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Americans prioritize building reliable post-work income for their retirement years, making Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) a cornerstone of that effort.Traditional IRAs use tax-deferred contributions with taxes paid upon withdrawal, whereas Roth IRAs require upfront taxes so distributions are tax-free, according to the Internal Revenue Service.Financial security relies on navigating these choices, leading many savers to seek retirement advice.Bestselling personal finance author Dave Ramsey consistently recommends Roth IRAs over traditional IRAs, emphasizing the importance of tax-free withdrawals in retirement.”A traditional IRA is funded with money before it’s taxed (pre-tax dollars), which gives you a tax deduction now,” Ramsey explains. Ramsey warns Americans on traditional IRAsBut Ramsey has a warning for Americans about traditional IRAs.”You’ll pay taxes on all your withdrawals in retirement (which includes your contributions and any tax-deferred growth,” he wrote.Before investing, households must eliminate consumer debt and establish a fully funded emergency reserve, according to Ramsey. Individuals should start by contributing to a workplace 401(k) up to the employer match, Ramsey says.”This is the big one,” Ramsey emphasized. “Probably the best thing about a 401(k) plan is that your employer can match your investment up to a certain amount. That’s a 100% return on your investment right off the bat. Matching isn’t required by the government, so not all employers offer it.””If yours does, make the most of it. Don’t overlook free money.”The next step involves opening a Roth IRA and maxing it out or investing up to a 15% goal, according to Ramsey. If a saver maxes out their Roth IRA without reaching that 15% threshold, they should return to their 401(k) and increase contributions, according to Ramsey. Both options serve long-term savers well, but the Roth IRA cannot be beaten for building wealth and achieving retirement dreams, according to Ramsey.When Dave Ramsey is not wrong on IRAsAs I wrote June 29, based on my own calculations, Ramsey’s advice about using Roth IRAs instead of traditional IRAs does turn out to be the more lucrative option in many scenarios.When a saver anticipates higher taxes in retirement, the Roth IRA is the more fruitful option, because paying taxes upfront protects future withdrawals from higher rates.An extended investment timeline combined with the expectation of higher tax brackets down the road gives the Roth IRA a significant edge, whereas facing the exact same tax rate during both your working and retirement years usually means both account types yield comparable results.Choosing a traditional IRA typically makes more sense if you anticipate falling into a lower tax bracket during your post-work years, as your money grows tax-deferred and distributions will be hit with a smaller tax bill down the road.Who specifically benefits from traditional IRAs vs. Roth IRAs?This raises an obviously important question, which I want to address here.Which Americans pay higher or lower tax rates during their working years than in retirement? This is a key question, because knowing where you fit in may well be the determining factor on whether you choose a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA for your retirement savings.”Most Americans will have a lower tax burden in retirement than during their working years,” according to CNBC. “However, that may not be the case for some retirees, especially for higher earners and big savers, which could have a significant impact on their financial plans, according to financial advisors.Recent federal tax data indicates that income tax rates remain highly progressive, resulting in distinct outcomes for different segments of earners when moving from their working years into retirement.More on personal finance:AARP raises red flag on major 401(k) problemRedfin predicts key housing market shift for homebuyersFidelity sounds alarm on 401(k)s, IRAs, Social SecurityLower earners ($0 to $48,475 annually) typically occupy the 10% or 12% marginal tax brackets during their working years, according to the IRS. They almost always see their federal income tax rate drop to 0% in retirement. This happens because standard deductions protect a substantial baseline of income, allowing their Social Security and modest retirement withdrawals to fall completely outside the federal income tax net.Middle-to-upper-middle earners ($48,476 to $197,400 annually) experience the most common shift, with their tax rates dropping significantly lower in retirement. During their peak working years, these individuals usually find themselves in the 22% or 24% tax brackets. However, because retirees no longer need to replace 100% of their working income — since they are no longer saving for retirement or paying payroll taxes — their overall taxable income drops, often landing them back down in the 10% or 12% brackets.

American workers consider whether to choose Roth IRAs or traditional IRAs for retirement savings.Towfiqu Barbhuiya on Unsplash

Roth IRAs lucrative for high-income earnersHigh earners ($197,301 and up) and diligent savers who occupy the 32% to 37% brackets during their careers often see their tax rates stay the same or even increase. If an individual builds a massive pre-tax nest egg, mandatory Required Minimum Distributions combined with investment income can easily keep them in a high bracket,”Required minimum distributions (RMDs) can take a toll on your tax bill,” Charles Schwab wrote.This breakdown reveals a smart rule of thumb for your retirement savings strategy. If you are a lower or middle earner, a traditional IRA is statistically optimal because you get a tax break now at a higher rate than you will pay in retirement. Conversely, if you are currently a high earner or an early-career worker who expects to retire wealthy, a Roth IRA protects you from upper-tier tax brackets.Note: This piece of financial journalism is for educational purposes only and not for formal tax or investment advice.Related: Charles Schwab, Fidelity sound alarm on Roth IRA rule

Eli Lilly (LLY) climbed to new record highs in the final week of June, driven by strong sales of its weight-loss drugs.Away from that spotlight, the drugmaker made changes to a smaller corner of its business in its second-largest market.On June 30, Lilly agreed to hand a Chinese partner full commercial control of one of its cancer drugs.The move looks minor next to Mounjaro and Zepbound. However, it actually shows how Lilly plans to defend its older products in China while pouring its energy into the drugs that really move the stock.Here is what changed, and what it signals for anyone holding LLY.What Eli Lilly gave Innovent, and what it keptUnder the agreement, Innovent Biologics takes over importing, marketing, distributing, and promoting the breast cancer drug Verzenios across mainland China, Reuters reported.Lilly keeps the parts tied to quality and control. It remains the Marketing Authorization Holder and continues to manage manufacturing, supply, and product development, according to a press release. Neither side disclosed financial terms.For Innovent, this marks its eighth collaboration with Lilly and increases its lineup of partnered, on-market products in China to seven. That local reach is what makes the partnership valuable. Innovent already runs an oncology sales team built for the Chinese market, so it can push Verzenios better than a foreign operator managing the drug from a distance.

