income in retirement and having retirement savings last as long as needed are their top financial stressors. One way to help alleviate the concerns associated with retirement income is to consider adding an annuity product to your retirement saving strategy.  

Annuities can help diversify a retirement portfolio and offer a range of potential benefits, from protection against market loss to tax-deferred growth. They can also provide a guaranteed stream of income that lasts throughout retirement, offering greater financial confidence even in uncertain economic times.

There are several types of annuities to consider, including Single Premium Immediate Annuities (SPIAs) and Deferred Income Annuities (DIAs). Both types of these income-producing annuities can help alleviate concerns about outliving one’s nest egg and not maintaining an acquired standard of living in retirement.

Exploring a Registered Index-Linked Annuity

In addition to SPIAs and DIAs, Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs) are another popular annuity solution. One example of a RILA, Guardian MarketPerform®, offers growth potential for retirement assets and tax deferral on investment growth while providing a level of downside protection during market downturns.

In addition, RILAs allow individuals the flexibility to choose from a select range of investment options including different indices. These protection-oriented growth solutions can be customized to suit the individual’s unique needs and timeline.

RILAs are a long-term investment product offered by prospectus only, and there are many factors to take into account when considering an annuity that should be discussed with a financial professional.

Supporting your retirement planning goals

With Guardian finding that 73% of Americans said they haven’t saved enough for retirement, and 69% regret not starting to save sooner, annuities can help address many of today’s retirement planning challenges. Whether you’re looking to accumulate more retirement assets with a level of protection or turn your retirement savings into a steady stream of lifetime income, people choose annuities as a way to build protection into their retirement nest egg, along with an IRA, 401(k), or pension.

Each annuity has unique benefits: SPIAs provide immediate, steady income; DIAs allow you to plan and lock in income for the future; and RILAs allow you to balance retirement planning, growth potential, and a level of protection. This can help enable you to continue striving towards growth goals while also knowing you have a certain level of protection in the face of turbulence.

Enabling overall well-being

Having an annuity within your retirement plan could play an important role in supporting not only your financial well-being but also your mental and physical health. According to Guardian’s report, for instance, 74% of US adults with poor physical health also report poor financial health.

Given the close connection between mental, physical, and financial well-being, setting a strong foundation for retirement and tapping into the power of an annuity can be an impactful way to support your overall wellness.  

Getting started today

Working with a financial professional can help you develop the retirement savings strategy that’s right for you. They can listen to your needs and help determine what role an annuity could play in supporting your retirement goals, as well as which type of annuity might be the right fit.

June is Annuities Awareness Month, and the perfect time to start the conversation. Don’t wait to make a game plan to reach your retirement goals—reach out to a financial professional today. 

To learn more, visit https://www.guardianlife.com/retirement.

Disclaimer

This product is sold by prospectus only. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money. The prospectus contains important information regarding this product, including fees and expenses. A prospectus may be obtained by calling 888-Guardian (888-482-7342). To download a prospectus, please visit guardianlife.com. Guardian MarketPerform^® may not be available in all states.

Index Protection and Crediting Strategies are not a permanent part of the contract and may be removed due to circumstances beyond the control of GIAC. These circumstances and the special rules that govern how assets in a discontinued index interest account may be reallocated are outlined in the contract. We will not issue a Contract on February 29 in leap years. The Contract would be issued on the following business day.

If you do not remain invested in your IPCS options until the Term End Date, you could experience a loss that is greater than the level of protection the Protection Strategy provides or a gain that is lower than the return the Crediting Strategy provides on the Term End Date.

The renewal rates under each Strategy are based on the economic environment at the time renewal rates are declared and may be less favorable than those declared at issue. Renewal rates may be reduced as the contract approaches the end of the surrender charge period.

All guarantees are backed exclusively by the strength and claims paying ability of The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. (GIAC). Guardian MarketPerform^® is issued by GIAC, a Delaware corporation, and distributed through Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). GIAC and PAS are wholly owned subsidiaries of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian). Guardian, GIAC and PAS are located at 10 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001. Product availability and features may vary by state.

Guardian MarketPerform^® products are issued on contract forms 23-RILA, 23-RILA BUFFER, 23-RILA FRS, 23-RILA ROPDB, 23-RILA WSC, 23-RILA STRATEGY SPEC (or state equivalent forms). Product availability and features may vary by state.

