Walter Updegrave
Walter Updegrave
236 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
Why Buying and Holding Stocks Is Still the Best Strategy
Long-term investors who stick with broad-market index funds like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust or Vanguard S&P 500 ETF often outperform active traders, as most mutual funds and hedge funds fail to beat the S&P 500 over time
How to Prepare for a Possible Stock Market Crash
With the S&P 500 up 14% so far in 2026, investors face rising anxiety over high valuations, persistent inflation, and AI-driven uncertainty-prompting many to build cash reserves in case a market downturn creates new buying opportunities
This time-tested valuation metric should not be overlooked
The S&P 500's CAPE ratio has climbed to 41, more than double its historical average, raising concerns about future returns and the risk of a sharp market correction as stocks trade near record highs despite persistent economic headwinds
Cisco Systems Squeezed by Rising Memory Chip Costs Despite Record Revenue
Cisco Systems posted record quarterly revenue and earnings, but its stock dropped as soaring memory chip costs eroded margins, highlighting how supply chain pressures can hit even industry leaders and ripple through major stock indexes
S&P 500 Second-Quarter Earnings Report: Strong Growth Driven by Energy and Tech Giants
S&P 500 companies posted their strongest quarterly earnings growth since 2021, with energy and tech giants like Alphabet and Amazon driving results. Find out which sectors led the surge and what it means for investors as market expectations shift
9 Retirement Cities Near National Parks Offering Outdoor Access and Practical Amenities
Retirees seeking affordable living near national parks can find cities that combine outdoor recreation with strong healthcare, tax advantages, and lower costs-without sacrificing access to airports or cultural amenities
Jamie Dimon Warns of High Market Leverage and Margin Debt Risks
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon is sounding the alarm on record-high margin debt and hidden leverage in the stock market, raising concerns about the risk of a sharp downturn if investor optimism fades
What to Do After Receiving a $50,000 Inheritance: Expert Advice
A $50,000 inheritance can help pay off high-interest debt, build emergency savings, or fund long-term goals-but experts warn that impulsive spending or letting cash sit idle can erode its value and limit its impact
Comparing ARK Space & Defense Innovation ETF and Tema Space Innovators ETF
Two space-focused ETFs charge the same 0.75% fee but differ sharply in sector exposure, liquidity, and concentration risk-especially in their allocations to SpaceX-raising key questions for investors seeking growth beyond Earth
If a Stock Market Crash Is Coming, Warren Buffett Says Investors Should Make This 1 Move Right Now
With the S&P 500 and Nasdaq at record highs and key valuation metrics flashing red, investors face mounting warnings of a potential market downturn-yet history suggests that staying invested may offer the best odds for long-term growth
The Single Most Important Trait for Successful Long-Term Investing
Long-term investing success depends less on picking stocks and more on maintaining patience and discipline-traits that help investors avoid costly mistakes and benefit from decades of compounding returns
July Inflation Slows as AI Chip Stocks Surge
U.S. inflation edged up just 0.1% in July, easing to 3.4% year over year, while memory chip stocks like Micron Technology and SK Hynix soared on renewed AI demand forecasts, shifting market expectations for Fed rate moves
Iowa City: A Top Retirement Destination with Low Cost of Living and Rich Cultural Life
Retirees considering Iowa City can benefit from a cost of living 6% below the U.S. average, affordable healthcare, and tax breaks on Social Security and retirement income, all while enjoying a vibrant arts and cultural scene
Homosassa Springs: An Affordable and Nature-Filled Retirement Destination
With average home values around $234,000 and a cost of living 12% below the U.S. average, Homosassa Springs draws retirees seeking lower housing costs, no state income tax, and year-round access to Florida's waterways and wildlife
Bear Markets Are Buying Opportunities for Long-Term Investors
Bear markets have historically cut the S&P 500 by about a third, but data shows most recoveries outpace losses within two years, offering disciplined investors a chance to build long-term wealth if they can withstand short-term volatility
