Mom and Pop Investors’ Growing Place in the Market

Is Le Creuset cookware worth the price?

How's this for market trivia: in 2019, mom-and-pop investors accounted for just 10% of the stock market's total trading activity. Since then, non-professionals' share has more than doubled, approaching 30% this year. Many folks had extra time on their hands during the pandemic — and those fortunate enough to stay employed had extra money, too. But now experts are wondering whether stocks will slide if these new participants decide they've had enough. As brokerage Charles Schwab put it in a recent note, "Pandemic-level trading volumes are not sustainable." But that doesn't mean you should join the crowds running for the exit at the first sign of a sell-off. As always, it's important to make an investing plan and stick to it. Best wishes, Elizabeth P.S. If you got this newsletter from a friend, sign up here for email delivery to make sure you don't miss the next issue. TIMELY RETIREMENT NEWS, INSIGHTS, AND ADVICE   Trading Stocks Is Americans' Favorite Pandemic Pastime What happens to the market when they lose interest?   'FOMO Took Over.' Some Buyers Who Caved to a Hot Housing Market Now Regret It Here are their stories.   Is a $400 Dutch Oven From Le Creuset Actually Worth the Money? Here's what the experts say. RETIRE WITH MONEY COMMUNITY NEWS This week in our Retire with Money Facebook group, members discussed long-term care insurance. One member asked: "Looking at a hybrid long term care policy — does anyone have thoughts about this? I may also be able to self-insure. I'm 65." Hybrid policies combine life insurance with long-term care insurance. They're more expensive than traditional long-term care insurance, in that you pay more for a smaller care benefit when the time comes. But they do have their advantages. One member replied, "If you want control over the type of care you get, then having a hybrid is an important option...I researched this a lot as I have three decades in health care. I chose a hybrid through Nationwide as I want payment to come to me and I determine who and what I pay for." Flexibility is very important, although I'm guessing that by the time most folks need long-term care, it's their loved ones who will be coordinating the coverage and receiving the funds, not the beneficiary. That makes communicating your wishes all the more important. Learn more about long-term care insurance here. RETIREMENT NEWS FROM AROUND THE WEB A Behavioral Scientist's Advice for Changing Your Life One tip:  If you know when you might procrastinate, impose a fine on your future self and commit to paying if you don't follow through with your goals. NPR Successful Aging in Place Doesn't 'Just Happen' It pays to prepare for functional limitations, as three quarters of people 85 and older report difficulties in performing some activities of daily living like bathing or dressing. NEXT AVENUE Money Wisdom From Vanguard's Jack Brennan It's very hard to beat the stock market, the former CEO cautions. REUTERS Bitcoin's Trading Action Lately Is Wild Even by Crypto's Standards And experts say the drama isn't over yet. CNBC Elizabeth O'Brien is deputy editor at Money. She has covered retirement and health care for nearly a decade. A Brooklyn resident and mom of two boys, she navigates the alphabet soup of Medicare and the New York City subway system with equal ease. You can email her at elizabeth.obrien@money.com and follow her on Twitter at @elizobrien. This newsletter is free because Money earns a commission when you click or make purchases from the links in this email and on our site. We also receive compensation for some of the products and services featured in this message. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Learn more about how we make money. Privacy Policy • Advertise With Us • We're Hiring! To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Copyright ©2021 Ad Practitioners, LLC. All rights reserved. Metro Office Park Calle 1, Building 7 Suite 204, Guaynabo, 00968 Puerto Rico, USA