News You Should Know: Trump Moves to Establish U.S. Sovereign Wealth Fund

What is a Sovereign Wealth Fund and Why is Trump Creating One Now? | The Guardian

President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Treasury and Commerce Departments to create a sovereign wealth fund. Common in oil-rich countries like Norway and Saudia Arabia, sovereign wealth funds often serve as a national pool into which countries can invest surplus funds for the greater good.

Survey Finds Support for Raising Taxes for Social Security | AARP

The country may be sharply divided politically, but Americans can agree on the value of Social Security. In a new survey from AARP and the National Academy of Social Insurance, 85% of respondents said Social Security benefits should be maintained or increased, even if that means paying higher taxes. That support is consistent across party lines, with strong majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and independents all supporting increasing revenue.

Personal Finance Classes are the New Hotness on Campus | Fortune

In school districts around the country, there’s a growing emphasis on the importance of teaching financial literacy, and that trend continues into college. In fact, students are so eager to sign up for personal finance classes that some colleges and universities have waitlists for those courses.

Public Health Worker Shortage Could Mean Challenges For Long-Term Care Providers | McKnights Senior Living

A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found there’s a significant gap between the number of public health workers needed around the country and actual staffing levels. The report said public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the issue, but the Department of Health and Human Services has taken some steps to address the shortage.


News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.

News You Should Know: What a New Administration, Congress Mean for Older Americans

New Congress, New President: Now What for Older Americans?

A new Congress and a new presidential administration are underway, bringing with them the potential for a slew of potential policy changes at the federal level. Here’s a look at some of what we can expect on topics such as Social Security and Medicare.

IRS Announces Jan. 27 Start to 2025 Tax Filing Season | Internal Revenue Service

Ready or not, tax season is upon us. The Internal Revenue Service says it will begin accepting tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27. The IRS also announced its Direct File pilot program has been expanded to include more states (though taxpayers in Colorado are not yet eligible to participate). PERA retirees can access tax forms in their secure member account and paper forms will be mailed at the end of January.

Prices for Top Medicare Part D Drugs Have Nearly Doubled Since Entering the Market | AARP

A new analysis by AARP found that prices for the prescription medications that account for the most spending in Medicare Part D have risen by an average of 98 percent since entering the market. Note that PERACare plans protect against drug price increases by offering no deductibles for prescriptions, flat copays, and a cap on out-of-pocket costs.

More SECURE 2.0 Retirement Enhancements Kick in This Year | Kiplinger

Congress passed the large package of retirement-related provisions known as the SECURE Act 2.0 several years ago, but many aspects of the bill are still going into effect. This year, changes taking effect include automatic enrollment in 401(k) and 403(b) plans, expanded access for part-time workers, and a retirement savings lost and found.


News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.

News You Should Know: The 2024 Stock Market by the Numbers

How the Stock Market Defied Expectations in 2024, by the Numbers | PBS News

2024 was a great year for the stock market. The S&P 500, for example, notched dozens of all-time records as stocks soared throughout the year. Here are more notable numbers from the market’s performance. Note that PERA’s 2024 investment performance data won’t be available until the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is released in June.

Understanding the Fed’s Rate Decisions: Do We Want High or Low Interest Rates​? | Yahoo Finance

The past several years have been notable for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate moves—the Fed began raising its key interest rate in 2022 and it remained high through much of 2024 before the Fed began lowering the rate in September. It’s not always easy to understand the implications of these decisions, so here are some pros and cons of high and low interest rates for various financial situations.

Here’s How to Maximize Your 401(k) Plan for 2025 with Higher Limits, Bigger Catch-Up Contributions | CNBC

If you’re saving additional money for retirement in a PERAPlus 401(k) or 457 Plan, you have the opportunity to boost your savings even more this year. The amount of money you can contribute to those plans is going up in 2025, and there’s also a new, higher catch-up contribution limit for workers who are getting closer to retirement.

How To Make Financial Resolutions You Can Actually Stick To In 2025 | Investopedia

It’s that time of year when many of us are setting intentions and resolutions for the new year. If you’re making money goals, here are some tips for making sure they’re realistic and achievable so you’re set up for success.


News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.

News You Should Know: How Will Colorado’s Economy Fare in 2025?

Colorado Experts Predict What the Economy Will Look Like in 2025 | The Colorado Sun

Every year, local experts have the difficult task of taking stock of the state economy and predicting what a new year will bring. For 2025, experts say the state’s population continues to grow, albeit slower than in years past. And that slower growth rate could have a ripple effect on the job market as employers struggle to find enough employees to fill open positions.