Eli Lilly is reshaping how it sells older drugs in China, its second-largest market.skaman306 / Getty Images

Why Lilly is stepping back from a drug it still ownsJefferies analyst Cui Cui told Reuters that the deal looks like a late-lifecycle management. That’s the stage when a company hands off a maturing product instead of running it on its own.Verzenios still sells well in China. It generated 1.5 billion yuan, which is about $221 million, in 2025. That’s up from 1.4 billion yuan a year earlier. The drug also carries strong access. Verzenios joined China’s National Reimbursement Drug List in 2021 as the first CDK4/6 inhibitor on the list and renewed that spot in 2025, according to Stock Titan.So why give up ground now? Related: Jim Cramer turns bullish on health care stock after years of doubtA generic version from a Qingfeng Pharmaceutical Group unit has already been approved, Reuters confirmed. However, it cannot launch until Lilly’s Chinese compound patent expires in late 2029. That gap hands Innovent a clear runway to sell before competitors arrive.How the deal fits Lilly’s bigger China balancing actChina is Lilly’s second-largest market after the United States, with 2025 revenue of $1.95 billion, up 18% from a year earlier, TipRanks reported.The country is also a rising source of risk. LLY shares hit an all-time high near$1,238 on June 29, then slipped about 2% the next day. The drop happened as reports spread of generic tirzepatide, the ingredient behind its weight-loss drugs, circulating in China.More Pharma Stocks:Eli Lilly makes surprising retreat from major marketEli Lilly’s hottest drugs face a quiet new threatGoldman Sachs doubles down on Novo stock target after key eventAround the same time, the U.S. House Select Committee on China opened a national security review into how major drugmakers, including Lilly, run clinical trials in China. The companies were given a July 17 response deadline.Handing Verzenios to a local partner lets Lilly continue earning from Chinese oncology demand while reducing its involvement in a market under heavy political scrutiny.What LLY investors should watch nextThe Verzenios deal will not move Lilly’s earnings on its own. The signal carries more weight, because it shows a repeatable way to protect older drugs without draining the GLP-1 franchise.For investors weighing the stock, a few markers stand out.Key things to watch on LLY and China:Verzenios protection in China runs to late 2029, so watch for any earlier generic challenge.The July 17 congressional deadline could reshape how Lilly structures future trials and partnerships.Reports of generic tirzepatide in China test Lilly’s biggest growth engine, which is a strain its European pullback and pricing pressure already show.None of this shifts the core outlook, which still rests on Mounjaro, Zepbound, and the oral pill Foundayo. The Innovent deal simply shows Lilly clearing the small fights so it can focus on the one it actually wants.Related: JPMorgan resets UnitedHealth stock target for 2026

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealAsk anyone and they’ll tell you — not all electronics are created equal. There’s a reason that laptops vary in cost significantly, with average devices clocking in as low as $150 to $200 and the high end reaching well over $1,000. Varying costs means varying degrees of speed, efficiency, and power, and although most of us would certainly prefer to save our money when we can, sometimes the more expensive option is the better product in the long run. Investing in the right computer ensures long-lasting use which actually might save you more money in the long run. That said, any chance to save a little money on an expensive gadget is something you wouldn’t want to pass up, and right now at Walmart you don’t have to. The Sgin 15.6-Inch Windows 11 Laptop is 49% off as part of a Walmart Flash deal this week. Instead of forking out $790 for this laptop, you can save $390 and get it for just $400. Not sure what makes a laptop worth that much? We’re happy to give you the lowdown. Sgin 15.6-Inch Windows 11 Laptop, $400 (was $790) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

