
<p>Retirement insights from a Colorado PERA perspective</p>



<p></p>


A distant view shows a mountainous landscape with sloping peaks, green trees in the foreground, and a cloudy sky above.


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/how-the-stock-market-defied-expectations-in-2024-by-the-numbers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>How the Stock Market Defied Expectations in 2024, by the Numbers | PBS News</strong></a></h4>



<p>2024 was a great year for the stock market. The S&amp;P 500, for example, notched dozens of all-time records as stocks soared throughout the year. Here are more notable numbers from the market’s performance. Note that PERA’s 2024 investment performance data won’t be available until the <em>Annual Comprehensive Financial Report</em> is released in June.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/banking/article/do-we-want-high-or-low-interest-rates-223031516.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Understanding the Fed&#8217;s Rate Decisions: Do We Want High or Low Interest Rates​? | Yahoo Finance</strong></a></h4>



<p>The past several years have been notable for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate moves—the Fed began raising its key interest rate in 2022 and it remained high through much of 2024 before the Fed began lowering the rate in September. It’s not always easy to understand the implications of these decisions, so here are some pros and cons of high and low interest rates for various financial situations.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/05/how-to-maximize-your-401k-for-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Here&#8217;s How to Maximize Your 401(k) Plan for 2025 with Higher Limits, Bigger Catch-Up Contributions | CNBC</strong></a></h4>



<p>If you’re saving additional money for retirement in a PERAPlus 401(k) or 457 Plan, you have the opportunity to boost your savings even more this year. The amount of money you can contribute to those plans is going up in 2025, and there’s also a new, higher catch-up contribution limit for workers who are getting closer to retirement.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.investopedia.com/how-to-make-financial-resolutions-you-can-stick-to-in-2025-8762615" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>How To Make Financial Resolutions You Can Actually Stick To In 2025 | Investopedia</strong></a></h4>



<p>It’s that time of year when many of us are setting intentions and resolutions for the new year. If you’re making money goals, here are some tips for making sure they’re realistic and achievable so you’re set up for success.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: The 2024 Stock Market by the Numbers


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/when-the-fed-cuts-rates" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>What Happens Now That the Fed Finally Cut Rates? | NerdWallet</strong></a></h4>



<p>Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently announced the central bank would lower its key interest rate for the first time since 2020. While a rate cut was expected, some were surprised by the Fed’s decision to slash the rate by 0.5% instead of a more incremental 0.25%. Here’s what lower interest rates could mean for your finances and the economy as a whole.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.govexec.com/pay-benefits/2024/09/lawmakers-successfully-force-vote-eliminating-windfall-elimination-provision/399759/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Lawmakers Successfully Force a Vote on Eliminating the Windfall Elimination Provision | Government Executive</strong></a></h4>



<p>The federal lawmakers leading the charge on H.R. 82—aka the Social Security Fairness Act, which would repeal the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)—have succeeded in their efforts to force a floor vote on the issue. Reps. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Garret Graves (R-LA) used a rare tactic called a discharge petition, which reached the necessary threshold of 218 signatures to bypass Congressional leadership and get a vote on the floor of the House of Representatives. A vote likely won’t happen until at least November, and the bill would still have to pass the Senate before the conclusion of this Congress in January.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/24/september-consumer-confidence-falls-the-most-in-three-years.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>September Consumer Confidence Falls the Most in Three Years | CNBC</strong></a></h4>



<p>The latest survey data show American consumers are increasingly pessimistic about the current and future state of the economy. According to the monthly Conference Board report, its consumer confidence index dropped to 98.7 in August, marking the biggest single-month decline since 2021. Survey respondents largely cited the weakening job market and the effects of inflation as their main concerns.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.ecu.edu.au/newsroom/articles/research/travel-could-be-the-best-defence-against-ageing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Travel Could Be the Best Defense Against Aging | Edith Cowan University</a></strong></h4>



<p>If your retirement plans include travel, you could be doing yourself the favor of improving your health and slowing down the aging process. According to new research from Edith Cowan University in Australia, the pleasure we derive from travel activities—such as unplugging from daily life, getting more exercise, and having new experiences—can help alleviate stress and boost our overall functioning, which can help slow down the clock in terms of aging.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: What Lower Interest Rates Mean For Your Finances


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.ncpers.org/costs-of-pension-reforms-income-inequality" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>The Hidden Costs of Pension Reforms: Rising Income Inequality, Lagging Economic Growth | National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems</strong></a></h4>