IRS Urges Many Retirees to Make Required Withdrawals by Year-End Deadline | Internal Revenue Service

If you’re retired and you have savings in a defined contribution plan like a 401(k), 457, or IRA, you’re likely required to make minimum required distributions (RMDs) by the end of each year. The IRS sent out a notice reminding retirees of the deadline and new rules enacted under the SECURE 2.0 Act.

Quiz: Test Your Financial Literacy | Kiplinger

How would you rate your financial literacy? Believe it or not, three simple questions can help you gauge your literacy. If you can correctly answer all three multiple-choice questions, you’re doing better than over half of all Americans.

Baby Boomers Are Aging, and Most Want to Stay at Home Forever | USA Today

A recently released survey from AARP finds that an overwhelming majority of Americans say they want to stay in their homes and their local communities while they age, but many are unsure they’ll be able to do so. Half of the survey’s respondents said they were not confident their current living situation will meet their needs in the future, and over half of that group said they expect to move.

News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.

News You Should Know: WEP/GPO Bill’s Fate Uncertain in Final Days of Congress

Social Security Reform Bill Awaits Senate Vote Amid Uncertainty | The Hill

The Social Security Fairness Act, a federal bill that would repeal Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, passed the U.S. House in November. The bill is now awaiting action in the Senate, where its fate is increasingly uncertain with just days left for lawmakers to pass legislation before a new Congress begins.

Lost Track Of Your Old 401(k) Accounts? A New Service Could Help Recover The Money | Investopedia

The U.S. Department of Labor is getting ready to launch a database to help workers find old retirement accounts. The so-called retirement savings lost and found aims to make sure workers can find and access their 401(k) savings when they switch jobs rather than leaving that money behind. The database should be up and running by the end of the year.

Retirement Saving and Spending Can Be Complicated. Here’s What Psychology Says | Fast Company

When making the transition from regular, full-time work into retirement, many people find themselves struggling to move from a saving mindset to a spending mindset. While every person’s situation is different, principles of psychology can help explain why that transition can be so difficult.

Five Ways to Maximize Your End-of-Year Philanthropy | Kiplinger

The end of the year is a popular time to give money to various causes. If you’re thinking of giving this holiday season, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure your donation makes an impact.


News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.

News You Should Know: Fed Charting Uncertain Course with Interest Rates

Fed Officials Fret Over How Far They Can Lower Interest Rates | Bloomberg via Yahoo! Finance

What will the Federal Reserve do next? It appears even Fed officials aren’t sure, given their comments at a recent conference. While it’s likely we’ll see additional interest rate cuts in the future, it’s unclear how low they’ll go, as officials have suggested the rate needed to keep inflation in check may be higher than in the pre-pandemic years.

Retirement Benefits Valued by More Workers Than Last Year | PlanAdviser

Retirement benefits have grown in importance to workers, according to a recent survey. That survey found 62% of respondents said retirement plans contributed most to their financial security, up from 56% the year before. Other priorities included health insurance and paid time off.

Credit Card Debt Among Retirees Jumps | CNBC

New poll data shows just how much retirees’ credit card debt has grown in recent years. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 68% of retirees had outstanding credit card debt in 2024, up from 40% just two years ago. In general, EBRI says retirees and those approaching retirement today are much more likely to have debt—and more of it—than in the past.

GUIDE Model Offers Hope, Support for Dementia Caregivers | Next Avenue

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is rolling out a major initiative known as Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE). The new framework aims to fill existing gaps in dementia care and support for caregivers—including training and education, financial assistance for caregiver breaks, and better access to around-the-clock virtual care.


News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.

News You Should Know: What a Second Trump Presidency Could Mean for Your Finances

Donald Trump is the President-Elect. Here’s What It Means for Your Wallet | Money

Former President Donald Trump has won another term in the White House. What does that mean for the economy and the finances of everyday Americans? Here’s what we can likely expect, based on what Trump has said on the campaign trail.

Coloradans Can Now Compare Hospital Prices for Specific Procedures, Insurance Plans | The Colorado Sun

The State of Colorado is looking to make it easier for people to shop around for their medical costs. A new website, ColoradoHospitalPrices.com, provides a one-stop shop for searching and comparing costs for various procedures and other medical care at different hospitals. The site also shows what different insurance providers pay for the same procedure. Officials hope the added transparency will help Coloradans lower their costs and increase competition between providers and facilities.

3 New Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules Everyone Should Know for 2024 | USA Today

The end of the year is approaching and so is the deadline for most people to take their annual required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts. There have been some changes to RMD rules in recent years, so make sure you’re up-to-date and don’t face any penalties for not meeting the requirements.

How to Discuss End-of-Life Planning with Aging Parents | Fortune Well

Talking about death can be uncomfortable or even taboo, but it’s an important discussion to have with loved ones. Here are some tips for navigating conversations about end-of-life wishes with parents who are getting older.