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(NewsUSA) - The digital age has ushered in rapid societal changes, including the financial system. Cryptocurrencies have emerged and evolved, and it’s no longer just early adopters who are integrating these digital assets into modern financial planning. Consumers of all ages and in all phases of life are exploring the market’s potential for their financial futures. 

Financial literacy: an ongoing process 

According to a security.org study, nearly three in 10 American adults now own cryptocurrencies. The survey also reports that 40% of those owners lack confidence in the safety and security of the technology instrumental to the asset’s integrity, indicating a potential disconnect and knowledge gap that could be risky to some.  

Education is crucial for building confidence in financial decision-making. Financial literacy evolves throughout life, initially focusing on saving and budgeting, then progressing to borrowing, credit, and debt management. As financial understanding deepens, investing becomes relevant, requiring knowledge of asset classes and their associated risks and rewards. 

Cryptocurrencies are becoming widely accepted investment vehicles and one more way to diversify. Andrew Wiggins, forward for the Miami Heat who has partnered with Coinbase, explains, “I want to make sure my money is working in more places than just savings, stocks or real estate. Crypto is one way I’m doing that.” 

Just as they would carefully evaluate stocks, bonds or mutual funds in traditional finance (the long-standing system of banks, stock exchanges, etc., involved in transactions), consumers need to do their research when it comes to cryptocurrency. Wiggins agrees, “I’ve taken the time to learn about it, I’ve asked the right questions, and I work with people that I trust.”  

Decentralized finance presents opportunity 

Cryptocurrency operates within a decentralized finance system, unlike government-issued fiat money. Cryptocurrencies are managed by global peer-to-peer networks using open-source software. Each has a blockchain, a transparent and cryptographically secured digital ledger of all transactions.

Like traditional financial assets, cryptocurrencies fluctuate in value, and a variety of platforms now help people incorporate digital money into their financial plans. "For the past decade, Coinbase has been dedicated to making crypto more accessible and secure for people around the world. As bitcoin and crypto moves further into the mainstream, Coinbase is ready to help consumers take part in this transformation," says Scott Shapiro, Senior Product Director of Coinbase.  

“A consumer only needs to create a wallet to start engaging with cryptocurrency, whether to save and invest or to trade and spend,” continues Shapiro. The Coinbase platform provides customers with clear overviews of their cryptocurrency holdings as well as analyst insights for informed decision-making. Plus, it offers features such as recurring buys to take advantage of investment concepts like dollar cost averaging. 

Cryptocurrencies are touted for their openness, flexibility, speed and transparency, as well as their growth potential. One Bitcoin, for example, was valued at over $107,000 on June 16. However, these assets come with volatility and may not be suitable for risk-averse investors. 

One of the ways Coinbase is reaching new audiences and introducing new consumers to crypto is through its official partnership with professional sports leagues and teams, which brings added brand visibility and engagement opportunities through in-arena signage and activations.

Taking an educated approach and balancing risk with reward are critical. As Wiggins notes, “Investing isn’t about chasing quick wins, it’s about building a smart, well-rounded portfolio that can grow despite market shifts. It’s about investing for the long term that will make sure my money grows along with the shifts of technology and the economy.”

(NewsUSA) - Demand for apartments is at a record high, with renters signing new leases and renewing their existing stays in droves. Residents’ expectations have also increased as they want their renting experience to be as seamless as the rest of their online life. That means integrated technology, financial wellness tools and rewards for their loyalty.

RealPage, the leading provider of AI-enabled software platforms to the real estate industry, is addressing the needs of modern residents through an innovative technology called LOFT. RealPage created this new mobile app as a one-stop solution for a fulfilling apartment lifestyle from leasing to living, with easy move-in guidance, a financial wellness platform and a loyalty program to earn rewards when residents pay rent on time. Residents can pay their way, through their digital wallet, by snapping a picture of a check or splitting it into smaller chunks. Since launching in early 2025, RealPage’s LOFT is already being offered by more than 500 apartment properties across America, giving more than three million residents access to LOFT, with many more to come.

“Residents, and especially digital natives, demand digital experiences as part their apartment living lifestyles,” said Isabelle Meyer Stapf, RealPage Senior Vice President and General Manager, Payments. “Through LOFT, RealPage is prioritizing financial wellness for renters, bringing them solutions to earn rewards, make flexible rent payments and build their credit.”

