Latest news with #2025Study
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Americans have a new ‘retire comfortably' number for 2025 — but here's why 97% of them miss it completely
According to the 2025 Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress study, the average American now believes they need $1.26 million to retire. That's $200,000 less than they said they needed last year and nearly the same as the figure quoted in 2022. The fact that the target hasn't moved much in the last three years hasn't made it more accessible, however. The vast majority of U.S. adults are still falling short of this benchmark and are hurtling towards a difficult and uncomfortable retirement. Here's why, and what you can do to help yourself reach that figure. 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 I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Although most Americans agree that they need to enter the seven-figure club to retire comfortably, only a small fraction of the population has actually achieved this target. As of 2024, the U.S. was home to 7.9 million millionaires, according to Capgemini Research. That's roughly 3% of the country's total adult population, which means that 97% of Americans haven't yet reached millionaire status. And keep in mind: that figure includes people of all ages and wealth levels, not just those nearing retirement. Several factors contribute to this shortfall. While some Americans may not prioritize retirement savings, many face barriers that make it difficult to set aside money, including rising housing costs, student loan debt and inflation. Even those who are diligently saving can find it challenging to keep up with the growing cost of a comfortable retirement. Although 97% of people aren't millionaires, many could meet that target eventually if they start investing at a young enough age. A 20-year old, for instance, needs to invest just $330 a month into an asset class that delivers a steady 7% annual return to reach $1.26 million by the time they turn 65. Having the luxury of time significantly boosts your chances of becoming a millionaire. This doesn't mean it's too late for middle-aged savers, but it takes a significantly greater investment. If a 50-year-old hasn't started saving for retirement, they'd need to invest $3,958 a month at a steady 7% return to reach $1.26 million by retirement. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it Saving $1.26 million doesn't guarantee a comfortable retirement for everyone. For example, if your net worth is $1 million but your annual living expenses are $200,000 or $300,000, you need much more than $1 million in savings to continue living the same lifestyle in retirement. In fact, two thirds of millionaires don't consider themselves 'wealthy' and half of them say their financial planning needs improvement, according to another study by Northwestern Mutual. In short, being a millionaire doesn't mean you're ready for retirement. If you live in a state or another country with a lower cost of living, your target might be smaller. According to Empower's calculations of tax burdens and costs of living, states like Alaska and New Hampshire might be ideal for retirees looking to minimize their expenses. Try using a retirement calculator or consulting a financial planner to determine your personal target. With enough time and meticulous planning, you can be on track for almost any type of retirement you might want. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This tiny hot Costco item has skyrocketed 74% in price in under 2 years — but now the retail giant is restricting purchases. Here's how to buy the coveted asset in bulk Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Health Line
13-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Cognitive Changes with Secondary Progressive MS
This progressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause changes in memory and other cognitive abilities, ranging from mild to severe. Knowing what to look for and how to manage the changes can make a difference. Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) can affect both physical health and cognitive abilities. Results from a small 2025 study found that just over 55% of people with SPMS experience some form of cognitive impairment. The condition may affect memory and slow down the speed at which the brain processes information. It may also reduce communication abilities, reasoning faculties, or attention span. These cognitive effects are often mild and manageable, but they can vary in severity from person to person. You can take steps to help maintain your cognitive health if you live SPMS. To manage the cognitive effects of SPMS, it's important to be proactive. Here are some strategies you can use to identify and manage cognitive changes. Watch out for signs of cognitive changes SPMS is a progressive condition. Over time, it can cause new cognitive symptoms to develop and also cause existing symptoms to get worse. To identify cognitive changes, go for regular screenings. Guidelines from 2018 recommend that people with MS be screened for cognitive changes every year. It's also important to let your doctor know if you notice changes in your cognitive abilities. For example, you might be experiencing cognitive changes if you're: forgetting things more than you used to having difficulty finding the right words to express yourself finding it more challenging to keep up with conversations or familiar activities showing signs of impaired judgment or decision making skills finding it harder to navigate social relationships receiving less positive evaluations at school or work If you notice changes in your memory, concentration, or other cognitive abilities, let your doctor know. They may use one or more tests to check for cognitive decline. Identify the cause of changes If you experience cognitive decline, your doctor may use one or more tests to identify the cause of those changes. SPMS is one of many things that can affect your cognition. Other medical conditions, certain medications, or lifestyle factors may also impair your cognitive abilities. Your doctor's recommended treatment plan will depend on the cause of the cognitive changes. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychologist or other specialist for testing and treatment. Try cognition exercises and activities To manage cognitive symptoms of SPMS, a healthcare professional may advise cognitive rehabilitation exercises. Some 2020 research has found that implementing certain at-home, computer-based learning and memory techniques may help improve cognitive function in people with SPMS. Your doctor or specialist may also encourage you to participate in mentally stimulating activities. This may help build your cognitive reserves. For example, you might find it helpful to complete crossword puzzles, play card games, write poetry, or learn to play a musical instrument. If your doctor or specialist believes the cognitive changes are due to another medical condition, they may recommend other treatments to manage it. If they think the cognitive changes are a side effect of medication that you're taking, they may advise changes to your treatment plan. They may also advise you to make changes to your diet, exercise routine, or sleep habits. An overall healthy lifestyle is important for supporting your physical and mental health. Make small changes to your daily habits Tweaking your daily habits may help you manage changes to your cognitive abilities. For example, it might help to: Make more time for rest and take breaks when you feel fatigued or distracted. Focus on one thing at a time and limit the amount of multitasking that you do. Reduce background noise and other distractions when you're trying to concentrate. Use an agenda, journal, or note-taking app to keep track of upcoming appointments, to-do lists, important ideas, and other information. Set alerts on your smartphone to remind yourself about important dates, deadlines, or daily tasks. If you're finding it difficult to manage your responsibilities, you may need to scale back on commitments at work, school, or in your personal life. If you can no longer work due to the cognitive effects of SPMS, let your doctor know. They may refer you to a social worker or other professional who can help you learn if you're eligible for government-sponsored disability benefits.