News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.

News You Should Know: IRS Releases Tax Adjustments for 2025

IRS Releases Tax Inflation Adjustments for Tax Year 2025 | Internal Revenue Service

The new year is just two months away, and the Internal Revenue Service has announced some important tax-related updates. For tax year 2025, the IRS is making adjustments to various tax provisions based on inflation, including the standard deduction, marginal tax rates, earned income tax credits, and more.

Medicare Wants to Make These Generic Drugs Available for Just $2 | Quartz

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a list of dozens of prescription medications that may be included in a pilot program to provide low-cost generic versions of drugs. The drugs—which include popular medications such as inhalers, antibiotics, blood thinners, and cholesterol pills—would be available for $2 beginning in 2027.

New Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s May Allow for Earlier Detection | UCHealth Today

Multiple companies have been rolling out new blood tests to help screen for Alzheimer’s disease, aiming to someday replace expensive and invasive procedures like spinal taps and imaging scans. Experts at UCHealth say that while the new tests are promising, there’s still more research that needs to be done before they can be made widely available, and the tests are not yet FDA-approved or covered by insurance or Medicare.

How to Step Confidently Into Your Life After Retirement | Kiplinger

Retiring is a major life change that goes beyond a change in employment status, and that move often involves a shift in identity. Here are some tips for handling the transition and embracing a new phase of life.


News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.

News You Should Know: How the Pandemic Affected Retirement Planning

Retirement Redefined: How the Pandemic and Economic Factors Are Shaping Retirement Plans Among Older Americans | CivicScience

More than four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re still seeing some of the effects of the public health crisis and new data attempt to shed some light on how the pandemic affected retirement planning. Survey data from CivicScience found most adults at or near retirement age said they did not leave the workforce during the pandemic, but older workers (65+) were more likely to say they left work and didn’t return. Of those who left the workforce and returned, more than half expect to work past the age of 65.

Most Americans Want Congress To Fix Social Security and Medicare Shortfalls ASAP | Investopedia

In a recent survey, respondents made it clear that shoring up Social Security and Medicare are top priorities for ensuring retirement security. The survey from the Transamerica Institute for Retirement Studies found over 60 percent of people think the government needs to prioritize filling Social Security’s funding shortfall and over 50 percent think Medicare’s funding should be a priority.

Farewell Paper I-Bonds: Savings Bonds Are Going Online Only | Kiplinger

The last remaining paper savings bond is about to go all digital. The U.S. Treasury announced taxpayers will no longer be able to buy paper Series I bonds with their tax returns starting January 1, 2025. Electronic versions of I and EE bonds have been available for purchase online through TreasuryDirect for about two decades, and banks stopped selling paper savings bonds in 2012.

Beautiful Towns In Colorado That Are Great For Retirement | The Travel

While many people like to stay put in retirement and age at home, many others like to pack up in search of a change in scenery or a better way of life. This list aims to identify the best towns in Colorado for retirees with a focus on crime and cost of living.


News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.

News You Should Know: What Lower Interest Rates Mean For Your Finances

What Happens Now That the Fed Finally Cut Rates? | NerdWallet

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently announced the central bank would lower its key interest rate for the first time since 2020. While a rate cut was expected, some were surprised by the Fed’s decision to slash the rate by 0.5% instead of a more incremental 0.25%. Here’s what lower interest rates could mean for your finances and the economy as a whole.

Lawmakers Successfully Force a Vote on Eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision | Government Executive

The federal lawmakers leading the charge on H.R. 82—aka the Social Security Fairness Act, which would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)—have succeeded in their efforts to force a floor vote on the issue. Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) used a rare tactic called a discharge petition, which reached the necessary threshold of 218 signatures to bypass Congressional leadership and get a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives. A vote likely won’t happen until at least November, and the bill would still have to pass the Senate before the conclusion of this Congress in January.

September Consumer Confidence Falls the Most in Three Years | CNBC

The latest survey data show American consumers are increasingly pessimistic about the current and future state of the economy. According to the monthly Conference Board report, its consumer confidence index dropped to 98.7 in August, marking the biggest single-month decline since 2021. Survey respondents largely cited the weakening job market and the effects of inflation as their main concerns.

Travel Could Be the Best Defense Against Aging | Edith Cowan University

If your retirement plans include travel, you could be doing yourself the favor of improving your health and slowing down the aging process. According to new research from Edith Cowan University in Australia, the pleasure we derive from travel activities—such as unplugging from daily life, getting more exercise, and having new experiences—can help alleviate stress and boost our overall functioning, which can help slow down the clock in terms of aging.


News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.