Personal Finance News

ARTICLE–Many people are stuck in the middle, caring for parents and children at the same time ... and they are getting squashed, emotionally and financially. Here are some proactive steps that can help.

SLIDE SHOW–Retirement is in sight. You're ready to begin new journeys, hit the open road -- and travel the blue highways in a recreational vehicle. [EMBED TYPE=WIDGET ID=927] And why not? You've earned it (literally), and with a comfortable cushion of retirement income, you can satisfy your yearning to roam the country, visit children and grandchildren -- and, of course, hit the big sightseeing destinations. You won't lack for fellow travelers. Approximately 10 million U.S. households own RVs, according to the RV Industry Association, and roughly 1 million Americans live in one full time. Even amid the uncertainty and gloom of the COVID-19 pandemic, current and future RVers are ponying up for wheels. Earlier in May, shares of Camping World Holdings Inc. (CWH) surged 35% after reporting first-quarter earnings that blew past analysts' estimates. Sales of RVs are rocking, likely fueled by pent-up demand to go vacationing, along with interest from "covid campers," people no longer willing to stay in a hotel or motel and seeking a self-contained way to travel. But is an RV in retirement really right for you? We checked in with retirees who spend much of their time in recreational vehicles for their take on the upsides of RV living in retirement. Here's what they had to say about life on the road in an RV. SEE ALSO: 13 You'll Regret an RV in Retirement

SLIDE SHOW–The real estate sector has, simply put, been a loser in 2020. Real estate investment trusts (REITs), which own and operate various types of properties and facilities, are off nearly 11% versus a 6% decline for the S&P 500. But there's a world of difference separating the sector's best REITs and its worst. Much of the pain in real estate has come courtesy of retail-focused companies, many of which have lost more than 50% of their value as investors correctly surmised that stay-at-home orders would minimize shopping trips and curtail customer spending. Office REITs have experienced outsized struggles, too, as shuttered businesses are unable to pay rents, and as large-scale work-from-home strategies have investors rethinking the future of office space. Not every REIT sector has been equally affected, however. Some REITs are riding out the pandemic shutdowns relatively unscathed - and some are even benefiting from the recent sea changes. However, while defensive business models are an important characteristic to have when determining REITs to buy, other qualities should be considered, too. Solid balance sheets are a must. Conservative payouts, which leave room for dividends to be easily covered in the event of a shock, and raised in the future when all is well, are ideal, too. Here are nine of the best REITs to buy not just for their durable businesses, but also their financial strength and dividend coverage. SEE ALSO: 25 Dividend Stocks the Analysts Love the Most

ARTICLE–For certain doctors, dentists and other highly skilled service providers stung by the economic fallout of COVID-19, that may be an option. But it comes with some dangerous pitfalls as well.

ARTICLE–How we knew to sell, why we think it was smart, and what you can do now.

SLIDE SHOW–You probably never heard of COVID-19 when you picked this year's health insurance policy at work. You couldn't have planned for the coronavirus pandemic when you signed up for a 2020 flexible spending arrangement (FSA), either. But you might not be stuck with the choices you made in 2019 with respect to employer-provided health insurance and FSAs for 2020. That's because the IRS is letting workers make mid-year changes to their health insurance coverage and FSAs. It's also expanding FSA rules concerning carryover and grace periods. [EMBED TYPE=WIDGET ID=927] But there's a catch: You can only take advantage of the new rules if your employer modifies its benefit plans. If your company doesn't want to make the necessary changes, then you're out of luck. But assuming your bosses are on board, here's a rundown of the mid-year health insurance changes allowed, the enhanced rules for FSAs, and even some adjustments that help people with health savings accounts (HSAs). Hopefully, the added flexibility will help if you're dealing with unexpected medical and dependent care expenses because of the coronavirus outbreak. SEE ALSO: Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2020 Tax Year

SLIDE SHOW–You're not imagining things. Computers are getting smarter every day. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a not-so-new technology that involves "smart" computers capable of demonstrating intelligence, usually through solving problems or learning. As the horsepower behind AI improves, the technology is able to perform increasingly complex tasks, from identifying new sales opportunities to steering vehicles. And that technology is driving the best AI stocks to strong outperformance this year, with many equities that either use or help power artificial intelligence boasting double-digit gains against a down market. In fact, you probably use AI every day, whether you realize it or not. Artificial intelligence powers personal assistants such as Alexa, Cortana and Siri. It also guides the search results you plug into your computer or smartphone, and it often helps determine the advertisements you see. It's an incredible investing opportunity, too. AI stocks are gunning after a market poised to grow from $10.1 billion in 2018 to $126 billion in 2025, according to estimates by emerging-technology research and consulting firm Omdia | Tractica. Here, we look at 10 of the best AI stocks to buy for investors in it for the long haul. Each stock has already outperformed considerably year-to-date, and the coronavirus outbreak still might rattle them in the short-term. But each also shows plenty of promise looking out to 2021, 2022 and beyond. SEE ALSO: 20 Best Stocks to Buy Now for the Next Bull Market

ARTICLE–Giving back to the community or supporting important organizations is a noble cause. But you need to consider the options available to have the greatest impact.

ARTICLE–The stock market gets a full day off for Memorial Day. The bond market gets Monday off too, not to mention an early close ahead of the holiday weekend.