5 Reasons to Take Social Security Early

And, Venice implements a new fee for day-trippers. Created for {EMAIL} | [Web Version]( May 6, 2024 CONNECT WITH KIPLINGER  [LinkedIn]( [Facebook]( [X]( [Instagram ]( [Youtube]( [SIGN UP]( ⋅ [WEBSITE]( [] Introduction [] [Stepping Into Shopping for Lower Mortgage Rates]( Shopping for a home can be taxing, but looking for an affordable mortgage is even harder these days. The Fed once again kept interest rates steady last week, meaning those mortgage rates are staying up. Meanwhile, housing prices are also staying high, with March marking the [13th consecutive monthly increase](. So, since neither housing prices nor mortgage rates are likely to come down significantly soon, shopping around for a cheaper mortgage is the best way to be in a position to buy when you find the right house. Kiplinger has [five tips to secure a lower mortgage rate and afford your dream home](. - Donna LeValley, personal finance writer P.S. I welcome your questions and suggestions about this newsletter – you can reach me at d.levalley@futurenet.com [7 Secrets About Hiring a Financial Advisor]( Working with a financial advisor can be a crucial part of any healthy retirement plan. But choosing the wrong one could wreak havoc. Check out these 7 secrets comfortable retirees know about hiring an advisor, so you can work to potentially save years of stress. [See the list]( ADVERTISEMENT [] TOP STORY [] [5 Reasons to Take Social Security Early (and Four Reasons to Wait)]( [5 Reasons to Take Social Security Early (and Four Reasons to Wait)]( (Getty Images) The debate about when to begin collecting Social Security benefits is endless. That’s because several factors at play impact our circumstances. From health to financial need — it’s a highly personal decision that should be made with deliberation. Reasons to claim benefits early or to delay will have a predictable impact on your benefits. Use our [nine-point list to determine if collecting benefits early]( is your best option. [] TRAVEL [] [Venice Launches Fee for Day-Trippers]( [Venice Launches Fee for Day-Trippers]( (Getty Images) While congestion pricing for vehicles will begin in NYC soon — congestion pricing for people is in effect in Venice, Italy. This Italian city has been trying to find ways to limit the number of day-trippers, and this fee is just one way they are tackling the problem. Keep reading to learn [how much the new fee is and what other restrictions are in place](to limit the crush of tourists to Venice. [Tomorrow's Smart Power Grid: Is It A Wise Investment?]( Invest in the future with smart grid innovations. Secure stable returns while shaping tomorrow's energy landscape. [READ MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] FAMILY FINANCES [] [How to Get Your Kids to Step Off the Gravy Train]( [How to Get Your Kids to Step Off the Gravy Train]( (Getty Images) Are empty nesters an endangered species? About half of adult children ages 18 to 29 had returned to the empty nest in July 2022. On average, parents providing financial support give $1,384 to their children monthly. That’s almost $17,000 annually. Financial literacy expert Neale Godfrey, suggests [some financial ground rules]( that will open up frank conversations about responsibilities and get the kids out on their own faster. [Is your money working hard enough?]( It should be! Learn how Betterment's automated investing and savings technology can make your money hustle, while you don't. [LEARN MORE]( ADVERTISEMENT [] OTHER KIPLINGER ARTICLES WE THINK YOU'LL ENJOY [] [Score a free iPhone with Chase credit card rewards points]( Chase credit card customers can get a free iPhone, iMac or other Apple products for fewer points, through May. [Kiplinger housing outlook: home prices continue to rise]( Low inventory and high mortgage rates continue to drag the housing market. 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