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Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How much Social Security do middle-class retirees get?
Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Social Security is an important piece of the retirement puzzle, particularly for middle-class retirees who count on the safety net to supplement their post-career income. But if you see Social Security as an income centerpiece, not just icing on the cake, a closer look at the numbers may prompt you to think again. U.S. Census Bureau data from 2022 shows the national middle-class income range is between $49,271 and $147,828 — a span heavily influenced by location and cost-of-living considerations. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has an important message for the next wave of American retirees — here's how he says you can best weather the US retirement crisis Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) The Bureau says the median household income in the U.S. that year was $74,580. A 55-year-old earning that amount today and planning to take Social Security at age 62 would get an estimated monthly benefit of about $1,869 a month — or $22,428 a year. (This figure was reached using the AARP's Social Security calculator.) Presuming the retiree has no savings and would rely on Social Security alone, that's dangerously near the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2024 poverty line ($15,060) for one person. Social Security benefits vary greatly but generally depend on how long one is willing to defer their benefit. Planning for a retirement that doesn't count on Social Security, some argue, makes sense given persistent questions about the safety net's sustainability. Getting the most from Social Security comes down to strategy, forethought and planning — along with a decent understanding of how the system works. Here are several strategies middle-class retirees can employ to increase their benefits: While starting your Social Security draw early may make sense in some scenarios, the most effective way to increase your monthly check is to delay the benefit. While retirees can start receiving benefits as early as age 62, doing so results in a reduced monthly benefit. Each year you wait, up until age 70, significantly increases the benefit amount. One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Thor Metals. Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an attractive option for those looking to potentially hedge their retirement funds against economic uncertainties. To learn more, you can get a free information guide that includes details on how to get up to $20,000 in free metals on qualifying purchases. Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on the retiree's total income. It's essential to understand how other sources of income, such as pensions or investment withdrawals, impact the taxability of Social Security benefits. Proper tax planning can help minimize Uncle Sam's share of your money. With Vanguard, you can connect with a personal advisor who can help assess how you're doing so far and make sure you've got the right portfolio to meet your goals on time. Vanguard's hybrid advisory system combines advice from professional advisers and automated portfolio management to make sure your investments are working to achieve your financial goals. All you have to do is fill out a brief questionnaire about your financial goals, and Vanguard's advisers will help you set a tailored plan, and stick to it. Once you're set, you can sit back as Vanguard's advisors manage your portfolio. Because they're fiduciaries, they don't earn commissions, so you can trust that the advice you're getting is unbiased. While maximizing Social Security is important, it should be part of a broader retirement strategy. Middle-class retirees should also consider other sources of income, such as part-time work, rental income and investments to supplement their Social Security benefits. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Both residential and commercial real estate have long been solid choices for investors looking to diversify and add stability to their portfolios — especially while saving for retirement. Since having a place to live is essential, real estate remains a stable, relevant asset. New investing platforms are making it easier than ever to tap into the real estate market. For accredited investors, Homeshares gives access to the $36 trillion U.S. home equity market, which has historically been the exclusive playground of institutional investors. With a minimum investment of $25,000, investors can gain direct exposure to hundreds of owner-occupied homes in top U.S. cities through their U.S. Home Equity Fund — without the headaches of buying, owning or managing property. With risk-adjusted internal returns ranging from 12% to 18%, this approach provides an effective, hands-off way to invest in owner-occupied residential properties across regional markets. First National Realty Partners specializes in grocery-anchored commercial real estate properties with historically strong return potential. FNRP has developed relationships with the nation's largest essential-needs brands, including Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods, and provides insights into the best properties both on- and off-market. Access to this $22.5 trillion asset class has traditionally been limited to elite investors — until now. Here's how to become the landlord of Walmart or Whole Foods without lifting a finger Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Are you rich enough to join the top 1%? Here's the net worth you need to rank among America's wealthiest — plus a few strategies to build that first-class portfolio This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why CMOs Can't Afford To Ignore Hispanic Marketing Now
