Southern Europe tends to suit those looking for warmer climates and a better cost profile, while northern Europe works for those seeking better infrastructure and public services, which often come at a higher price. Here are Investopedia’s top 12 European countries to consider for retiring abroad.

Austria

Austria offers a refined Central European setting with high living standards and a well-preserved cultural heritage. Vienna and Salzburg consistently rank high on “best cities to live” lists, including Investopedia’s. Strong public transportation, safety and culture make these cities desirable.

While German is Austria’s official language, English is widely spoken, with Austria ranking highly in English proficiency. The country ranks highest on our list of international retirement locations for English proficiency, as well as for the expat community as a percentage of the total population.

The best way to become a resident is through independent income or investment. And while healthcare is strong and there are public and private options, the one drawback is cost. Austria is a moderately expensive country and not the most affordable option in Europe.

Belgium

Belgium’s location provides easy access to France, Germany and the Netherlands, with its rail system making travel straightforward. English is widely spoken, particularly in the larger cities, like Brussels and Antwerp.

Retirees will need to apply for a long-stay resident permit, which would include showing financial means and health insurance. The healthcare system is also strong in Belgium, supported by mandatory healthcare coverage. Tax rates are high in Belgium, especially when compared to central and southern Europe.

Denmark

Denmark is always highly ranked in lists of the world’s happiest countries, generally attributed to its strong social safety nets and public services. It also ranks highly in Europe for English proficiency, making it easier to adapt.

To achieve residency, you’d have to show that you are financially self-sufficient or have family connections. While the cost of living and taxes are high, you benefit from universal healthcare and other strong social services. Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is known for its excellent infrastructure, including walkability and cycling.

Finland

Finland ranks highly for safety and security and is also among the happiest places in the world, thanks to its strong social support systems, public services, and high quality of life.

Healthcare is available to all through the subsidized public healthcare system. If you’re worried about taxes, the country has a tax treaty with the U.S. that prevents double taxation on retirement income. While these benefits help in retirement, the one drawback is Finland’s climate. Winters are long with few hours of daylight, which can greatly impact mood and outdoor activities.

Germany

Germany is the largest economy in Europe. It offers strong infrastructure (the highest on our list), public services, and solid healthcare. Americans can usually live in the country through residence permits related to financial independence or family reunification.

Germany ranks highly for English proficiency, especially in larger cities like Berlin and Hamburg. The country has a tax treaty with the U.S. to avoid double taxation. Winters in Germany can also be difficult, with shorter daylight hours and grey weather, particularly in the north.

Greece

One of Greece’s main draws is its Mediterranean lifestyle, which includes access to the sea and warm weather. Greece is also an affordable option for retirees. In fact, the average cost of living in Greece is about half that of the U.S.25 In our list of international retirement locations, Greece scores extremely high on the rent index and local purchasing power.

There are a few options for residency, including property-based investment visas and financial independence permits. Greece also has a special tax setup that allows some foreign retirees to pay a flat tax on retirement income. English is also widely spoken in many of the tourist areas and larger cities, making it easier to adjust.

Greece offers the Financially Independent Person (FIP) visa, which requires a specific monthly income from a passive source.

Ireland

As an English-speaking nation, Ireland is an easier transition for Americans than many other countries on this list. Additionally, the countries have had strong historical cultural ties, and citizenship is available to many with Irish ancestry.

Residency in Ireland is based on a stamp program, with each stamp defining the conditions of your stay, such as your right to work, study, or live in the country. The country offers public and private health insurance, like most European countries, so foreigners have options.

One of the main drawbacks for Ireland is housing costs, though mainly in Dublin, which is one of the more expensive cities in the category in Europe. However, on our list of international places to retire, Ireland ranks the highest on the Global Peace Index, which means it is one of the safest and most secure locations. It also has the second-highest expat community as a percentage of total population on our list.

Italy

Italy has a lot to offer. From the sea to beautiful landscapes, cities such as Rome and Florence are rich with history and great cuisine. Regions like Tuscany, Sicily, and Puglia are popular with foreigners.

The country has an elective residence visa for individuals who can show passive income and healthcare through the nation’s national health system. Living costs vary widely depending on the region. The north tends to be more expensive, while the south is more affordable.

Norway

Norway consistently ranks highly for quality of life, healthcare, and financial stability. The country is known for its excellent healthcare, which is publicly funded, and strong infrastructure.

Residency requirements are tougher than in southern Europe, with the need to demonstrate significant financial resources. One of the main factors is cost, as Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. On our list of international retirement locations, it scores the lowest on the grocery index.

Portugal

Portugal is one of the most popular places for tourism amongst Americans, as well as one of the most considered places for retirement. The D7 visa allows people with passive income to apply for residency, and the financial threshold is below that of many other European countries.

The country has tax agreements with the U.S. to prevent double taxation, healthcare is accessible, and the country is relatively affordable, not to mention its wonderful weather and coasts on the Atlantic Ocean. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and the major cities. The country is also very affordable, ranking highly on our list for local purchasing power.

Spain

Spain is known for its beautiful weather, stunning cities, excellent food culture, and strong healthcare, all of which make it an attractive option for retirees. The country offers a non-lucrative visa, which allows for residency for those with a solid financial profile.

The cost of living is significantly lower than that of the U.S., and its healthcare system is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world.

Sweden

Sweden has great healthcare access, environmental quality, and public infrastructure. English is widely spoken throughout the country. Resident requirements usually include proof of financial stability and health insurance.

Taxes and the cost of living are high when compared to southern Europe, but the country’s strong public services, cleanliness and safety make it a popular choice. As with all the Nordic countries, the climate is a drawback. While summers are pleasant, winters are long and dark.

Best International Places to Retire Methodology

To create the list of winners above for our Best International Places to Retire, Investopedia’s researchers conducted competitive analysis and general research across the internet to identify 40 countries to conduct comprehensive research. We then broke down those countries into three regions: Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.

