You probably know someone whose guest bathroom is stocked with the mini shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer bottles they’ve picked up at hotels. While the amount they’ve saved on toiletries might not have changed their lifestyle, they’ve enjoyed the feeling of getting things for free. In saving for retirement there are some similar “freebies”—things that you can take advantage of with almost no cost or risk. And unlike the little shampoos, these can add up to substantial gains over the long-term. While there’s no such thing as [...]

Saving money for the future is a good habit. To do it means exercising the virtue of delayed gratification. So it’s only natural that disciplined savers often feel a sense of satisfaction as month-by-month they see their nest egg grow. But being fixated on saving, especially when you don’t need to, can also be a sign of anxiety about running out of money. Earlier this year, the non-profit Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) conducted a survey to learn about the attitudes of retirees toward spending down [...]

If you've ever listened to the radio show hosted by personal finance guru Dave Ramsey, you know that most of what he says is for the benefit of people in financial trouble. They're seeking his advice to get out of debt, put more into savings, and generally do a better job of managing their money. In addition to his show, Ramsey travels the country, dispensing advice and encouragement at live events. While he's primarily there to help people get their financial lives back on track, he [...]