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IN THIS ISSUE: Economy checkup, will power, and online shopping tricks |
THE HEADLINES
Economy checkupWhat’s happening: Recent market volatility and uncertainty around the conflict with Iran might have investors thinking about the possibility of a recession.
Tell me more: Fidelity pros say the economy is still growing. Although current events have raised recession risks, they don’t think it’s enough cause for concern in the near term. On our pros’ radar: the supply chain, oil prices, and consumer spending.
What it means for you: There’s a case for market optimism, says Jake Weinstein, senior vice president of Fidelity’s Asset Allocation Research Team. Despite recent bumps, we’re still seeing broad earnings growth. It’s a good reminder: Geopolitical conflict typically doesn’t hurt US corporate profits as a whole, though certain sectors like energy, materials, and airlines, see impacts.
No matter where the economy heads next, you can feel ready for anything with these 6 ways to recession-proof your life. |
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$1 million questionWhat’s happening: Americans say they plan to have saved an average of more than $1.4 million for retirement, according to Fidelity’s 2026 State of Retirement Planning study.1 Still, some may be wondering if it’ll be enough.
Here’s why: Inflation unknowns, rising health care costs, and longer lifespans can make $1 million saved for retirement seem inadequate. |
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What it means for you: Reaching $1 million is a milestone worth celebration, whether it’s your end goal or somewhere in the middle. Your ultimate retirement target depends more on your lifestyle, goals, and willingness to plan, and many retirement readiness drivers are within your control. Planning tools and guidance could help you maximize your savings and adjust early if something needs to change.
These 5 tips could make $1 million—or whatever you’ll have—work for you. |
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Get will soonWhat’s happening: Even though 97% of people say discussing estate plans with loved ones is important, only 39% have had detailed conversations with heirs, according to estate-planning platform Vanilla’s State of Estate Planning Report 2026.2
Here’s why: Estate planning may seem complicated or too difficult to easily talk about with loved ones. People may also feel intimidated by not understanding how certain arrangements, like trusts, work.
What it means for you: Estate plans are for people of all ages and net worths. Creating one simply ensures your assets go to the people and organizations you want to support. It can also help loved ones avoid probate—a pricey, complicated process of distributing assets.
An easy first step: Set beneficiaries for your accounts. You can change them anytime. These override a will and trust and could help smooth asset transfers. (Got specific questions? Consider consulting an attorney.) Here’s how to
designate beneficiaries at Fidelity. Next, try the free Fidelity Estate Planner®, an online information-organizing tool for Fidelity customers. Learn about the
4 key documents to consider when building an estate plan,
and when you’re ready to talk with family, these concrete ideas could help make the conversation more productive. |
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HOW TO
Scenario plan for downturnsIllustrating the potential tradeoffs of different strategies under different market scenarios could help you during times of uncertainty. |
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TUNE IN
Smart home loan strategiesWhether you’re on the move, refinancing, or renovating, this special upcoming webinar on April 8 from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET could help you understand your lending options. |
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QUICK Q
How can I avoid overspending during this time of the year?Warmer weather, spring break travel, and FOMO can have that effect. In fact, about 85% percent of Americans have felt they don’t measure up compared to friends’ big purchases.3 Try these strategies to save without too much sacrifice.
Ghost your cart: When online retailers see you’ve abandoned your shopping cart, they might email you a coupon to encourage you to complete the purchase. Or you may forget about what you almost bought because you don’t care that much about it. Either way, more money stays in your account.
Create some friction: Saved credit card info can make checking out too easy. Consider deleting your payment and shipping address on sites you frequently buy from. You may rethink impulse purchases during the extra time it takes to enter your details at checkout.
Reverse image search: If a social media ad tempts you, use a tool that searches the internet for similar-looking items. You may find the same thing or a lookalike from a different retailer or resale marketplace for less.
Want more ideas? Try these 10 tips to shop online without overpaying—or being tricked into overbuying. |