Each country was evaluated based on many important overarching factors, including affordability, visas and benefits, and health care. Each of these categories had individual criteria, which we gathered data on. We gathered information from individual country government websites as well as intergovernmental organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank, and United Nations (UN).

After scoring each country against these criteria, we combined the results into an overall score out of 100. The Investopedia editorial staff then reviewed the top 40 countries to determine which were the best according to each region’s best overall scores.

Overall, the research process lasted from Jan. 30 to Feb. 9, 2026. We analyzed 38 total and 31 weighted criteria. During this process, we collected 1,520 unique data points.

Data Collection and Scoring

We scored every place on a 0 to 100 point scale so that all the data could be compared easily and fairly. Any criterion with only two possible outcomes was scored as either 0 or 100. Criteria that fell along a range were scored by setting the lowest value to 0 and the highest to 100. If a criterion had several possible outcomes, we assigned each one a specific value between 0 and 100. Any data point that was not disclosed received a score of 0.

Best International Places to Retire Evaluation Categories

Affordability

Affordability carries the most weight of any category in our best international places to retire rankings at 35% because it’s important that retirees have a clear picture of their cost of living in the country that they choose to retire to. While researching each country, we gathered data from places such as the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as well as cost of living studies on Numbeo.

We looked at metrics such as the property tax rate, mortgage as a percentage of each country’s income, local purchasing power index, rent index, grocery index, and restaurant index. Each of these criteria helps paint a picture of how much each country costs and how far incomes go by measuring everyday expenses like groceries and dining out, as well as higher costs such as mortgage payments and housing affordability.

Visas and Benefits

Even though affordability is top-of-mind for retirees, being able to relocate to the country of their choice is also important. At 20% of the overall score, visas and retirement benefits reflect how straightforward it is for a retiree to stay in a country long term. We looked at official government websites to assess retirement and golden visas, as well as dual citizenship availability, visa-free duration, and whether or not each country offers specific benefits.

Healthcare

Another major factor in choosing the best place to retire abroad is a country’s health care system. We evaluated access to health care and weighted it at 16% of the overall score. To find a reliable way of measuring health care between countries, we used the WHO’s International Health Regulations core capacity scores as well as the density of doctors, nurses, and dentists in each country. We also evaluated OECD life expectancy data for another measure of each country’s overall population health.

Accessibility

Besides costs, visas, and health, we measured accessibility, which was 13% of the overall score, to determine how connected each country is to the U.S., as well as how restricted each country is. We analyzed FlightConnections data to find the number of airports with direct flights to the U.S. in each country. We also evaluated the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index to determine how strong the overall infrastructure is.

Additionally, we incorporated data from the UN on the total expat population and the percentage of expats of the total population. We also scored EF’s English Proficiency Index to reflect the levels of how well each country reads, speaks, listens to, and writes English.

Quality of Life

Another factor that retirees choose countries to live in is based on how much they feel supported with safety and being comfortable. To assess this, we weighted quality of life 11% of the overall score. We incorporated metrics such as the Global Peace Index and U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory levels to help measure safety and security in each country.

We also evaluated natural disaster data from Our World In Data, which captures economic and mortality trends related to environmental disasters. Additionally, we measured the number of culturally significant historical sites from the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Governance

The stability of the political climate, as well as how well the government operates in each country, is also important in some retirement decisions, as it can help in creating a better quality of life. We weighted governance at 5% of the overall score and used the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators, which measure voice and accountability, political stability, regulatory quality, and control of corruption, to measure this.

The Bottom Line

Retirement in Europe can look very different depending on where you choose, with differences in climate, cuisine, English proficiency, costs, and more. Countries like Portugal, Spain, and Greece offer warmer climates and a relatively lower cost of living, while northern European countries, such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, come with more safety and better infrastructure. As a result, they’re more costly and also have more demanding climates, especially in winter.

The choice depends on the type of lifestyle you’re looking for. Some may prioritize climate while others prioritize healthcare and infrastructure. All the countries on our list, except for Austria, offer dual citizenship. For people willing to navigate the challenges that come with moving and living abroad, Europe can provide a new adventure for their non-working years.

Gen Z isn’t just using social media to scroll; they’re using it to build their careers. Zety’s Gen Z Misinfluence Report shows platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have become central to how this generation navigates work, from discovering job opportunities to making major professional decisions.

But this shift comes with a tradeoff. While social media is unlocking faster, more accessible career pathways, it’s also exposing Gen Z to a wave of bad career advice—creating a new tension between opportunity and risk in the modern job search.

Key Findings

• The trust gap: All Gen Z respondents (100%) use social media for career advice, with nearly half (45%) trusting creators and influencers more than traditional recruiters or career coaches.
• The cost of “misinfluence”: Despite high trust levels, a staggering 94% of Gen Z admit to following viral career advice that was misleading or negatively impacted their job search.
• Social media as a job board: 69% of Gen Z have successfully secured a job through Instagram and 28% have done so through TikTok.
• The “vibe check” recruitment barrier: Almost all (99%) of Gen Z research a company’s social media before applying, and 63% will walk away if the content feels “overly polished” or inauthentic.

Every year you let your policy auto-renew, your insurer quietly pockets the difference. No phone call. No warning. Just a slow bleed that costs drivers like you up to $1,100 annually — for the exact same coverage.

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Over 10 million drivers already use it. It’s 4.7 stars on Trustpilot. It won’t sell your info to telemarketers. And it costs you absolutely nothing to check.

The only question is: how long have you already been overpaying?

The Rise of the Social Media Career Coach

Social media has become the ultimate career counselor for Gen Z. All respondents (100%) report using social platforms for career advice or tips. Further, 45% say they trust career advice from social media more than traditional sources (career coaches, recruiters, etc.).