LOFT also simplifies the renter’s journey from leasing to living. LOFT Leasing is a first-of-its-kind leasing experience that guides residents through application, approval and signing – with AI capabilities to streamline the back and forth. LOFT Moving enables a simplified moving experience for residents with a configurable moving checklist and integrations with local providers to order utilities, internet and moving services. And LOFT Loyalty allows residents to earn points for paying rent online and on time with any payment method. Residents can then redeem those points for rewards from airline and hotel travel to local restaurants and movie theatres.

Property managers find value in LOFT, as their residents have one app for all of their essential tasks. Jess Molasky, Chief Operating Officer of Ovation, a RealPage customer who owns and manages apartments throughout the country added, “If I can reward my residents to show up, if I can reward my residents to make payments on time, and again, if I can have that stronger relationship because their moving experience was a good one, we become their ally.”

Visit loftliving.com to learn more.

Photo caption: New LOFT app by RealPage allows residents to earn rewards for paying rent on time and the ability to make flexible rent payments, all while building credit

(NewsUSA) - As the new year approaches, many people will be setting financial resolutions with hopes of improving their financial health – whether it's saving more, paying down debt, or investing wisely. However, despite the best of intensions, new research by financial services firm Edward Jones reveals that a variety of factors often prevent these resolutions from sticking.

According to the research, more than half of Americans (56%) who made a financial resolution in 2024 abandoned it because of price increases caused by inflation. While those surveyed expressed optimism about keeping their financial resolutions in 2025, more than half (55%) said inflation was their main challenge to financial accountability in 2024, and nearly the same (56%) expressed concern that inflation could derail their financial goals in 2025.

"Sticking to your financial resolutions can be incredibly challenging, especially when inflation puts added pressure on everyday expenses," says Bryan Piccirillo, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. "In a climate where costs are rising faster than wages, it's more important than ever to set realistic financial goals, even when the odds seem stacked against you."

Across generations surveyed (from Gen Zers to Baby Boomers), Americans said they are confident (81%) in their ability to keep their financial resolutions next year and  they say they will prioritize building up emergency savings and paying down debt in 2025. Although saving for retirement is less of a priority, 21% of Gen Xers said they expect to plan for it during the coming year, according to the survey.

Additionally, approximately one-third of survey respondents (33%) said they planned to spend the same amount on investments in 2025 as in 2024, while 22% said they plan to increase investment spending.

A financial advisor can help develop strategies to turn your financial resolutions into realities, by building a plan to help reduce debt through consolidation, tools for building an emergency fund, and boosting contributions to retirement accounts.

In the Edward Jones survey, approximately half of respondents (50%) believe that working with a financial advisor would help them stay on track. No matter how you are balancing your budget, a financial advisor can help you weather periods of inflation without sacrificing your short-term and long-term goals.

For more information and to find a financial advisor near you, visit: www.edwardjones.com.

(Lindsey Johnson, Consumer Bankers Association President and CEO) - The end of the year is the perfect time to review your full financial picture and consider any changes. With over 4,000 banks in the U.S. competing for your business, you have more options than ever to take control of your finances—whether it’s budgeting, improving your credit, or saving in challenging times.

Managing life's big expenses 

If you're struggling with debt as the year ends, you're not alone—life is expensive! Fortunately, there are many different resources available to you to help you get back on track.

For credit card debt, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recommends that you first contact your credit card company directly. They can often provide a similar, less expensive solution than debt settlement companies, offer tips for budgeting, and provide hardship programs that can include lower monthly payments. Another good option is to work with a nonprofit credit counselor, who can help negotiate with your creditors on your behalf and help you manage multiple debts.

It’s also important to know the risks associated with for-profit debt settlement companies that use aggressive advertising and sales tactics and may leave you deeper in debt than you were when you started. Learn more at https://www.aboutdebtrelief.com/.

Overdraft services help customers in a pinch

Another tool banks offer is overdraft services, which cover transactions that exceed account balances. For many consumers—especially the one in five Americans without access to credit—overdraft is a lifeline for essential expenses like rent and utilities when faced with an unexpected expense shock.

Many banks have made big changes to improve overdraft policies, introducing innovative tools designed to reduce fees and give you more visibility into your finances, including:

• Fee elimination: Decreased or eliminated overdraft fees entirely in some cases for consumer accounts.
• Grace periods to give you time to bring your account balance back to positive before a fee is applied.
• Overdraft cushions or “buffers” that let you avoid fees for smaller transactions.
• Daily limits on the number of overdraft fees charged to prevent unexpected financial strain.

As you think about your New Year’s resolutions and evaluate your financial situation, the innovations offered by America's banks can be useful tools to reduce stress and help you stay on top of your finances.