Why do shoppers love it?Measuring 15.6-inches diagonally, this laptop has a well-sized screen that has a 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution to display clear copy and vibrant, immersive images and videos for a wonderful viewing experience. It has in-plane switching (IPS) panel technology to provide superior color accuracy and wide 178-degree viewing angles so you can clearly see whatever you’re working on or watching. The keyboard is backlit, and includes a numeric keyboard as well as a large touchpad for easy navigation.The laptop operates with a Windows 11 system, which means you get access to the AI-powered Copilot assistant, Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for multitasking and organizing, and pre-installed programs like Microsoft Edge, AI-photo editing, Clipchamp video editor, and the Snipping Tool. The system is also known for its impressive security and safety features. The Windows 11 system gives you enhanced protection with Microsoft Defender, Smart App Control, and other secure login methods like Windows Hello which uses facial recognition software or a personalized pin. You also get access to OneDrive, the integrated cloud storage system which backs up files, photos, and documents automatically so that they aren’t lost in the case of a laptop crash or accident. With a AMD Ryzen 5 3500U Quad Core Processor and 16 gigabyte double data rate 4th generation (GB DDR4), this laptop is built to process tasks quickly and handle everyday applications efficiently, particularly while multitasking. The RAM specifically is what provides a large enough memory to run multiple applications simultaneously and not have there be any lagging or buffering with so many programs in use. With an internal storage of 512GB solid-state drive (SSD), you have the perfect space to store files, documents, notes, applications, and other data without having to worry about running out. A 512 GB SSD storage space is perfect for general office work, web browsing, and casual use. Related: Walmart’s 2-in-1 tablet and laptop is only $85 for 4th of July savingsThe 5500 milliampere hour (mAh) battery can run for up to six hours before needing another charge, and it has a quiet cooling fan to keep the laptop from overheating during extended periods of use. What to expect from a $400 laptop: Pros and consProsAmple storage and great for multitasking: This laptop is built to run multiple apps at once with buffering or lagging. There is also a great amount of storage for files, photos and more if you’re using it for general office work, web browsing, or casual use. Quiet and cool: The special cooling fan built into the battery ensures that the laptop stays cool and doesn’t overheat. Prioritizes security and privacy: The Windows 11 system is known for an enhanced level of security by providing protection with programs like Microsoft Defender, Smart App Control, and other secure login methods like Windows Hello which uses facial recognition software or a personalized pin. Plus, the webcam even comes with an occluded slide to act as a safety barrier to prevent hackers from spying. ConsPricey: Even with the great 49% discount, the laptop is still a bit expensive for some. Lacks storage extension: Although some computers typically have the option to expand storage up to 1 terabyte when necessary, this laptop is limited to just 512GB. Shoppers are thoroughly impressed with how smoothly this laptop operates. The performance and speeds are impressive, and it handles multitasking better than a lot of shoppers expected. It is super responsive, even with multiple tabs open at once, and is great for everything from working in an Excel spreadsheet to streaming music. Even the build and the battery life of the laptop is appreciated. “It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and the matte finish keeps fingerprints from taking over,” one shopper said. The battery life lasts surprisingly long. Although it’s not an “all-day” battery it doesn’t feel like you’re always getting up to plug it in for a recharge. Shop more deals Mingdaln Smart Watch, $24 (was $160) at WalmartOkko Sonic Bass V4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $50 (was $100) at WalmartJLab JBuds Lux ANC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones, $60 (was $80) at WalmartIf you’re on a strict budget, the Sgin 15.6-Inch Windows 11 Laptop might not be in your wheelhouse, but if you have the funds and want a dependable computer to use on a day-to-day basis for functional tasks and fun, you can’t go wrong with this one. 

Some restaurant chains have reputations that are hard to change.Waffle House, for example, despite being a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week option for an affordable meal, has been lampooned on “Saturday Night Live” for the fights that sometimes happen there. That’s not actually typical for the restaurant, but social media amplifies any incident that does happen, and the chain, which offers a classic, All-American menu, has to fight a negative perception.Jack in the Box has a similar problem, but one caused by its menu. The chain has, over the years, leaned into the idea of offering decadent food. It has also emphasized its late-night operating hours.The chain, for example, offered “Snoop’s Munchie Meal,” a limited-time offer that made a not-so-subtle nod to people eating indulgently after smoking marijuana.“Late at night, indulgence is key, so we focus on bringing back fan-favorite items at just the right moments — like Monster Tacos during Halloween — to create excitement and give our guests something to look forward to,” Jack in the Box Chief Customer Officer Ryan Ostrom told QSR Magazine.In the age of GLP-1 drugs, and the growing protein trend it has led to, being positioned as an indulgence brand has not helped Jack in the Box. Still, the chain has been working to reset its brand perception and right-size its portfolio. That has resulted in roughly 70 closures since the chain shared its “Jack on Track” turnaround plan in April 2025. And more closures are coming before the end of 2026.Jack on Track has not worked yetStore closures under Jack on Track aim to stop locations from cannibalizing each other’s business. CFO Dawn Cooper talked about that during Jack in the Box’s first-quarter earnings call.”Based on closures so far, we have generally seen a roughly 30% sales benefit to nearby restaurants,” she said, acknowledging that the company had hoped to have closed more locations. “This element of Jack on Track is moving a little slower than we would have expected as franchisees are evaluating lease dynamics and sales transfer benefits on a case-by-case basis.”Despite her 30% sales benefit citation, the roughly 70 closures between the end of 2025 and the first half of 2026 have not pushed the chain to positive same-store sales.”The second quarter same-store sales for Jack in the Box decreased 3.8%, comprised of a franchise restaurant same-store sales decrease of 3.9% and a company-owned same-store sales decrease of 2.8%. This resulted primarily from a decline in transactions, partially offset by menu price increases,” she said during the chain’s second-quarter earnings call.That same-store number could improve if the chain completes the 150-200 restaurant closures cited in the Jack on Track plan.”We do expect closures to accelerate in the back half of the year. In particular, as franchisees see the clear path to recapture sales, they have increased their desire to close earlier than their franchise agreement expiration,” Cooper said during the Q2 call.Jack in the Box has an identity problemJack in the Box has struggled because its core offerings, which it describes in an SEC filing as “craveable favorites such as tacos, curly fries, egg rolls, specialty sandwiches and real ice cream shakes,” don’t match current trends. Jack in the Box was where my college friends went for a second dinner after perhaps some alcohol was consumed. It’s a treat, like White Castle or Krispy Kreme, that may have to change how people perceive the brand in order to rebuild its audience.That’s something that proven challenging, even for bigger brands.A key Jack in the Box rival, McDonald’s has learned over the years that while it can change how customers perceive its pricing and its value, it can’t really change the underlying brand. “McDonald’s added salads to menus across the U.S. in 1987…But despite various revamps, salads did little to drive sales,” Business Insider reported.They came off the menu in 2021 when the chain also dropped all-day breakfast to simplify operations during the Covid pandemic.”Even priced at $1, double cheeseburgers bring in more revenue than salads or the chicken sandwiches, which cost $3.19 to $4.29,” The New York Times reported in 2006.At the 2024 WSJ Global Food Forum, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger addressed the chain’s decision to drop salads, Food & Wine shared.“You know, our founder famously said in 1970, ‘I don’t know what people are going to be eating in the year 2000, but we’re going to serve more of it than anybody else,’” Erlinger responded. “And so if people really want salads from McDonald’s, we will gladly relaunch salads. But what our experience has proven is, that’s not what the consumer is looking for from McDonald’s.”Jack in the Box can embrace a key pivot”You cannot force a customer to see Jack in the Box as not being a guilty pleasure,” RTMNexus CEO Dominick Miserandino told TheStreet. He thinks the chain can lean into its reputation and give consumers what they want.”Today’s consumer wants real food and high protein, even when they are pulling into a drive-thru late at night after a few drinks. They should be launching ultra-premium, high-protein versions of their classic tacos, or adding real, whole-muscle chicken strips to their midnight menu,” he said.More Restaurants:Major Taco Bell franchisee sells 44 restaurantsChick-fil-A opens restaurant customers can’t eat in57-year-old fast-food seafood chain closed over 700 locationsIt’s a subtle but meaningful change that celebrates the brand’s history while embracing current trends.”By making the late-night indulgence feel higher quality and more filling, they give the consumer a reason to justify the trip without alienating the loyal audience that built the brand,” he added.

