Walter Updegrave
Walter Updegrave
153 articlesEditor
Personal Finance Columnist
Robert Hale writes about retirement, investing, savings, credit, insurance, and consumer protection with a practical, skeptical voice focused on ordinary households.
Latest articles by Walter Updegrave
Stock Market Valuations Reach Dubious Highs Amid Historical Precedents
U.S. stock valuations have soared to levels seen only a handful of times since 1871, raising concerns about short-term downside risk even as long-term investors weigh the lessons of past market cycles
Why Retire in Hialeah, Florida: Affordable Living with Rich Culture and Healthcare Access
Retirees in Hialeah, Florida, benefit from lower healthcare costs, a strong Hispanic community, and a cost of living 6% below Miami's, but face higher property taxes and housing prices above the national average
Here's How Much You'd Need to Invest in SCHD to Generate $1,000 per Month in Dividends
To earn $1,000 in monthly dividends from the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF, investors would need to commit over $360,000-far less than what's required for a similar payout from an S&P 500 index fund, but not without trade-offs
S&P 500 Faces August Headwinds as Election and Fed Moves Loom
With the S&P 500 historically dropping an average of 18% in midterm election years and the Federal Reserve expected to raise rates, investors face heightened volatility as August approaches amid inflation and geopolitical risk
Tariff Refunds Could Boost Cash Flow for Major U.S. Retailers
A Supreme Court decision could trigger up to $175 billion in tariff refunds for U.S. companies, potentially strengthening the cash positions of import-heavy retailers and influencing their investment, debt, and shareholder strategies
Kevin Warsh Did Not Impress the Bond Market -- 30-Year Yields Are Up to 5.2%. Here's What This Might Mean for Investors in These 2 ETFs.
Despite Kevin Warsh's hawkish rhetoric as Fed Chair, the FOMC's decision to hold rates steady and his nuanced comments have left investors questioning the Fed's resolve, sending 30-year Treasury yields above 5.2%
Bill Ackman's Simple $1,000 Investing Strategy
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman outlines a practical approach for new investors with $1,000, emphasizing low debt, businesses you respect, and a long-term mindset-key factors that can help avoid common pitfalls and market shocks
How to Prepare Your Portfolio for a Recession
With inflation at 3.5% and the Federal Reserve signaling more rate hikes, investors face renewed recession risk. Learn how to build a cash buffer, maintain diversification, and keep your investment plan on track during market volatility
30-Year Treasury Bond Yields Jump Following Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's News Conference
Long-term Treasury yields spiked to 5.23% after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's latest remarks, raising questions about the Fed's inflation strategy and putting pressure on bond investors to reconsider risk and duration
3 Things Every Successful Passive Income Investor Has in Common
Passive income investors who focus on long-term holding, regular investment schedules, and broad diversification can build more resilient portfolios and reduce the risk of major losses from market swings or company-specific setbacks
Amazon and Apple Diverge Sharply After Earnings, Shaping Market Direction
Amazon's stock soared nearly 15% on robust AWS growth and strong Q2 revenue, while Apple shares dropped over 9% after cautious guidance and supply chain issues, sending mixed signals to investors and moving the Dow in opposite directions
Major Food Cities That Also Work for Retirement
Retirees seeking vibrant dining scenes and strong community amenities may find value in cities where restaurant density, walkability, and local culture align with practical retirement needs
Till debt do us part: 78% of Americans say a partner with debt is a dating dealbreaker
A new survey finds that 78% of Americans consider a partner's short-term debt a dealbreaker for dating, with nearly half unwilling to accept $25,000 or more and most expecting open conversations about debt within six months
Housing Debt Declines With Age, But Doesn't Vanish
Many Americans enter retirement still owing over $100,000 on their homes, forcing them to balance mortgage payments with reduced income and rising healthcare costs as they age
How Much Should Parents Save in an Emergency Fund?
Parents face higher odds of unexpected expenses, from medical bills to childcare gaps. Learn how to size your emergency fund, what costs to consider, and practical strategies to build savings even on a tight budget