When seeking out advice, Gen Z strongly prefers highly visual and creator-led platforms:

• YouTube (80%)
• Instagram (73%)
• Facebook (40%)
• X (Twitter) (38%)
• TikTok (32%)
• Reddit (30%)
• LinkedIn (26%)

What this means: Career influence is becoming more decentralized, with creators shaping how Gen Z defines success, growth, and opportunity. This shift raises important questions about how credibility is evaluated when guidance is driven by reach and engagement rather than formal expertise.

Viral Advice Is Driving Major Life Decisions (and Mistakes)

Consumption of social media career advice is driving major career shifts. Based on tips they’ve seen online, Gen Z workers report taking the following real-world actions:

• Changed industries or fields (60%)
• Started a side hustle (41%)
• Quit their job (36%)
• Began freelancing or gig work (31%)
• Negotiated pay (27%)
• Enrolled in a course or certification program to build skills (16%)

Relying on unverified viral content comes with severe risks, however. Despite placing immense trust in these platforms, a staggering 94% of Gen Z admit they have followed social media career advice that proved to be misleading or harmful to their job search.

What this means: Career decisions are increasingly influenced by fast-moving content cycles, where visibility can outweigh accuracy. As a result, missteps aren’t isolated—they scale quickly, amplifying the impact of poor advice across a large audience.

Gen Z’s Job Search Playbook

When it comes to building professional connections and finding open roles, traditional networking is taking a back seat. With 98% of Gen Z effectively using social platforms to land jobs, this generation is bypassing professional sites in favor of everyday consumer apps.

Respondents report successfully securing a job or internship through social media platforms such as:

• Instagram (69%)
• Facebook (39%)
• X (Twitter) (36%)
• Reddit (30%)
• TikTok (28%)

The following platforms are also used to network:

• Instagram (74%)
• Facebook (38%)
• Reddit (33%)
• TikTok (29%)
• X (Twitter) (28%)

What this means: The job search is blending into everyday digital behavior, making career discovery more continuous and less intentional. This evolution expands access to opportunities while also increasing competition in spaces that weren’t traditionally designed for hiring.

The ‘Vibe Check’ and What Deters Gen Z From Employers

For companies trying to recruit younger workers, it’s crucial to maintain a positive social media presence. The data shows that nearly all (99%) of Gen Z workers use social media to research a company before applying.

These are the biggest social media red flags that can quickly turn Gen Z candidates away:

• Overly polished or inauthentic marketing content (63%)
• Posts with political or controversial statements unrelated to the job (59%)
• Inconsistent or confusing messaging across company platforms (44%)
• Negative comments from customers, clients, or previous employees (24%)
• Excessive focus on perks or superficial achievements over meaningful work (22%)

What this means: Candidates are evaluating companies through a lens of consistency, tone, and transparency across platforms. Small signals, like mismatched messaging or overly curated content, can influence perception early and shape whether a company feels worth engaging with.

Beyond the Scroll: The New Professional Reality

As social media continues to shape how Gen Z approaches work, the challenge moving forward isn’t just access to information; it’s making sense of it.

For both job seekers and employers, success will depend on navigating an environment where influence is constant, feedback is immediate, and perceptions are formed long before any formal interaction takes place.

Methodology

The findings presented are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by Zety on February 23, 2026.

The survey collected responses from 919 Gen Z workers and examined their use of social media for career guidance, networking, job searching, skill-building, and decision-making, including the real-world actions taken based on advice found on digital platforms.

They answered different types of questions, including yes/no; open-ended, scale-based questions, where respondents indicated their level of agreement with statements; and multiple-choice, where they could select from a list of provided options.

All participants were screened to ensure they were currently residing in the U.S., actively employed, and part of the Gen Z generation (aged 18–27) at the time of the survey.

When Beth Kobliner first published Get a Financial Life in 1996, publishers told her no one would buy it. “They’re having too much fun. They’re too young. They’re enjoying life,” she recalls them saying of her peers. Thirty years later, the book has helped half a million people get a handle on their money, and the fifth edition is out now, updated for a generation navigating a financial world that looks nothing like the one their parents came up in.

Here are the most important personal finance tips from her recent conversation with Jean Chatzky on the HerMoney podcast.

The Personal Finance Tips That Haven’t Changed Much

When it comes to the core personal finance tips that have worked over the last three decades, Kobliner is refreshingly straightforward. “In many ways, I can safely say that a lot of the fundamentals are very similar. The idea of maxing out your retirement plans, making sure to be well invested in the market, and reducing your expenses, all of those things that might sound tried and true and boring, are what have worked over the last thirty years.”

She’s seen plenty of trends come and go, but her position hasn’t wavered. “Even though there’s this concern like, ‘No, no, no, this time it’s worse,’ certainly over many, many decades, index funds, index ETFs have been the place to be.”

Taking Care of Yourself Is the Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Kids

For Gen X women who are bankrolling their adult children while neglecting their own retirement, Kobliner has a message: “You have to say, ‘I’m going to put myself first,’ because taking care of your own finances will help you and ultimately won’t be a burden on your kids.”

She goes further: “You have to prioritize yourself before trying to make your kid’s life even better. You gave them a lot as a parent, but you have to put yourself first because ultimately that will help your kids.”

The Financial Mistake Both Jean and Beth Wish They Hadn’t Made

Jean Chatzky reflects on her own biggest financial regret: “I should have started investing much sooner. I left too much money in cash for way too long and missed out on a lot of growth because of it.”

For Kobliner, it was procrastinating on automation. “One of the biggest mistakes was not signing up for everything automatically. I would go around saying, ‘Take 10% out of your paycheck and put it right into your savings account.’ And it took me a really long time before I actually signed up for it.”

But the good news, she says, is that it’s never too late to see results. “My most joy comes from when I meet someone in their 50s or 60s, and they say, ‘I have your book, and I was young, and I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t afford it, but I forced myself to put in $100 a month, and now I have $400,000.’”