Jack in the Box sells both burgers and tacos.Shutterstock

Jack in the Box faces mounting financial pressure”Jack in the Box has been in the fast food business for 75 years. Right now, it is fighting to make it to 76,” QSR PRO reported.Responding to the chain’s second-quarter numbers, the analysts were blunt in their assessment.”These are not the numbers of a chain managing a difficult cycle. They are the numbers of a chain in structural trouble,” they added.Jack in the Box shared its debt picture.”Our total debt outstanding at quarter end was $1.6 billion, and our net debt to adjusted EBITDA leverage ratio was 6.9x,” Cooper said during the Q2 call.That’s the same as the figure the company cited at the end of Q1, but the leverage ratio was 6.5x in the earlier quarter.Those levels are high based on traditional lending standards, according to Prencipe, which brokers the sale of privately held businesses.A leverage ratio of approximately 2.5x to 3x is viewed as healthy and typically financeable, assuming stable historical performance and no material diligence issues.Leverage above 4x is rarely bankable without meaningful structural support, such as additional equity, seller financing, or alternative capital.”The debt reduction target is urgent. At 6x leverage, the company has almost no room to absorb further revenue deterioration without triggering lender concerns. Real estate sales provide a short-term liquidity injection, but the company does not own a large portion of its real estate relative to some peers, which limits how much capital that strategy can generate,” QSR Pro added.Jack in the Box does plan to pay off more debt.”We expect to sell additional real estate with proceeds of approximately $35 million to $45 million by the end of the fiscal year with the expectation that these proceeds, along with cash on hand would be utilized to pay down debt,” the CFO added. S&P Global Ratings downgraded the company’s business risk profile to “weak” in March, citing ongoing sales declines and pressure on cash flow.”The downgrades are based on the deteriorating operating conditions of Jack in the Box’s quick service restaurants, a weakening business risk profile (BRP), and decreasing securitization debt service coverage,” the company shared.Jack in the Box has not issued a going concern warning or publicly suggested that it’s at risk of filing for bankruptcy. Related: Costco has found an AI use members will appreciate

Costco, like many of its retail rivals, has embraced artificial intelligence (AI).That’s perhaps a little surprising given that the chain has traditionally waited for its rivals to prove the benefits of using emerging technology before adopting it. AI, while it has become common, has also had its fair share of missteps.Starbucks, for example, recently dropped its highly heralded AI inventory tool after deploying it across the chain for under a year.The tool, NomadGo’s Automated Counting, worked well in demos, but in real life, it struggled to tell the difference between skim, oat, and soy. whole, 2%, and other types of milk, Reuters reported.It was supposed to be eight times faster than manual counting and 99% accurate, but the AI was good at counting milk, just not ordering the right kinds of it. Starbucks, to the credit of CEO Brian Niccol, adjusted and moved back to humans doing inventory.Costco has not used AI for inventory purposes, but it has deployed the technology on its website.Costco uses AI to show valueCostco reported triple-digit growth in AI-sourced ecommerce traffic, with the highest conversion rate among all traffic sources,” according to comments executives made during its third-quarter earnings call. It’s an area where “activity is still low-volume but rapidly expanding,” the retailer shared.More Costco:Costco made several changes to get members to its warehouses moreCostco drops a surprising new exclusive snackCostco solves major frustration for membersCEO Ron Vachris explained the company’s AI playbook during the call.”As we learn more about how consumers are embracing AI in their shopping habits, we are working with the leading AI companies to improve the visibility of our values to current and potential future Costco members,” he said. He believes that using AI will allow Costco to do a better job in communicating value to its members shopping digitally.”We believe AI is changing how consumers research products, and has the potential to be a significant opportunity for Costco given our pricing authority, and our focus on quality,” he added.

Costco offers all-in prices on appliances, which include delivery and installation.Shutterstock

