Roth or Traditional 401(k), Which Is Better?
Understanding how to use both your Roth and traditional 401(k) accounts can help you lower the taxes you pay in retirement.
Retirement
Retirement Savings Tip: Kidnapping & Ransom not Advised
Wealthy German retirees were sentenced to jail this week for kidnapping their investment adviser they claimed was at fault for massive losses to their nest eggs. The kidnapping and multi-million dollar ransom demand was their second crime. Their first crime was allowing themselves to be deluded into thinking they could earn steady 12 percent returns with no risk.
Thinking of Refinancing Your Mortgage? A Checklist to Consider
Interest rates on fixed rate mortgages remain at historic low levels. But I don't think this situation will last much longer. Homeowners with mortgages with balances up to the conforming limits and fixed rates above 6 percent or an adjustable rate mortgage who ignore this opportunity, do so at their own financial risk and peril.
Is Work The Future of Retirement?
While working in retirement may sound like an oxymoron, it's increasingly becoming an expectation among America's workers who are realizing they just don't have the money they need to enjoy a traditional retirement. This post summarizes these trends, and then goes on to address an important question...
"Closing" Medicare's Donut Hole: Why You Shouldn't Feel Relieved
Our leaders are proudly proclaiming that they've "closed" the hated Medicare Part D donut hole in prescription drug coverage for seniors. Should you feel relieved? I don't think so. And here's why.
Gorging on Bonds? Prepare for Upset Portfolio
The bond feast of 2009 is continuing in 2010. Inflows into bond mutual funds are running about 4x ahead of new cash flows into stock funds. If you think gorging on bonds is a "safe" strategy right now, think again. An insatiable appetite for bonds could lead to an upset portfolio in the near future.
Health Care Reform for All, But Paid For by Few
It's hard to argue against some of the expanded benefits in the new law. It's the "paid for" part that troubles me. Specifically it's who will be paying.
Have you Budgeted $250,000 for Health Care in Retirement?
Retiree health care benefits are a dying benefit in the private sector, and in the public sector there is a frightening chasm between promised retiree health care benefits and state savings to cover those costs. The bottom line: Your retirement budget should include at least $250,000 to cover potential out-of-pocket health care costs in retirement.
Retiring Baby Boomers: Dropping Out to Make Every Dollar Count?
Dropping out to a very-low cost standard of living might be an option to consider for aging baby boomers who reach their retirement years with no pensions and little retirement savings.
Fix the 401(k): 3 Steps
These three systemic changes would allow more Americans to look forward to a secure retirement. MoneyWatch's Eric Schurenberg explains.
The Health Care Bill: A Two-Minute Guide
As all the world knows, the House voted Sunday in favor of a modified version of the Senate health care reform bill and-assuming the Senate agrees and the President signs-it's all over but the head scratching. What's this tremendously complex new law mean for you exactly, and how is it going to chan...
Best iPhone Apps for Boomer Brains
Who said retirement planning has to be all work and no play? Boomers with an eye on delaying retirement should take the time for some game playing to keep their brains employable. A full lineup of brain-enhancing iPhone apps can help keep your Boomer Brain sharp.
Saving for Retirement: Are You as Clueless as Your Fellow Americans?
Many Americans are clueless about how much retirement savings they need. Do your own math to determine how much retirement savings you need, given your circumstances and desired lifestyle. It's not that hard using online retirement calculators.
Dream Job: Staying Put 'Til 65+
Forty percent of workers polled in a new survey said their dream job is to stay put with the same employer for their entire career, and to keep working well past age 65. Yet the reality is that changing jobs is the only way to ensure you can work as long as you want (and need) to buy yourself a secure retirement.
Planning to Your Average Life Expectancy: A Bad Mistake
People planning for retirement should consider the odds that they will live beyond their life expectancy, since there's a 50-50 chance this will happen.
U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
Tulsi Gabbard resigning as intel chief, citing husband's cancer diagnosis
Tulsi Gabbard is resigning as the director of national intelligence after her husband was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.
Live
Rubio says Iran imposing tolls on Strait of Hormuz "not acceptable"
The secretary of state tempered optimism for a deal to end the Iran war, calling Iran's bid to "create a tolling system" in the Strait of Hormuz "not acceptable."
Breaking
40,000 evacuated in California chemical leak as officials warn tank may explode
Southern California officials have expanded an evacuation zone in several Orange County cities over a toxic chemical tank that they say is "actively in crisis."
Cruz says Blanche faced "full-on revolt" over DOJ fund at meeting with GOP senators
The GOP senator said the meeting included "screaming," adding that "fiery does not begin to cut it."