Her conclusion, after thirty years of watching people navigate their money? “Slow and steady may not sound sexy, but it does win the long-term financial race.”

Whether you are looking to upgrade your summer vacations with a prime waterfront property, settle into a comfortable retirement residence, or want to add a rental property to your portfolio, Miami is an excellent destination for buying a secondary property.

And this isn’t just promotional narrative, but a real trend backed by data.

According to the latest residential real estate report by Altrata, Miami is the city in which the largest number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals own a second home in the world, with more than 13,200 such homeowners.

If you are planning on pulling the trigger and buying a second home in Miami, here are five top tips that can help you make a good investment.

Do your homework on Miami’s different neighbourhoods

While Miami is a city that has it all, including beaches and waterfront enclaves, leafy residential pockets, nightlife and entertainment districts, shopping corridors, and fine dining scenes, these lifestyle elements are highly fragmented across its neighborhoods.

Even though its geographical area is relatively compact, Miami’s neighborhood dynamics are very distinct. For this reason, it is key you have a clear motivation for buying a second home and match it with a neighborhood that is suitable for that specific purpose.

For example, if you are looking for a waterfront retreat to spend your summers in, lively beachfront and walkable neighborhoods like Brickell or Edgewater are a natural fit.

On the other hand, neighborhoods like Coconut Grove or Coral Gables would make a much better option for a quiet, residential retirement life than high-density urban areas.

Finally, if you are looking to capitalize on the high-demand short-term Miami rental market, you want to be looking at tourist-driven areas like Downtown or Miami Beach.

Don’t neglect the benefits of condo ownership

Beyond being careful when choosing the neighbourhood you want to buy a home in, another equally critical decision you need to make early in the process is to choose whether to invest in a single-family home.

Now, many buyers tend to naturally lean towards single-family homes by default, as this type of property offers some well-known and clear advantages, such as added space, privacy, and independence. And while they make sense for a primary residence, these advantages are not exactly what’s needed most for a second home.

The benefits of owning a condo, on the other hand, tend to align much better with second-home ownership, especially if you want to use it as a vacation house or a rental property.

If you don’t plan on living in your second home all year round, having someone else to maintain it, keep it secure, and manage any issues that arise can be a huge convenience and worth taking into account.

Understand the HOA rules before you commit

The HOA rules, or condo association rules, are a set of standards established by the unit owners with the aim of maintaining order in the building. While these rules are put in place for the good of the owners, sometimes they can be a bit restrictive and misalign with the plans a prospective buyer may have for the property.

For example, some condo associations place restrictions on using a condo as a rental property, or require owners to hold the unit for a certain number of years before allowing them to lease it out. Others may limit the number of days that a unit can be used as a short-term rental, or prohibit Airbnb-style rentals altogether.

If you are intending on buying a second home in Miami for the purpose of renting it out, you’ll need to check the condo’s HOA rules for any rules that may conflict with your intentions.

Don’t overlook the impact of travelling costs

Calculating the true cost of ownership is a fundamental practice that most of the successful investors rely on to figure out the real value of their investment.

As you can imagine, a property’s listing price is only the beginning, and buying a second home in Miami comes with a range of additional costs, including closing fees, taxes, condo association fees, insurance, utilities, and potentially other expenses that can affect your budget.

However, one cost that even experienced investors sometimes overlook or downplay is the cost of travelling to the property and back to your primary home. Depending on where you’re based and how often you plan on visiting your second home, travel costs can have a noticeable impact on your overall budget.

For this reason, you want to make sure you plan for these costs in advance and include them in your overall cost of ownership.

Buy a property that will appreciate in the long term

As we established earlier, there are many different motivations for buying a second home in Miami. However, regardless of whether you want to retire in Miami, want to make your vacations more hassle-free, or tap into its competitive rental market, you need to treat this purchase as an investment, and not just a lifestyle decision.

In other words, you need to look beyond the immediate appeal of the property and consider factors that can influence its long-term value.

One of the best ways to guarantee a stable performance and strong long-term appreciation for your second home is to look at branded luxury residences, such as the stunning Casa Bella Miami.

These condominiums hold the prime locations, are built and designed to the highest standards, and feature lavish resort-style amenities that retirees, vacationers, and renters love and enjoy.

The U.S. economy added a robust 172,000 jobs in May, a sign that the labor market remained resilient despite a growing energy and inflation crisis triggered by the ongoing war with Iran.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.3%.

While hiring is solid, there’s growing concern about wages lagging the rate of price growth. Average hourly earnings rose 3.4% from a year ago. According to Jennifer Timmerman, an analyst at the Wells Fargo Investment Institute, that’s the lowest since 2021. In April, inflation sharply jumped to a 3.8%, its highest level in three years, due to the surging price of gasoline and the resulting economic ripple effect.

“We believe this foreshadows a loss of momentum in consumer spending (especially discretionary outlays) in the coming months,” she added.

The government will release the May inflation report next week.

Since the United States and Israel launched the war with Iran on Feb. 28, the average price of retail gasoline has soared more than 40% as the price of U.S. crude oil increased more than 35%.

Given the relative strength of the jobs market, it’s looking more likely that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates this year in a bid to put a lid on inflation.

After the report, U.S. government bond yields surged and stocks sold off. Fed rate futures also quickly indicated that traders are now projecting a more than 60% chance of a rate hike in October and a more than 98% chance by December’s Fed meeting.

The Fed will make its next interest rate decision June 17, during Kevin Warsh’s first meeting as chair. President Donald Trump, who appointed Warsh, has been pushing for lower rates.

“If Chair Warsh pushes for cuts at his first meeting, he will be pushing against the evidence,” said Seema Shah, chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management.

An economic divide

The White House was quick to cast the otherwise strong report as a victory.

“I think that basically what we’re seeing is an enormous amount of positive momentum in hiring,” Kevin Hassett, the director of the National Economic Council, said on CNBC Friday morning.