A real example of Costco’s AI workingCFO Gary Millerchip explained that Costco has been leveraging AI to enhance its online product pages, which in turn is increasing its relevance with the large language model.He shared a key example: the company’s appliances.”We have got a good value on appliances, a very good everyday value, but our real big value is in an all-in pricing. Our prices include delivery, installation, and haulaway,” he said. “Regular search did not show all that value.”He also noted that the same applies to the membership-based club’s tire services, where it offers prices with installation included. “We are very bullish on this AI search and the strength that is gonna bring to telling the whole Costco story about the true value of what we offer,” he added.Costco embraces an opportunityIn my 30-plus years of covering the retail industry, my biggest frustrations have involved companies not being transparent on pricing and bad customer service.AI has been used by many retailers and service providers to mixed results. A few months ago, for example, I was trapped in a 45-minute AI loop with my electric company because my address did not exist in their system, and most consumers have experienced similar frustrations.Costco’s use of AI, however, showcases its actual pricing, which could give it an edge over rivals who aren’t being equally transparent. Constellation Research’s VP of Analytics and Data Produts Indy Cho, VP Analytics and Data Products, said the retailer is looking to create a flywheel between data, inventory, demand, and pricing. “Understanding the demand at a localized level is an incredibly challenging task. Every time you shop, that’s a demand signal. We get that back to buyers, and we they go through a tremendous amount of analysis to figure out how much product needs to get to the right location,” Cho said. “The bar for a higher level of accuracy is absolutely necessary, but that doesn’t mean we don’t stop experimenting.”The warehouse club has opted to take a practical approach to AI, according to AIM Media House.”Costco’s anti-hype approach to AI is refreshing given the hype-fest today. The real differentiation for Costco is in inventory, pricing, and warehouse efficiency. The stack for Costco isn’t flashy or bleeding edge but focused on value,” according to the website.Vachris noted that Costco’s approach has been working.”We are seeing great returns on the investments. Gary spoke about the sales that we are leveraging on e-commerce. There is a cost to that AI, but it is being offset by greater sales and great leverage that we are seeing there as well,” he said.Related: Walmart quietly built a $6 billion business off its shoppers

Open enrollment is often viewed as an annual health insurance decision, but it can also have lasting consequences for retirement planning. A recent Vanguard report comparing Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) highlights a commonly overlooked difference that could affect long-term savings. One type of account requires participants to use all contributed funds before the end of the plan year or forfeit any remaining balance to the employer. The other allows contributions to be carried forward, invested, and compounded over decades, with no annual deadline putting those funds at risk.That gap matters because health care has become one of the largest financial burdens most retirees face in their post-career years. A retiring 65-year-old may need about $172,500 in after-tax savings just to cover medical expenses, Fidelity’s most recent Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate found.The HSA’s triple tax advantage that Vanguard calls unmatchedThe health savings account stands alone in the tax code because it provides tax benefits at three separate points, Vanguard reported. Contributions are generally made on a pre-tax basis, reducing taxable income in the year they are contributed, while invested balances can grow without incurring taxes on capital gains or dividends.Withdrawals used for qualified medical expenses come out completely tax-free, completing a cycle that no other account type in the code can replicate. Certified financial planner Dan Galli, owner of Daniel J. Galli & Associates in Norwell, Massachusetts, encourages clients to build six-figure HSA balances and delay spending, he told CNBC.”This is the holy grail of retirement planning,” Galli said, describing the combination of HSA savings with Roth IRA and after-tax retirement funds.Fidelity illustrates the difference with a concrete example over a 30-year timeline for a single initial deposit into each account type. A $1,000 investment growing at 7% annually reaches $7,612 inside an HSA, with zero taxes owed on qualified medical withdrawals at any point. The same amount in a traditional individual retirement account hits $7,612 but leaves only $5,937 after income taxes at a 22% rate, Fidelity calculated.FSA deadline rules that Vanguard says limit retirement savingFlexible spending accounts provide a genuine tax break on current-year medical costs, but their structure prevents any long-term wealth accumulation for retirement, Vanguard noted. Workers who contribute to an FSA must use the entire balance within the plan year or face forfeiture under the use-it-or-lose-it rule, the IRS stated.More Vanguard:Vanguard names 401(k) oversights that hurt your retirementVanguard drops playbook on retirement incomeVanguard warns workers losing thousands in 401(k)sThe FSA is also employer-owned, meaning workers who leave a job generally lose access to remaining dollars after a brief transition window expires.HSA balances belong to the individual, transfer between employers, and remain accessible into retirement with no expiration date on the savings, Vanguard confirmed. Vanguard positions the FSA as a tool for predictable near-term medical costs and the HSA as the account designed for long-term compounding growth.

Vanguard explains why HSAs outperform FSAs for long-term retirement savings, despite both offering valuable tax advantages for healthcare expenses.EmirMemedovski/Getty Images

HSA contribution limits and eligibility rules workers need for 2026The IRS sets annual caps on HSA contributions that adjust each year for inflation and vary by the type of coverage held. Workers with individual high-deductible health plan coverage can contribute up to $4,400 for the 2026 tax year, the IRS confirmed.Those on family plans can contribute up to $8,750, and both limits include all employer contributions alongside personal deposits into the account. Workers aged 55 and older qualify for an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution on top of the standard ceiling, and eligible spouses can do the same.Harrison Newman, a vice president at Corporate Synergies, explained to Money why the new Bronze and Catastrophic plan eligibility matters in practice for workers who previously assumed they didn’t qualify for an HSA. Bronze and catastrophic plans usually come with high deductibles, so confirming HSA eligibility removes confusion and gives people a way to offset out-of-pocket costs… For those on tight budgets, the ability to save pre-tax dollars and reduce taxable income can make health care more affordable.Starting January 1, 2026, Bronze and Catastrophic marketplace plans qualify as high-deductible health plans, expanding HSA eligibility to additional enrollees, under IRS Notice 2026-05.How the HSA works as a penalty-free retirement account after age 65One of the most consequential HSA features involves what happens when account holders turn 65, and Vanguard’s report makes this distinction clear. After that age, non-medical withdrawals no longer face the 20% penalty that otherwise applies to younger account holders, Vanguard explained in the report.Those distributions are taxed as ordinary income, making the account operate much like a traditional individual retirement account at that stage of life. But withdrawals for qualified medical expenses remain entirely tax-free after 65, a benefit that neither 401(k)s nor traditional IRAs can offer.”Health care will likely be one of your top 5 expenses in retirement,” said Steven Feinschreiber, senior vice president of financial solutions at Fidelity. Feinschreiber recommended earmarking a portion of 401(k) and individual retirement account balances alongside an HSA to build a dedicated health care fund, Fidelity reported.HSAs also carry no required minimum distributions, unlike 401(k) plans and traditional IRAs that force withdrawals starting at age 73, Morgan Stanley noted. That distinction lets account holders keep their HSA invested and growing for as long as they choose, pulling from it only when needed.Related: Vanguard’s 25 years of data upend major retirement myth