The signs of an economic recession are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore: declining consumer confidence, a cooling housing market, and persistent market volatility. As Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) face mounting pressure to trim budgets and optimize marketing investments, critical decisions must be made about where to allocate resources—and where to cut back. Over the past few weeks, as companies have started reporting weaker sales during Q1, several mentioned the Hispanic consumer as a soft driver of these results, and some recognized the need for additional focus and investment in this segment to reverse their performance. Historically, one of the first areas to see reductions during economic downturns has been multicultural marketing. Often deemed "incremental" or "nice to have," these investments have been deprioritized in favor of what is perceived as core marketing strategies. However, in 2025, taking this same approach could prove to be a costly mistake—particularly when it comes to the Hispanic consumer segment. Hispanics are the largest and fastest-growing ethnic minority group in the United States, accounting for nearly 20% of the U.S. population, and 51% of the population growth when compared to the previous census, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This figure is projected to rise to 28% by 2060. Not only is this demographic growing rapidly, but it also wields significant economic clout. In 2022, the total buying power of U.S. Hispanics reached an estimated $2.8 trillion, making it equivalent to the world's fifth-largest GDP if it were a standalone economy. Moreover, Hispanic consumers are disproportionately younger than the general population, with a median age of 30 compared to 38 for the overall U.S. population. This represents a critical opportunity for brands targeting Millennials, Gen Z, and emerging Gen Alpha consumers. The Hispanic segment is not just a growing market—it's where the future of consumer spending lies. In times of economic uncertainty, it might seem logical to focus solely on "safe bets," but brands that overlook the Hispanic segment risk alienating a critical audience that can drive growth even during a downturn. Moreover, research has helped marketers understand that investment in Hispanic creative can yield a higher ROI than investment in non-Hispanic creative, so the concept of 'safe bets' also needs to be revisited. Here are six key actions CMOs should consider when it comes to Hispanic marketing investments in 2025: 1. Invest Where the Growth Is The Hispanic consumer segment has been a consistent driver of the U.S. population and economic growth. CMOs should allocate at least 10% of their marketing budget to Hispanic-specific programs that leverage culturally relevant channels and messaging. Platforms like Univision, Telemundo, and digital-first spaces such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are particularly effective for engaging this demographic. 2. Craft Messaging That Resonates During a recession, consumers are more drawn to messages that highlight comfort, stability, and family. These themes align closely with core Hispanic cultural values, making it essential for brands to craft campaigns that feel authentic and relatable. Highlighting the importance of home, family, and resilience can create emotional connections that translate into long-term brand loyalty. 3. Prioritize Storytelling That Feels Familiar Hispanic consumers respond well to storytelling that is contextual, entertaining, and infused with humor. Ads that incorporate language, humor, cultural traditions, and everyday scenarios can create a sense of familiarity and trust. 4. Double Down on Loyalty Strategies Hispanic consumers are highly brand-loyal, especially when brands make an effort to acknowledge and celebrate their cultural identity. Loyalty programs that offer personalized rewards, community engagement, or exclusive experiences can deepen the connection with this audience. Importantly, brands should ensure that loyalty strategies are inclusive and consider specific cultural nuances. 5. Emphasize Value without Sacrificing Quality In a recession, value-driven messaging is key, but it shouldn't compromise quality. Hispanic consumers are discerning shoppers who appreciate brands that offer value alongside premium experiences. By emphasizing affordability, durability, and utility—along with culturally relevant branding—companies can remain relevant even in challenging times. 6. Consider Hispanic Consumers as Trendsetters We've all heard that 'necessity is the mother of all invention,' and periods of economic uncertainty when consumers feel pressured, can unlock new consumption behaviors, innovative uses of products and services, and unique combinations that haven't been seen before. Think, for example, about the launch of Airbnb in 2008 during the recession or the launch of Old Navy in the early 90s, which focused on cost-conscious families. Investing in consumer research, ethnographic studies, and in-depth consumer connections will unlock new insights that can benefit businesses both short and long term. If your target audience includes any of the following, a multicultural marketing strategy is no longer optional—it's essential: • 18-35-year-olds - Millennials and Gen Zers are among the most diverse generations in U.S. history, with Hispanics making up a significant portion. • Tweens and teens - Nearly 25% of U.S. children under 18 are Hispanic, making this demographic critical for brands with long-term ambitions. • Small-business owners - According to the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative, Hispanic entrepreneurs are starting businesses at a rate three times higher than that of the general population. • Geographically concentrated markets - States like Texas, Florida, New York, and California are home to more than half of the U.S. Hispanic population. • Families - Hispanic households are more likely to include children and extended family members, making family-centric marketing strategies particularly effective. In previous recessions, brands that maintained—or even increased—their marketing investments emerged stronger and more competitive when the economy rebounded. Today, the Hispanic consumer segment represents a unique opportunity to future-proof your brand and drive meaningful growth, even in the face of economic uncertainty. For CMOs, the question isn't whether to invest in Hispanic marketing—it's whether you can afford not to.