Asked about wage growth tracking below inflation, Hassett deflected concerns on Bloomberg Television, saying that “real wages are going up on average about $3,000 since President Trump took office.”

Once again, some of the largest contributors to job growth in May were the education and healthcare sectors. They have largely driven labor market gains over the last year.

There was also a surprise gain of jobs in the leisure and hospitality industry. May’s increase of 70,000 jobs was “well above the average monthly gain of 14,000 over the prior 12 months,” BLS said.

PNC Bank chief economist Gus Faucher noted that “the breadth of job growth has picked up in 2026.” He added that “in 2025 there were net job losses in all industries outside of healthcare, but in 2026 those industries are seeing net job growth.”

Local government also saw job gains.

Some of the weakest sectors in May included financial services, which shed 22,000 jobs, and the transportation/warehousing industry. That sector is “down by 92,000 [jobs]since reaching a peak in February 2025,” the agency said.

There was good news in revised numbers for previous months, too. BLS also said that employment in March and April was revised up by 93,000. Employment in March was revised up 29,000 and April was revised up by 64,000 roles.

Fed officials have signaled their wariness about the trajectory of the economy in recent weeks.

“If recent data trends continue, it may soon be appropriate for policy to act to address the growing risks of persistently elevated inflation,” Beth Hammack, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, said Tuesday. Hammack is a voter on the Fed’s interest rate-setting committee. She added that “monetary policy may not be sufficiently restrictive to bring inflation down to 2%.”

But more troubling for economists is the 55% rise in the price of diesel fuel, which is used in shipping, farming, transportation and construction. It can quickly raise costs for consumers as the higher price is passed down across a number of industries.

Wholesale inflation — what businesses pay other businesses for goods and services — surged to 6% in April, according to BLS data released May 13. That was sharply higher than the 4.3% in March.

“If we wait for definitive evidence that high inflation has become embedded in the economy, it may require larger policy adjustments, at greater cost,” Hammack added.

Fed governor Lisa Cook, likewise, said last week in a speech: “I want to be clear about my risk assessment: The risks remain tilted toward higher inflation.”

Cook also said trillions of dollars of artificial intelligence investments could cause another price shock. Over the course of the last year, the prices of data center equipment, computer memory and chips have soared.

Retirement can bring an influx of free time, a well-earned break after dealing with the demands of professional life. For some retirees, the arrival of retirement can be like a trip to a buffet of leisure activities; for others, it’s natural to see blank space on the calendar and wonder how to fill it.

Getting a sense of the income needed in retirement can help guide people to fill up their cups with what will bring them joy. Americans are actively working toward their retirement savings goals, with the average amount standing at $491,022. Some in their 60s are already retirement millionaires, with the average saver in that group holding over $1.1 million.

Retirement can also change daily spending habits, which can call back to another time people’s incomes took a sudden turn. Consumers saw a shift in spending during the pandemic, with early income gains contributing to more disposable income.1 Similarly, people in retirement who used to have daily expenses that are no longer relevant — commuting, professional apparel, daily coffee runs — can free up those dollars to spend elsewhere.

As retirees consider putting their dollars toward things they’d been putting off or saving up for, it’s a balance of making the fun — and funds — last.

1. Explore the world

Travel like there’s no tomorrow

The golden years may be time for travel to shine: Some 13% of Americans say they’re delaying big travel plans until they retire, according to Empower research.

If people haven’t already put together a “bucket list” of travel destinations, retirement is a great time to let the imagination run wild. The flexibility of being able to head off during a typical work week can unlock deals and leave wiggle room for longer stints like a road trip.

Empower findings show that 42% of people think traveling the world brings joy in retirement. Depending on money management and the power of compounding, older adults may have more to spend on trips than younger generations. From January to July this year, Baby Boomers spent a monthly average of $1,593 on travel, compared to Millennials, who spent $1,236.

Consider a new home

Without the commitment of an office commute or daily drop-offs, people may also want to set down new roots in retirement. Some could hold on to their empty-nest home — the U.S. had over 20 million of them in 2022 — though moving in retirement can help meet essential needs as priorities change. Decisions like whether to buy or rent a home, or if relocating to an active-adult community makes sense are a good place to start in the search for a forever home.

2. Give back to others

Volunteering time

Empower research found that 25% of Americans think volunteering makes for a happy retirement. With more free time during the work week, retirees can find opportunities at places like animal shelters, hospitals, and outreach organizations. Just as the wider community benefits, volunteering can give people a sense of purpose and a chance to dive further into their hobbies like art or leverage skills from a previous career. Building relationships during retirement through mentoring can inspire younger generations and bring fulfillment by sharing years of workforce knowledge.

Making space for caregiving

The cost of daycare has been a growing concern for working parents. Families can pay a median of $44,000 in the U.S. to send one child to daycare for five years, and in several metro areas, that price can jump to over $100,000.

Grandparents are often seen as an alternative to daycare, and 20% of people with grandchildren under 18 care for one or more of them at least once a week. That number grows as the daily commitment drops: Close to half of grandparents (49%) care for a grandchild at least once every few months.

The freedom of retirement can align with childcare needs, and caregiving can benefit both the grandparents and wider family. In general, grandparents who saw their grandkids on a more regular basis were less likely to identify feelings of isolation.

3. Focus on well-being

Healthcare expenses in retirement can often jump with age, considering the potential for more doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, and long-term care. In addition to possible demand going higher, healthcare itself is expected to cost more, too. It’s been projected that the average annual growth in healthcare expenditures (5.6%) will outpace that of the U.S. gross domestic product (4.3%) through 2032.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is the number one chronic health condition among older adults, affecting more than three in five Americans age 65 and above. Keeping an eye on weight, stress, and exercise levels can help prevent the need for initial treatment and fend off the wider risks of heart disease and stroke. In 2019, people with high blood pressure paid $2,759 more in medical costs compared with people without the condition.