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.My coupon-clipping days started at a young age, though back then, my focus was more on fruity breakfast cereals and frosted snack cakes. As an adult, I rarely buy any items at full price — I would rather wait for a sale to get the best deal possible. Because of this background and my time-honed experience as a commerce writer, I’ve become an expert at finding the best savings across the web. One store I routinely check out because of its exceptional discounts is Amazon, but the section I beeline toward feels like a well-kept secret: Amazon Outlet.What is Amazon Outlet?Amazon Outlet is similar to a traditional outlet store. It is the department where you’ll discover the retailer’s overstock products and excessive inventory, and they’re priced to sell, with deep discounts of up to 79% off. Sometimes these can be out-of-season items from unknown manufacturers, but you can even find unexpected deals from reputable brands, like Adidas, KitchenAid, or Sony. The thing about Amazon Outlet is that it’s nearly hidden from shoppers. I first stumbled upon Amazon Outlet a few years back while browsing the Today’s Deals section and found a category for it. Today’s Deals section stands front and center on the homepage, but an outlet store? This was news to me. Even after navigating back to the homepage, I was only able to find this section after looking it up on Google. You can find the outlet from the home page, but you have to look for it actively. To make it easier, you can just click here. But if you want to find it for yourself, first, access the “All” menu (it’s on the top right and is highlighted with three bars), scroll down to “Programs & Features,” then click the “see more” button, and with a bit more scrolling, you’ll finally see Amazon Outlet. What kind of deals does Amazon Outlet have?Amazon Outlet has most of the departments you’d find on the regular site. Do you want new clothes for summer? You can find a striped V-neck top for as low as $4 on sale. If you prefer a label you recognize, you can find Skechers sneakers for up to 55% off. When it comes to the name-brand selections, these are often done as lightning deals. Once a certain amount of product is sold, the sale price disappears. These types of deals sell out much faster, so you need to act fast for the selections you want to claim for yourself.It’s not just fashion you’ll find at Amazon Outlet. For those who need essentials around the house, plenty of home goods are on sale. If you’ve been wanting to organize the craft room, the PurKeep 39-Drawer Organizer is over 40% off. Home chefs will also appreciate 20% off the KitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper, and nearly every colorway is discounted to match your existing gear. Amazon Outlet even has expensive electronics up to 79% off, like the Monster N-Lite 203 AirLinks Wireless Earbuds, which are now just $13.Gunest Striped Short-Sleeve Shirt

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Check price at AmazonSkechers Slip-ins State Champ Sneaker

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Check price at AmazonPurKeep 39-Drawer Organizer

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Check price at AmazonKitchenAid 3.5-Cup Food Chopper

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Check price at AmazonMonster N-Lite 203 AirLinks Wireless Earbuds

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Check price at AmazonThe best deals at Amazon Outlet to shop nowFinding the best deals at Amazon Outlet depends on your personal shopping preferences. Would you rather get the lowest price available or pay more to score a name-brand product that has a rare discount? For example, say you plan to go camping this summer. You could get the Kazoo Waterproof Backpacking Tent for $79 on sale, making it the cheapest option at the Outlet. Or you could go for the highly regarded Marmot Crane Creek Camping and Backpacking Tent, which is $90 off, but has a steeper price tag. Kazoo Waterproof Backpacking Tent

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Check price at AmazonMarmot Crane Creek Camping and Backpacking Tent

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Check price at AmazonKeeping in mind the biggest possible discounts and savings on beloved brands, we’ve handpicked some of the best deals to shop at Amazon Outlet right now. When it comes to low prices, standout picks include a three-pack of motion-sensor nightlights for just $5, a four-piece set of gardening tools priced at $6, and a luxe rolling bar cart that’s now available for only $30. The most desirable brand-name deals include over $200 off a 65-inch Sony smart television, a dazzling Swarovski necklace loaded with brilliant gems for 48% off, and the Yogalicious High-Waisted Yoga Leggings that are half off and discounted to just $15 now. YiaMia 3-Pack of Motion Sensor Night Lights

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Check price at AmazonRenashed 4-Piece Gardening Tools Set

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Check price at AmazonHoobro Rolling Bar Cart

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Check price at AmazonSony 65-Inch Class 4K Ultra Smart TV

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Check price at AmazonSwarovski Gema Crystal Necklace Collection

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Check price at AmazonYogalicious High-Waisted Yoga Legging

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Check price at AmazonTheStreet Shopping is your guide for shopping insights and advice. We look beyond the price tag to find the best value in home, tech, and wellness gear based on product features and real-world use. Read more about our Editorial Standards and How We Choose Our Shopping Deals. 

