Tony Robbins critiques 401(k) plans, widely used retirement savings vehicles holding over $3.5 trillion in assets and generating substantial profits for financial institutions, for often falling short of ensuring financially secure retirements. He underscores the issue of the “tyranny of compounding fees,” a term introduced by Vanguard founder John Bogle, as a major drawback that gradually erodes savings. Robbins points out that many 401(k) participants remain unaware of these fees; an AARP study found that 80% of individuals are oblivious to their plan’s costs, with 70% mistakenly believing they pay no fees at all, despite significant fee variations even among comparable investments.

A sign stands outside a branch of Wells Fargo bank Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Littleton, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

This savings account still promises 10% — plus 9 more of the highest APYs of January 2025Here’s what you need to know about the best savings account rates right nowSavings account rates are on the decline at the start of 2025, but banks and credit unions with the highest available rates of return this month continue to promise 5% annual percentage yield or more. Whether or not those returns remain, however, is another story, pros say. (See some of the best savings rates you can get now from our partner Bankrate.)

Wall Street is really worried about bonds. It might be time to buy some.

Real estate investments can be an excellent way to earn returns, generate cash flow, hedge against inflation, and diversify an investment portfolio. However, buying physical properties can be costly, difficult, and risky. Instead, you can buy shares of diversified real estate investment trusts, or REITs, which are public companies that own large portfolios of real estate and pay dividends to investors. There are many different types of REITs, providing access to residential, commercial, and specialty real estate. Here are 10 of the best REITs to buy in 2025, according to Morningstar analysts:

After nearly 8 months of consolidation and volatility, bitcoin’s price has broken above $100,000 and has pushed higher into uncharted territory. Where might it go next? Could the incoming administration and shifts in Congress have any impact? And will Ethereum’s price catch up to Bitcoin’s?