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IN THIS ISSUE: International stocks, when to retire, and cost cutters |
GOOD START
After 2 stressful life events, this personal finance pro racked up $45,000 in debt. These strategies helped get her back in the black. |
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THE HEADLINES
International callWhat’s happening: Despite a selloff when the Iran conflict began, international stocks are back on the upswing with gains nearly double those of US stocks this year.
Here’s why: International economies are investing in growth. For instance, Germany, Europe’s largest economy, announced a trillion dollars of fiscal spending packages last year, which has bolstered the market, says Faris Rahman, portfolio manager of Fidelity Europe Fund (FIEUX).
The European banking sector is also increasingly healthier and capable of lending more, which could lead to businesses investing more, giving whole economies a boost. Another factor: Europe has been diversifying their energy sources and driving toward greater electrification since the Russia-Ukraine conflict, making them more resilient to energy shocks than they had been. |
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What it means: While US stocks are probably still the quarterback of your portfolio, other players may deserve more playing time, says Rahman.
For many investors, it makes sense to maintain a long-term exposure to international stocks as part of a diversified portfolio. Learn how to buy international stocks and how much you might consider holding.
Keep in mind, investing in foreign markets involves greater political, social, economic, and regulatory risks.1 |
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Age-old questionWhat happened: Nearly 1 in 3 workers aren’t sure when they’ll retire, according to Fidelity Investments’ 2026 State of Retirement Planning study.
Here’s why: Retirement might feel a ways off for younger generations and some might not know when a combination of their own savings and government benefits will add up to enough to leave the workforce. That could be partly because there are different milestone ages associated with retirement: You could start claiming Social Security benefits at 62, become eligible for Medicare at 65, get full Social Security benefits at 67, and get extra Social Security benefits if you wait until 68 to 70 to claim them.
What it means for you: Even if you have one of these ages in mind, nearly 60% of workers are forced into retirement for reasons they didn’t plan for, such as health issues and job loss, according to the Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies.2 Proactive planning and saving can cushion the landing. Here are 5 tips that may help you retire earlier and
6 ways to help maximize Social Security benefits. Plus, see how much your potential benefit could be with Fidelity’s Social Security calculator. |
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WE WANT TO KNOW …At what age do you plan to retire? Click the link that best describes your situation.
Before 40
Between 40 and 50
Between 51 and 60
Between 61 and 70
After 70
I don’t want to stop working. |
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Home gameWhat’s happening: The housing market may finally be ready for a rebound.
Here’s why: Home prices fell in about 30% of the nation’s 300 largest housing markets between March 2025 and March 2026, according to a Fast Company analysis of the Zillow Home Value Index.3
The gap between existing and new mortgage rates also narrowed between June 2024 and December 2025, says Denise Chisholm, Fidelity’s director of quantitative market strategy. After similar moves in the past, housing turnover increased over the following year 70% of the time. That could be because homeowners tend to stay in place to keep their lower mortgage rates, creating pent-up demand that boils over when rates begin to fall again.
What it means for you: If you’re looking to buy, you could see lower prices and more inventory. Even with inflation and a recent interest rate rise due to the Iran conflict, mortgage rates have started to fall over the last few weeks, given their relatively weak historical relationship to oil prices. Buying a home this year? Before you start your search, find out how much home you can afford with our mortgage calculator.
Investors could see an upside to these housing market trends too. Homebuilder stocks have outperformed the market by wide margins, on average, in 12-month periods after housing turnover was in the lowest 10% of its range. You can search for homebuilder stocks (and others) using Fidelity’s Stock Screener🔒. To search for mutual funds or ETFs that focus on this theme, use the Fidelity
Mutual Fund Research tool or ETF Screener🔒. While you’re at it, here are
3 investing themes to watch now. |
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HOW TO
Help make the rest of your year more tax-efficientRecent tax law changes mean making certain moves now could help reduce next tax season’s bill. |
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COST CUTTERS
3 savings tricks you might not have tried yetRecent inflation reports showed prices are still rising. Here are some ways to save if you’re feeling squeezed.
1. Ask for a cheaper rate: You might be able to reduce your internet, phone, or cable bill. First, research your provider’s (and their competitors’) promotions. Then call the company’s customer service line and ask if they have a retention or loyalty department—they might have more deal-making power to keep you as a customer. Mention the discount(s) you found, and ask the rep whether your current rate is the best they can do. This could potentially save you hundreds of dollars a year.
2. Pay cash: Many stores and service businesses (think: independent hair or nail salons and restaurants, rather than large chains) offer a discount of 2% to 4%,4 and some may shave off as much as 10% for those paying in cash. This saves the merchant a pricey credit card transaction fee. Research also shows that paying with cash could feel more real than swiping, which could help curb impulse buys.
3. Trim your car insurance bill: You might be able to cut your rate by up to 30% if you sign up for a safe driver program through your insurer.5 Typically, this requires monitoring your driving habits through your smartphone or an in-car device. Also, check if your provider or state offers a defensive driving class. Spending a few hours brushing up on road rules could net you a discount.
Ready to save more? Here’s how to cut expenses by 10% so you can free up money for other goals like investing. |