Americans stand behind the importance of staying fit, with a whopping 70% of people believing that health equals wealth.

4. Add a furry friend

Whether a person has been a lifelong pet parent or thinking about getting one, pets can boost mood and emotional health among older adults in particular. Regular walks for Fido can bring some structure to a daily schedule in retirement and promote more outdoor time.

Americans spent $318 a month on pet expenses in 2024, according to Empower Personal Dashboard data, and retirees can see this as an investment in companionship. Empower findings show that nearly all pet owners (94%) consider their pets family members.

5. Socialize with family and friends

No need to squeeze in meetups during peak lunch and dinner hours when there’s time to spare — retirement can bring flexibility to visit loved ones at a more leisurely pace. With inflation and economic uncertainty affecting decisions on dining out, traffic to U.S. restaurants has dropped 1.7% so far in 2025. However, some restaurants like McDonald’s and IHOP offer senior discounts to sweeten the meal.

Keep spending within retirement budget

When it comes to a retirement timeline, many people focus on time well spent. Empower research reveals that 48% of Americans would rather have a longer retirement period with less money, compared with retiring later in life with more.

Making sure retirement savings can fulfill those dreams is important at any age. Retirees should account for ways they’ll receive income during retirement, such as through Social Security and required minimum distributions from savings plans.

As people start tapping their retirement savings, being honest with their spending patterns in retirement will be essential to update a budget and make sure they’re still on track for retiring well.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant concept confined to science fiction. From recommendation systems on streaming platforms to advanced diagnostic tools in hospitals, AI is reshaping the way industries operate. The rise of technologies pioneered by organizations like OpenAI and Google DeepMind signals a broader transformation that is redefining careers across the globe.

For students standing at the crossroads of academic choices, the key question is no longer just “What do I want to be?” but “What skills will remain valuable in an AI-driven world?”

How AI Is transforming job roles

AI is not simply replacing jobs; it is redesigning them. In healthcare, doctors increasingly rely on AI-powered imaging systems to detect diseases earlier and more accurately. In finance, algorithms analyze market patterns in seconds, tasks that once took analysts days. Even creative fields such as marketing, journalism, and design now integrate AI tools to generate content, predict trends, and personalize customer experiences.

Rather than eliminating entire professions, AI is automating repetitive and data-heavy tasks. This shift allows professionals to focus on strategy, creativity, and human-centered decision-making. For example, accountants today use AI software for data processing but must interpret results, advise clients, and ensure regulatory compliance. Teachers use adaptive learning platforms but remain essential for mentorship and emotional support. The future workplace is not human versus machine; it is human plus machine.

The rise of interdisciplinary careers

One of the most significant changes AI brings is the blending of disciplines. Careers are no longer confined to narrow silos. A business graduate with data analytics skills, a biologist who can code, or a designer who understands machine learning principles holds a competitive advantage.

Fields such as data science, cybersecurity, robotics, and AI ethics are expanding rapidly. However, students do not necessarily need to major exclusively in “Artificial Intelligence” to succeed. Instead, combining a core discipline with technological literacy is often more powerful. For instance, a law student who understands AI regulations can specialize in technology law. A healthcare student with knowledge of health informatics can shape the future of digital medicine.
This interdisciplinary approach reflects the evolving demands of employers. Companies seek adaptable professionals who can bridge the gap between technical systems and real-world problems.

Future-Ready subjects to consider

Computer science and data analytics remain strong foundations in the AI era. Learning programming languages, understanding algorithms, and mastering statistics provide students with versatile tools applicable across industries. Engineering disciplines, particularly in robotics and automation, are also poised for continued growth.

At the same time, subjects rooted in human insight are becoming more valuable, not less. Psychology, communication, design, and ethics play a crucial role in ensuring AI systems are user-friendly, fair, and aligned with societal values. As debates around AI bias and data privacy intensify, expertise in ethics and public policy will become indispensable.
Business and entrepreneurship also deserve attention. As AI lowers barriers to innovation, students who understand market strategy, digital transformation, and product management can leverage AI tools to create new ventures. The future belongs not only to those who build technology but also to those who apply it creatively.

Adaptability as the ultimate skill

Perhaps the most important lesson for students is that no degree guarantees lifelong security. The pace of technological change means that continuous learning is essential. Micro-credentials, online certifications, and professional workshops are becoming part of a lifelong education model.

Critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and collaboration are durable skills that complement technical knowledge. Machines can process data, but they cannot replicate empathy, leadership, or complex ethical judgment. Students who cultivate both technical proficiency and human-centered skills will remain resilient amid change.

Choosing with vision, not fear

Career planning in the age of AI should not be driven by fear of automation but by awareness of opportunity. AI is a tool that amplifies human capability. Students should reflect on their interests and strengths while aligning them with emerging technological trends. By choosing adaptable fields, embracing interdisciplinary learning, and committing to continuous growth, they can build careers that thrive alongside intelligent machines.

The future of work is evolving rapidly, but it is also rich with possibility. With thoughtful planning and a willingness to adapt, today’s students can become tomorrow’s innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers in an AI-powered world.

The Rise of AI in Personal Finance

Over the last few years, financial technology companies have embraced AI to improve customer experiences and provide personalized financial solutions. Traditional financial management often required hours of research, manual budgeting, and consultations with financial experts. Today, AI can automate many of these tasks in seconds.

AI systems analyze massive amounts of financial data to identify patterns, predict trends, and offer recommendations tailored to individual users. This allows consumers to gain better control over their spending habits, investments, and long-term financial goals.

Smarter Budgeting and Expense Tracking

One of the biggest advantages of AI in personal finance is intelligent budgeting. Many finance apps now use AI to categorize expenses automatically and provide insights into spending behavior. Users can quickly identify unnecessary expenses and discover opportunities to save money.