<p>Changes to the defined benefit pension landscape—including the shift from pensions to defined contribution plans like 401(k)s in the private sector—have contributed to worsening income equality among retirees over the years, according to new research. The study, from the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems, also concluded that income inequality has an overall negative effect on the economy by limiting growth.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://apnews.com/article/interest-rates-prices-inflation-federal-reserve-economy-2cd182eb34a7d6772ff573bec0bcf64d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Jerome Powell Says Fed to Soon Begin Reducing Interest Rates | AP News</strong></a></h4>



<p>Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell confirmed he’s ready to start lowering interest rates. At the Fed’s annual conference in Wyoming, Powell said it’s time for policy to adjust as inflation has eased and the job market has cooled. Though Powell didn’t specify when the central bank will start to lower rates, many experts expect the first cut to come when the Federal Open Market Committee meets in September.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cpr.org/2024/08/25/colorado-talk-about-dementia-campaign/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Colorado Hopes to Raise Awareness of Dementia, Start Conversations, With New Campaign | Colorado Public Radio</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is launching a new campaign called “Talk About Dementia.” The campaign aims to raise awareness about dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, which can often go undiagnosed. Since early detection can be important for treatment, officials hope the campaign can help lessen dementia’s impact in the state.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2024/08/15/long-term-care-costs-emerge-as-a-top-issue-for-older-americans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Long-Term Care Costs Emerge as a Top Issue for Older Americans | ThinkAdvisor</strong></a></h4>



<p>Paying for health care is one of the top concerns for retirees and those who are preparing for retirement. A new survey of Americans aged 50 and older found people are especially concerned about the cost of home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. The cost of acute medical care was the second-highest concern, followed by the cost of prescription medications.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Income Inequality Rises with Decrease in Pension Access, Study Finds


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/hhs-lowers-64-prescription-drug-prices-under-medicare-rebate-program" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>HHS Lowers Prescription Drug Prices Under IRA Medicare Rebates | Fierce Healthcare</strong></a></h4>



<p>The federal government released the latest list of prescription medications that will be discounted under Medicare because their prices rose faster than inflation. The list includes 64 drugs that will be available for lower coinsurance percentages as of July 1.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/2024/06/28/lawmakers-managed-to-fix-social-security-in-the-1980s-but-those-fixes-wont-work-a-second-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Reagan-Era Social Security Fixes Won&#8217;t Work This Time | Marketplace</strong></a></h4>



<p>There have been plenty of headlines about Social Security’s dwindling cash reserves—the latest projections show the program is likely to run out of cash in about a decade. But the question of what, if anything, lawmakers intend to do about it remains. While past reforms may provide some insight, lawmakers will likely have to come up with some new solutions this time around.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-banks-suffer-steeper-losses-retain-large-cushions-annual-fed-health-check-2024-06-26/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>US Banks Suffer Steeper Losses, But Retain Large Cushions in Annual Fed Health Check | Reuters</strong></a></h4>



<p>Every year, the Federal Reserve conducts a “stress test” to assess the financial resilience of the country’s biggest banks. This year’s test found the banks would be able to withstand severe market volatility and other economic factors while still keeping enough money on hand to lend.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/20/business/retirement/retire-advice-life-tips.html?unlocked_article_code=1.6E0.G3Q9.aN7ecjCdCYnK&amp;smid=url-share" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stories About What Retirement Really Means | The New York Times</a></strong></h4>



<p>The New York Times asked its readers to send in their perspectives, experiences, and advice on retirement. Almost 1,500 people responded, and their views on retirement show a wide breadth of sentiments—positive, negative, and in between.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Dozens of Drugs to Be Discounted Under Medicare


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/02/01/biden-administration-launches-medicare-drug-price-negotiations/72411019007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Medicare Drug Price Negotiations Kick Off with Price Offers on These 10 Drugs | USA Today</strong></a></h4>



<p>The federal government’s long-awaited drug price negotiations are now underway. The government isn’t releasing its initial offers, but it has released the initial list of drugs in question. The final negotiated prices will take effect in 2026.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fed-chair-jerome-powell-interest-rates-60-minutes-transcript/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Fed Chair Jerome Powell Shares Why Fed Hasn&#8217;t Yet Cut Interest Rates | CBS News</strong></a></h4>



<p>Many experts expect the Federal Reserve to begin cutting interest rates this year, but Chair Jerome Powell say the Fed isn’t ready to do so just yet. While prices aren’t rising as quickly as they had been, Powell says he wants to see more evidence that inflation is down and staying down.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.adn.com/politics/alaska-legislature/2024/01/31/alaska-senate-advances-public-sector-pension-plan-to-address-recruitment-and-retention-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Alaska Senate Advances Public-Sector Pension Plan to Address Recruitment and Retention Crisis | Anchorage Daily News</strong></a></h4>