Wall Street just picked a new favorite in the AI chip race, and it isn’t the company most investors expect.According to Investing.com, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst C.J. Muse raised his price target on Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) to $700 from $500 on June 29, keeping his Overweight rating. That makes it the highest AMD price target on Wall Street. Cantor now calls this stock its top pick in the computing sector, ranking it above both Nvidia(NVDA) and Broadcom (AVGO).The timing stands out. AMD shares closed at a record $580.91 on June 30, capping a year-to-date gain of more than 150%. The very next session, the stock fell nearly 7% after reports surfaced that Meta Platforms (META) may start reselling its excess AI computing capacity.Muse’s new target still implies a more than 34% increase from where the stock traded this week.Given that Muse is a TipRanks 5-star rated analyst, ranking #7 out of 12,346 Wall Street analysts, you might want to consider what he has to say. Here’s the case Cantor is making, and why the rest of Wall Street hasn’t fully caught up to it yet.Cantor’s $700 call puts AMD ahead of Nvidia and BroadcomMuse said AMD now offers the strongest momentum in the computing market among semiconductor companies, Investing.com reported. On the other hand, Muse highlighted that Qualcomm’s (QCOM) recent chip push is likely to fade back into a smartphone story. However, the analyst still views Nvidia and Broadcom as inexpensive despite recent swings. Gurufocus also confirmed that AMD’s Overweight rating stayed intact under the higher target.More AMD Stock Coverage:5-star analyst sets jaw-dropping AMD stock price targetCiti resets AMD stock price target on key moveWall Street flees software plays for triple-digit chipmaker boomMuse isn’t alone in the upgrade cycle. According to Parameter, UBS analyst Timothy Arcuri set a $670 target the same week, and Wells Fargo’s Aaron Rakers raised his to $615. Wells Fargo pointed to the chipmaker’s under-the-radar server CPU business rather than its GPU lineup as the reason behind its outlook. Each outlook tells the same story from a different angle, with server processors and AI accelerators both feeding the same data-center boom.

Cantor Fitzgerald raised its AMD price target to $700, calling the chipmaker its top compute pickYuichiro Chino / Getty Images

AMD’s data center growth gives Cantor’s number some backingAccording to AMD, the company’s first-quarter revenue climbed to $10.3 billion, with gross margin at 53% and diluted earnings per share of 84 cents. Data center sales also jumped 57% to $5.8 billion, which is now more than half of total revenue.AMD CEO Dr. Lisa Su said the company is seeing strong demand for its high-performance chips, driven by growing use of AI inferencing and autonomous AI agents.Two developments support this. First, AMD’s newest server chips, the sixth-generation EPYC Venice line, began ramping up production in May. Related: Fresh lawsuit drops bombshell on Micron stock priceMore customers are testing this generation of server chips than any previous EPYC launch, the company said.AMD also signed a definitive agreement with Rackspace Technology on June 16 to supply 30 megawatts of AI computing power. The rollout will continue in phases through 2028, Quiver noted.Why the average AMD price target still trails Cantor’s numberNot everyone is on board yet. Wall Street’s average price target for AMD sits at $509.75, which is well below both Cantor’s call and the stock’s recent trading range. Price targets across the 35 analysts covering the stock still range from $250 to $700. That’s one of the widest spreads among major chipmakers.A stock trading near 70 times projected earnings gives skeptics plenty of ammunition. Meta’s potential move into reselling excess AI computing capacity also adds to the uncertainty. D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria kept his Buy rating anyway, arguing the demand for AI computing still exceeds supply despite the recent noise.What has to go right for AMD to reach $700:Data center revenue keeps growing above 50% as Venice server chips scale through 2026 and 2027The Rackspace deal and similar hyperscaler agreements deploy on schedule without delaysAI chip demand holds up even if Meta or other cloud giants start reselling spare capacityThe average Wall Street target starts closing the gap with Cantor’s outlier callFor now, Cantor Fitzgerald is the most bullish voice on Wall Street, betting that AMD’s computing momentum still has room to run. Whether the rest of Wall Street catches up may come down to how the server CPU business performs when AMD reports second-quarter results in early August.Related: 5-star analyst resets AMD stock price target, but it’s not about GPUs

Warren Buffett issued a sharp warning during Berkshire Hathaway’s annual meeting this year, and its significance extends to every investor watching this market.Speaking to CNBC in an interview during the annual meeting weekend, the legendary investor offered an 11-word assessment of the current environment that carries more weight than most year-end analyst forecasts.The American Association of Individual Investors’ July 2, 2026, sentiment survey found bullish sentiment on stocks over the next six months plunged 13.6 percentage points to 31.4%, while bearish sentiment rose to 42.3%.For most of June, CNN’s Fear and Greed Index, which measures sentiment through several stock market signals, has remained firmly in the “fear” zone.The warning arrives as one of the most decorated long-term investors of the modern era has assembled the largest cash position in Berkshire’s history, a signal analysts have flagged as a valuation call in itself.Buffett likens the stock market to a church overrun by its casinoDuring the CNBC interview at Berkshire’s annual meeting, Buffett compared the stock market to a church with a casino bolted to its side.That comparison frames his growing concern about investor behavior shifting toward short-term speculation in a year defined by all-time-high stock prices.Then Buffett delivered the 11 words at the center of this concern: “We’ve never had people in a more gambling mood than now.”Those words reflect a behavioral warning rather than a directional market call, rooted in Buffett’s view that speculation poses the greatest threat to portfolios.Berkshire ended the first quarter of 2026 with $397.4 billion in cash and Treasury bills, the largest liquidity position in its history, company filings confirmed.Buffett’s preferred stock market valuation metric hits a record above 233%The metric behind Buffett’s caution is a ratio he introduced more than two decades ago, now widely known among analysts as the “Buffett indicator.”It divides the total value of all publicly traded U.S. stocks by gross domestic product, measuring whether equity prices have outpaced actual economic output.More Warren Buffett:Buffett’s $400 billion war chest stays on the sidelinesWarren Buffett has a message on energy prices for all AmericansWarren Buffett’s Berkshire sends jarring signal to stock buyersIn a 2001 Fortune magazine essay he co-authored with Carol Loomis, Buffett explained how he used this measure to assess overall market pricing during the dot-com era.”If the ratio approaches 200% as it did in 1999 and a part of 2000, you are playing with fire,” Buffett wrote in Fortune.That indicator has now surpassed 233%, the highest reading on record, well past the threshold Buffett identified 25 years ago, the Motley Fool reported.Another popular valuation gauge, the cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings ratio, sat at 41.60 as of July 2, 2026, according to multpl.com, a level previously reached only during the dot-com frenzy.