AI-powered budgeting tools can also send real-time alerts when spending exceeds a preset limit. Instead of manually reviewing bank statements, consumers receive instant notifications and recommendations to stay on track financially.

These systems become more accurate over time because machine learning algorithms continuously learn from user behavior. As a result, budgeting becomes easier, faster, and more personalized.

AI-Powered Investment Platforms

Investing has traditionally been considered complex and intimidating for beginners. AI is changing that through robo-advisors and automated investment platforms. These tools analyze market trends, assess risk tolerance, and create customized investment portfolios for users.

Unlike traditional financial advisors, AI investment tools are available 24/7 and often charge lower fees. They can automatically rebalance portfolios and recommend investment adjustments based on market conditions.

This accessibility has encouraged more people to start investing earlier and build long-term wealth without requiring extensive financial knowledge.

Improved Fraud Detection and Security

Financial security is another area where AI is making a significant impact. Banks and financial institutions use AI systems to detect unusual transaction patterns and identify potential fraud in real time.

For example, if a transaction appears suspicious or differs from normal spending behavior, AI systems can instantly flag the activity and notify the account holder. This proactive approach helps reduce financial losses and improves overall account security.

As cyber threats continue to increase, AI-driven fraud prevention tools are becoming essential for protecting personal financial information.

Personalized Financial Advice

AI is also revolutionizing financial advice by making it more accessible and affordable. Virtual financial assistants can answer questions, provide loan recommendations, and guide users through important financial decisions.

Instead of generic advice, AI tools analyze income, expenses, savings goals, and debt levels to deliver personalized recommendations. Whether someone wants to save for a home, reduce debt, or improve credit scores, AI can offer strategies tailored to their financial situation.

Many mortgage and lending companies are also integrating AI into their services to simplify loan applications and approval processes.

Faster Loan and Mortgage Approvals

AI has significantly improved the lending process. Traditional loan approvals often involve paperwork, lengthy reviews, and manual verification. AI streamlines this process by analyzing financial data quickly and accurately.

Lenders can now assess creditworthiness faster, reducing approval times and improving customer experiences. AI models can evaluate spending habits, employment history, and repayment behavior to make more informed lending decisions.

This efficiency benefits both lenders and borrowers, making mortgages and personal loans more accessible to qualified applicants.

The Future of AI in Finance

The future of AI in personal finance looks incredibly promising. As AI technology becomes more advanced, consumers can expect even more personalized financial tools and predictive insights.

Voice-enabled financial assistants, advanced investment forecasting, and AI-driven financial education platforms are expected to become more common. These innovations will continue to simplify money management and empower individuals to make better financial decisions.

However, while AI offers many advantages, users should still exercise caution and maintain human oversight when making major financial decisions. Technology can assist with analysis and recommendations, but responsible financial planning still requires careful judgment.

Conclusion

AI is rapidly reshaping the world of personal finance by making financial management smarter, faster, and more accessible. From budgeting and investing to fraud detection and loan approvals, AI-powered tools are helping individuals take greater control of their financial future.

As technology continues to evolve, AI will likely become an even more important part of everyday financial decision-making. Those who embrace these innovations can benefit from improved financial awareness, greater convenience, and better long-term financial outcomes.

The early 2020s housing market created a unique level of competition. Bidding wars, waived contingencies, and offers tens of thousands over asking were standard in 2021 and 2022. To avoid missing out on a deal, buyers often felt forced to compromise some of their core real estate fundamentals.

While the market has clearly shifted in 2026, cooling significantly from the aforementioned pandemic era, buyers still face plenty of challenges. Home affordability is at an all-time low, the average 30-year mortgage rate is in the 6.3 to 6.5% range, and the latest Consumer Price Index showed a 0.9 percent increase across all items.

While these conditions are challenging, the dynamics of an individual home purchase have changed in ways that also create opportunities. Listings are sitting longer, inventory has rebuilt in many markets, and a growing share of sellers are negotiating on terms they would have refused outright a few years ago.

The competition that defined the COVID-era market has thinned out, and that has reshaped how deals are getting done. On a recent episode of the BiggerPockets Real Estate Podcast, hosts Dave Meyer and Henry Washington walked through the practical implications, including one buyer-side advantage that has emerged inside this shift.

“Most people are getting leverage during the inspection period,” Meyer said on the episode.

Buyers’ new leverage in 2026 housing market

Just a few years ago, negotiating down a home price over an inspection report may not have been an option. Aggressive buyers were often waiving the contingency and agreeing to take properties as-is. Typically the last real chance for a buyer to renegotiate or back out, the inspection process was much less of a leveraging point in 2021 and 2022.

That dynamic has flipped entirely, according to Meyer, who pointed to the inspection period as one of the strongest negotiating tools available to buyers right now. With listings sitting longer and fewer competing offers per home, sellers are increasingly willing to absorb the cost of repairs or hand back credits at closing rather than risk a deal falling apart and starting over.

A standard residential inspection runs roughly $300 to $600. The concessions a buyer can negotiate from the resulting report, such as repair credits, price reductions, or seller-paid fixes, can frequently run into the thousands — making it a major opportunity to save money.

“You’re actually going to probably make money by having an inspection,” Meyer said. “It’s gonna cost you $500, but you’re gonna get $5,000 back in concessions from the seller. Or they’re gonna fix something you would have had to come out of pocket for.”

This is one of those tangible opportunities buyers face in 2026 that may not have been there, or at least not as prominently, a few years ago.

Washington, who buys most of his properties off-market and has the experience to walk a house himself, was clear that this step is especially critical for first-time homebuyers and newer investors. Without an exceptionally trained eye, skipping an inspection not only eliminates potential discounts, but creates unnecessary risk.

“I’m my own inspector at this point, but it takes a lot of looking at houses, buying houses, renovating houses, and dispositioning those houses before you can feel as comfortable as I do doing that,” Washington said. “So if you’re not in that position, you should absolutely be getting an inspection.”