<p>Alaska closed its public employee pension plan in 2006, and since then the state has struggled to attract and retain workers in important roles like teachers, firefighters, and police officers. A bill that would create a new pension plan is now making its way through the state legislature. It has passed the Senate and how heads to the House for further deliberation.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/05/economy/loud-budgeting-financial-trend-tiktok/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Loud Budgeting is In, Quiet Luxury is Out. Meet the TikToker Who Started the Financial Trend | CNN Business</strong></a></h4>



<p>You may have heard the term “quiet luxury,” but younger generations are starting to embrace its opposite—loud budgeting. It started out with a joke on TikTok, but creating a budget and being vocal about it with your friends is the new trend among those looking to get their finances in order.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Medicare Begins Drug Price Negotiations


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Business/stock-market-soared-year-experts-weigh/story?id=101522862" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>The Stock Market Has Soared This Year, But Will It Last? Experts Weigh In | ABC News</strong></a></h4>



<p>While some experts have been predicting a recession in the U.S. for months, the stock market continues to show significant gains, prompting debate about whether current trends will continue. Here’s what multiple experts say about the state of the economy and what may be in store for the months ahead.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/fed-set-launch-long-awaited-instant-payments-service-modernizing-system-2023-07-20/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Fed Launches Long-Awaited Instant Payments Service, Modernizing System | Reuters</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Federal Reserve launched a new system that aims to speed up and modernize money transfers in the United States. The system, called FedNow, will allow for instant transfers any time of day, eliminating the current days-long lag period when sending money. The service is launching with several dozen banks and service providers, with more expected to sign up.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/moderna-merck-cancer-vaccine-phase-3-start/689010/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Moderna, Merck Advance Cancer Vaccine Into Late-Stage Test | BioPharma Dive</strong></a></h4>



<p>Moderna and Merck are moving to the next phase of testing a promising new vaccine for cancer. The experimental mRNA vaccine can be personalized to a patient’s cancer, and researchers will be testing whether it’s effective in people who have had tumors removed and are at high risk of the cancer returning.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/how-to-navigate-may-december-marriages-at-retirement-time" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>How to Navigate May-</strong></a><strong><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/how-to-navigate-may-december-marriages-at-retirement-time" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">D</a></strong><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/how-to-navigate-may-december-marriages-at-retirement-time"><strong>ecember Marriages at Retirement Time | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>If you’re in a relationship with someone who is significantly older or younger, you may find yourselves in a tricky situation when the older partner reaches retirement age. Here are some things to consider and tips for navigating conflict when one partner enters another stage of life before the other.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


News You Should Know: Will the Stock Market Continue Its Upward Climb?


<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/07/27/1113494056/fed-interest-rate-hike-july-meeting" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Another Big Fed Rate Hike to Battle Inflation. Economy Hangs in Balance | NPR</strong></a></h4>



<p>The Federal Reserve issued another .75% increase for its benchmark interest rate. It’s the fourth time the Fed has raised rates this year, marking some of the most aggressive action the Fed has taken to fight inflation in decades. The question is whether the moves will be able to rein in inflation without hurting the economy.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2022/07/20/fbi-warns-of-fake-crypto-apps-spoofing-financial-institutions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>FBI Warns of Fake Crypto Investment Apps Spoofing Financial Institutions | ThinkAdvisor</strong></a></h4>



<p>Cybercriminals appear to be trying to capitalize on the cryptocurrency trend. The FBI warned recently that scammers are posing as legitimate financial institutions, creating fake websites and apps to steal victims’ money. The FBI has so far identified 244 victims who have lost approximately $42.7 million.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220720102532.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Wearable Activity Trackers Encourage Us to Walk Up to 40 Minutes More Each Day &#8212; ScienceDaily</strong></a></h4>



<p>New research shows wearable activity trackers — such as FitBit devices or Apple Watches — can have measurable effects on people’s fitness habits. The review of several hundred studies found activity trackers encourage people to walk an average of 40 minutes more per day. That’s encouraging news in the fight against conditions for which a lack of activity can be a contributing factor, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.</p>



<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/604974/planning-to-retire-in-the-next-3-5-years-what-to-consider-today" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Planning to Retire in the Next 3-5 Years? What to Consider Today | Kiplinger</strong></a></h4>



<p>If you’re within a few years of retirement age, it’s time to start thinking more seriously about what that transition is going to look like. Here are some key factors to consider as you make final preparations and adjustments to your retirement plan.</p>



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<p><em>News You Should Know is a digest of news from publications around the nation about finance, investing, and retirement.</em></p>


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