Warren Buffett’s favorite market valuation indicator has climbed above 233%, signaling stock prices may be dangerously detached from economic fundamentals.J. Kempin/Getty Images

What the dot-com collapse revealed about overvaluation risk for stock investorsBuffett used the dot-com era to introduce the metric that now carries his name, and its parallels to the current market environment are striking.During the late 1990s, hundreds of technology companies saw stock prices surge despite having little revenue, no profits, and unproven business models behind them.When that bubble burst, many of those businesses did not survive, and the S&P 500 needed more than seven years to recover its previous peak.Martin Romo, Chair and Chief Investment Officer of Capital Group, argued in the firm’s 2026 Stock Market Outlook that the current market has moved beyond the phase where a handful of tech stocks drove all returns.I believe the importance of active stock selection, supported by deep research, has never been clearerThe companies that endured were those with durable competitive advantages, genuine cash flows, and leadership teams committed to discipline, over growth at any cost.A similar pattern unfolded after the Buffett indicator topped 200% in late 2021, when growth stocks with stretched valuations experienced the steepest declines, according to Current Market Valuation.Berkshire Hathaway’s record cash position tells its own story about stock valuationsBuffett stepped down as chief executive at the close of 2025, leaving Greg Abel with Berkshire’s largest-ever cash position and a deliberately shrinking equity portfolio, the company’s news release stated.At the May 2026 shareholder meeting, Abel described Berkshire’s cash reserves as both a defensive shield and a tool for seizing future opportunities, CNBC reported.”We do not intend to be beholden to anyone,” Abel told shareholders, reinforcing the philosophy of financial self-reliance that Buffett built over six decades.That approach of building massive cash reserves reflects a conviction that the best investments require patience and that overpaying during euphoric periods erodes long-term returns.Buffett has historically deployed capital during genuine market distress, investing $5 billion in Goldman Sachs during the 2008 financial crisis on terms only available in a panic, a playbook his record cash position now positions Berkshire to repeat.Portfolio quality outweighs stock market timing for long-term investorsThe S&P 500 has delivered total returns above 758% over the past 20 years through the first half of 2026, according to Motley Fool data cited in July 2026 coverage.In Morningstar’s 2026 outlook, David Sekera, Morningstar’s chief U.S. market strategist argued that portfolio concentration in stocks trading on hype rather than earnings and competitive resilience is where the sharpest downside risk sits, not in equity ownership itself.”I can’t predict the short-term movements of the stock market,” Buffett wrote in a 2008 New York Times column still cited among market analysts.Buffett’s 11 words echo a message he has repeated across six decades of shareholder letters and public commentary: that entry price shapes long-term returns and that speculative bursts have historically been followed by mean-reverting corrections.Related: Warren Buffett’s quietest bet already doubled. Now what?

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealEveryday jewelry pieces that make you feel more confident while also offering a look that works day to night can make your day both glamorous and seamless. It’s nice to have staple pieces you love that can be worn every day without tarnishing or feeling uncomfortable. Something that can accentuate your work outfits, dinner date dresses, and more. Shopping for high-quality jewelry may sound expensive, but places like Walmart offer beautiful pieces at great discounts if you know where to look.Thankfully, we’re here to find you the best deals on bright and beautiful pieces, like the Cate and Chloe 18k Swarovski Crystal Earrings, which are on sale for just $20 at Walmart. They offer a brilliant shine for day or night, no matter the occasion. Originally $110, this deal offers shoppers a savings of $90. Cate and Chloe 18k Swarovski Crystal Earrings, $20 (was $110) at Walmart

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Shop at WalmartWhy do shoppers love it?These cluster earrings offer a gorgeous design of four large Swarovski crystals that sit together in a diamond shape. The crystals are cut to resemble round brilliant-cut diamonds and catch the light at multiple angles. The metal is made of gold-plated brass that’s free of nickel and lead, and they’re hypoallergenic. Additionally, they feature a push-back closure for all-day comfort. Shoppers can choose from 18-karat white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold coloring. Related: Walmart’s Swarovski hoop earrings have over 24,000 5-star ratings and are 85% offEach earring measures 7 millimeters wide, 7 millimeters tall, and 3.4 millimeters long, providing a large area of shine without being too large or gaudy. They’re perfect for lunch with friends, special events, holidays, work, or any time of the day. They can be dressed up or down, going great with a fancy dress or jeans and a button-up. They’d also make a great Mother’s Day gift or just something for your special someone to show you care. They include a gift box that works well for gifting, while also doubling as a place to keep the earrings clean and safe when not in use.Details to knowSize: These earrings measure 7 millimeters wide, 7 millimeters tall, and 3.4 millimeters long.Color: Shoppers can choose from yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold.Hypoallergenic: The metal is nickel-free, lead-free, and hypoallergenic, offering a comfortable all-day wear for sensitive skin.One reviewer said, “These earrings are absolutely stunning and of great quality. They make a budget-friendly, yet high-quality gift.” Another person said, “These arrived so quickly and in a cute little gift box. The sparkle on these is amazing. These would make a great earring for both everyday wear, or a night dressed up on the town.”Shop more dealsCate and Chloe Swarovski Crystal Radian Cut Earrings, $17 (was $77) at WalmartCate and Chloe Flower Cut Swarovski Crystal Earrings, $20 at WalmartCate and Chloe Moon and Sun Swarovski Earrings, $19 (was $125) at WalmartWhether you’re looking for something to wear every day without thinking about it or you need something that shines bright for an upcoming event, the Cate and Chloe 18k Swarovski Crystal Earrings offer high-quality brilliance at a super affordable price.