Judge tosses federal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia
A federal district judge granted Kilmar Abrego Garcia's motion to dismiss two criminal charges on the grounds his prosecution was vindictive and selective.
Trump administration to require most green card applicants to leave U.S. first
The Trump administration on Friday announced a sweeping policy designed to make it harder for immigrants already in the U.S. to get permanent residency.
Kyle Busch was coughing up blood a day before his death, 911 call reveals
Kyle Busch's cause of death has not been given, though his family said earlier the NASCAR icon had been hospitalized with a "severe illness."
Pentagon releases more UFO files: "Speechless after these observations"
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of 64 files related to UFOs, unveiling a second tranche of records under an executive order by President Trump.
U.S.
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How some U.S. schools are teaching kindness classes
Kindness 101 is a program that uses the stories CBS News finds in our "On the Road" series to teach kindness and character. The stories are paired with lesson plans created by a nonprofit at Iowa's Drake University called "Character Counts!"
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
AI is driving more job cuts and weighing on hiring, economists say
Economists say AI is reshaping the U.S. labor market by suppressing hiring even as overall job losses remain limited.
Kyle Busch was coughing up blood a day before his death, 911 call reveals
Kyle Busch's cause of death has not been given, though his family said earlier the NASCAR icon had been hospitalized with a "severe illness."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
AI is driving more job cuts and weighing on hiring, economists say
Economists say AI is reshaping the U.S. labor market by suppressing hiring even as overall job losses remain limited.
House lawmakers launch insider trading probe into Kalshi and Polymarket
Rep. James Comer is requesting information from Kalshi and Polymarket on how the prediction markets guard against insider trading.
Kevin Warsh sworn in as new Fed chair, replacing Powell
Kevin Warsh has vowed to preserve the Fed's independence over monetary policy, telling lawmakers he will never "predetermine" interest rates at the president's request.
This factor may determine whether you get rich. You don't control it.
Landing a good-paying job may not be enough to buy a home. A new study finds family wealth plays an outsized role in who becomes a homeowner.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Politics
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Cruz says Blanche faced "full-on revolt" over DOJ fund at meeting with GOP senators
The GOP senator said the meeting included "screaming," adding that "fiery does not begin to cut it."
U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
Exclusive
CIA director brought paramilitary leader involved in Maduro capture to Cuba meeting
When CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana last week to meet with senior Cuban officials, he brought along one of the covert operators involved in the mission to capture Nicolás Maduro, multiple people familiar with the matter said.
Judge tosses federal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia
A federal district judge granted Kilmar Abrego Garcia's motion to dismiss two criminal charges on the grounds his prosecution was vindictive and selective.
Trump administration to require most green card applicants to leave U.S. first
The Trump administration on Friday announced a sweeping policy designed to make it harder for immigrants already in the U.S. to get permanent residency.
HealthWatch
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Ebola "spreading rapidly" in the Congo with national risk "very high"
The head of the World Health Organization says Ebola has killed at least 7 people in Congo, but the U.N. agency says it knows the epidemic "is much larger."
New weight-loss drug Retatrutide in trials
A new weight-loss drug, so new it is not on the market yet, is showing promising results in trials, doing much more than what current medications can. Dr. Jon LaPook breaks it down.
U.S. steps up Ebola prevention efforts
The U.S. is stepping up efforts to prevent Ebola from entering the country through its airports, with one flight diverted to Canada on Wednesday evening. Ian Lee reports from Detroit.
U.S. doctor with Ebola feared he "wasn't going to make it" before evacuation
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with the missionary group Serge in Congo when he was infected with Ebola.
Is "fibermaxxing" good for your health?
Health and fitness influencers are pushing people to consume more fiber. Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life founder and CEO, joins with her take.
World
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U.S. prepares for new military strikes against Iran
At the same time, Tehran is reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a possible agreement to end the nearly three-month war.
Fake political party led by an AI cockroach overruns Indian politics
The satirical "Cockroach Janta Party" calls itself a "political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth." India's government may be trying to squash it.
NATO allies welcome Trump's turnaround on Poland troop deployment
Trump says 5,000 U.S. troops will head for Poland, a week after the White House said a planned deployment of 4,000 was being nixed.
Ebola "spreading rapidly" in the Congo with national risk "very high"
The head of the World Health Organization says Ebola has killed at least 7 people in Congo, but the U.N. agency says it knows the epidemic "is much larger."