He added, “There are things you can miss with an inexperienced eye that can price your deal out of being profitable and put you in a very tough financial position.”

How new housing market shift impacts homebuyers

The inspection leverage point is a byproduct of broader changes Meyer has been tracking for months across BiggerPockets coverage, including a meaningful drop in investor sentiment and a corresponding rise in motivated seller behavior.

In BiggerPockets’ Q2 2026 Investor Pulse Survey, the community’s forward-looking Pulse Index dropped from 150 in Q1 to 112 in Q2, signaling that even active investors are recalibrating expectations heading into the second half of the year. That same softening is what gives buyers more room to negotiate.

“What we’re seeing in the market right now is actually what a lot of people want, which is discounted pricing, better negotiating leverage, better quality assets on sale,” Meyer told TheStreet in an exclusive interview last month.

This reinforces the belief that while broader conditions feel difficult on the surface, they actually reward disciplined buyers. The inspection mechanic is one of the cleanest illustrations of that point.

While challenges remain for real estate investors and everyday homebuyers in 2026, individual deals can be negotiated more effectively than five years ago. Buyers who understand this are pulling money out of transactions that would have been take-it-or-leave-it propositions in 2021.

And even in cases where an inspection does not generate notable profit, it can still create peace of mind that is equally valuable to many buyers.

“I will pay $300 to $600 for peace of mind all day long,” Washington said.

Key takeaways for real estate investors and everyday homebuyers

• The inspection period has shifted from buyer liability to buyer leverage: During the 2021-2022 market, inspection contingencies were routinely waived to win bidding wars. With competition thinned out in 2026, sellers are far more likely to negotiate concessions rather than restart a deal, according to Meyer.
• The cost-benefit math now favors getting the inspection: A standard residential inspection runs $300 to $600. The credits, repairs, or price reductions buyers can negotiate from the report frequently total several thousand dollars.
• First-time buyers and newer investors should not skip inspections: Washington noted that experienced operators can sometimes assess properties on their own, but for buyers without that background, an inspection in 2026 is one of the cheapest ways to protect a purchase and recover money.
• Broader affordability has not changed, but individual deal process has: Mortgage rates remain in the 6.3 to 6.5% range, home prices are still elevated in most metros, the CPI has jumped, and the path to homeownership remains steep for many Americans. The inspection leverage point is a tactical opening inside an otherwise difficult buying environment.

Economists have marveled this year at how resilient the American consumer has been, maintaining spending even as prices rise for necessities from gasoline to groceries.

In April personal spending was flat after a 0.5% increase a month earlier. But dig deeper into the numbers and it turns out this spending is being supported by consumers drawing down their savings – a trend that could put a dent in spending if prices continue their ascent.

The flat spending in April was accompanied by a decline in disposable income, while the savings rate (personal savings as a percentage of disposable income) fell to 2.6% – its lowest level since 2022. That was during the recovery from COVID-19.

“With inflation eating into income growth, consumers are increasingly drawing down savings to sustain spending,” Richard de Chazal, macro analyst at William Blair, wrote after the personal income and outlays report was released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on Thursday.

Tax Cut Bump Has Faded

Americans generally have two ways to pay for their spending: income in the form of wages and other payments, and assets they hold that can be sold to raise cash. Many of those in the lower and middle income groups have to rely on wage growth, now averaging an annual rate of 3.6%, while upper income consumers have enjoyed a rising stock market that they can tap if need be.

“Consumers had been getting a lift from last year’s tax cuts, but that tailwind is fading as higher gasoline prices and war-related uncertainty offset some of the expected gains from larger refunds,” de Chazal added.

In 2021, pandemic-era labor shortages lifted wages by 8.9% on average, but that moderated to 4.84% by 2024. This year, it is running 3.6% – just a hair under consumer prices that are increasing by 3.8 as of June.

A slowing economy and rising inflation is a situation that economists refer to as “stagflation” – a condition where lower rates don’t work well as a stimulant because of stubborn inflation. The rate of annual growth in gross domestic product was reduced to 1.6% last week from an initial estimate of 2%. Further contraction in growth coupled with sticky inflation will challenge a Federal Reserve not currently disposed toward lower interest rates.

As a result, consumers may be forced to dip further into their savings or reach for their credit cards. But credit card debt is now $1.25 trillion as of the first quarter, slightly lower than in late 2024, but still $325 billion more than it was in the last quarter of 2019, a year in which inflation was 1.8%. And the average interest rate on credit debt for those who maintain a balance is 21%.

“We expect this stress on consumers to continue in the coming months until we see a meaningful drop in inflation,” says David Royal, chief financial officer at Thrivent.

That won’t happen for a while, even if a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is agreed to. Disruptions in supply chains and damages to key oil infrastructure throughout the Middle East could mean oil prices remain elevated for months.

Oil prices did lose around 20% a barrel on Friday after President Donald Trump said he would review the latest proposal from Iran over the weekend. But a top executive at Exxon Mobil also warned Friday that global inventories of oil were reaching a critical low point that could see the price of the liquid gold spike in the coming weeks.

There was little movement Monday as a ceasefire remains elusive and oil hovers around $94 a barrel. Both sides reported limited attacks on each other over the weekend.

The most recent inflation forecast from the Fed has prices rising at an average of 2.7% this year, with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development coming in with a 4.2% estimate for the U.S.

Whoever is right may not matter to everyday American consumers, who likely will find it a struggle to meet their expenses without dipping further into their savings.

Experts note that in prior times when the savings rate dipped, consumers had cushions in the home equity built up in their homes as well as pandemic payments that helped cash flow.

“Today, there is little room to keep spending by saving less,” Felix Vezina-Poirier, chief strategist at BCA Research, said in an email on Friday. “If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the risk of a further domestic demand slowdown is clear.”