2 climbers die on Everest as record-holder warns of overcrowding
At least five climbers have died during this Everest season. A U.S. and a Czech climber died on Mount Makalu earlier this month.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The movies to tune in for this summer
Disney's latest addition to the Star Wars franchise, "The Mandalorian and Grogu," is kicking off the summer slate of blockbusters. Some other highly-anticipated movies that will be tested at the box office this summer are Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day," "Toy Story 5" and "Supergirl." Lucas Shaw, managing editor for media and entertainment at Bloomberg News, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Rob Base, rapper on classic hip-hop track "It Takes Two," dies at 59
Rob Base, the MC whose lyrics lit up the dancefloor classic "It Takes Two" and got countless people moving worldwide, passed away Friday.
Weenie 500 winners relish first-place finish
The Indianapolis 500 is this Memorial Day Weekend, kicked off by the second annual Weenie 500. "Cook 'Em Cam" and "Jack and Cheese," whose New York dog won the race, join CBS News to discuss.
New movies to watch this summer
Major franchises are bringing new movies to a theater near you this summer. Fandango's Erik Davis joins with more.
Britney Spears argument, DUI arrest on video
A newly released video shows the California Highway Patrol's March 4, 2026, DUI arrest of pop star Britney Spears in Ventura County, California. Officers indicated they smelled alcohol on Spears and conducted a field sobriety test before she was placed in the back of a patrol car and taken to a hospital for a blood test to check for drugs. Spears voluntarily checked herself into rehab in April and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Technology
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CBS News poll finds most doubt government will ensure AI used appropriately
Amid concern about AI taking jobs, people see a range of motives by AI companies.
Ring founder on the Fire Watch feature
As thousands evacuate their homes in Southern California to flee the Sandy Fire, Ring doorbell and security cameras are helping residents and emergency crews stay informed and stay safe. Ring founder Jamie Siminoff joins CBS News to discuss the Fire Watch feature.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Stanford student on how AI impacted his class
A recent opinion piece in The New York Times spotlighted the impact of artificial intelligence on the 2026 graduating class at one of the world's most prestigious universities. The author, Stanford student Theo Baker, joins to discuss.
Why Google's Gemini Spark AI agent could be a game changer
AI tools that autonomously perform tasks for users mark a major step forward from chatbots, according to tech experts.
Science
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Science
What we know about new UFO file release
The Pentagon has released another batch of never-before-seen files on reported UFO sightings. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
Crime
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Crime
Lawyers shot outside North Carolina courthouse
In Raleigh, North Carolina, a woman's civil case turned into a criminal one after police said she shot two lawyers outside a courthouse. Both were hospitalized. Skyler Henry reports.
Ivey and Ellison on 6 years since Floyd murder
Six years after his murder in Minneapolis, and despite passing the House twice, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act remains stalled in the Senate. Some lawmakers are hoping to change that. Democratic Rep. Glenn Ivey of Maryland and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison join to reflect on the state of police reform.
Mosque attack was streamed online
The deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego was streamed online, and at least three people watched as two teenagers attacked the facility filled with young students, CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Britney Spears argument, DUI arrest on video
A newly released video shows the California Highway Patrol's March 4, 2026, DUI arrest of pop star Britney Spears in Ventura County, California. Officers indicated they smelled alcohol on Spears and conducted a field sobriety test before she was placed in the back of a patrol car and taken to a hospital for a blood test to check for drugs. Spears voluntarily checked herself into rehab in April and pleaded guilty to reckless driving.
Britney Spears argued with police during DUI arrest, footage shows
Pop star Britney Spears said she was "totally fine" to drive and had not had a drink for about six hours when she was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol.
Space
More Space
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
SpaceX launch of more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket scrubbed at last minute
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX to explore "the true nature of the universe" as it plans IPO
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The weather heading into Memorial Day weekend
CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano has the weather forecast as the U.S. heads into Memorial Day weekend.
The Memorial Day sales to look out for
A recent survey from digital savings platform Retail Me Not found 54% of respondents plan to shop Memorial Day weekend sales this year, up 36% from last year. But the survey found the amount people plan to spend has dropped a whopping 70% from last year. Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch has more.
Is the DOJ independent of the president?
This week, the Justice Department created a so-called "anti-weaponization fund" as part of a settlement between President Trump and his own federal government over the leaking of his tax returns. The settlement also includes a pledge from the IRS that it will not pursue any legal claims it may have against Mr. Trump, his family and his companies. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
The movies to tune in for this summer
Disney's latest addition to the Star Wars franchise, "The Mandalorian and Grogu," is kicking off the summer slate of blockbusters. Some other highly-anticipated movies that will be tested at the box office this summer are Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day," "Toy Story 5" and "Supergirl." Lucas Shaw, managing editor for media and entertainment at Bloomberg News, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Some schools teach kindness classes
Schools teach kids how to read, write and do math. But what about a class on how to be kind? In some places, it is. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with the story.