Diego Carranco/Brien L. Smith CFP®

This afternoon, the Federal Reserve held its policy rate steady, keeping the federal-funds target range at 3.50% to 3.75% for the fifth consecutive meeting. Markets expected the hold, but not comfortably: futures had priced roughly a one-in-three chance of a surprise hike going in. The statement passed by a 9-3 vote, and all three dissenters wanted to raise rates by a quarter point immediately. That is the first time since September 2016 that three policymakers have broken from the majority...

Imagine standing atop the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, exploring the ancient ruins of Greece, or gazing on the northern lights from a cozy Icelandic cabin. No matter the destination, nearly everyone has a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation close in their imagination. With the right strategies and mindset, it doesn't have to be just a dream. And you may be closer to achieving it than you think. How much should I budget for a vacation? Everyone's financial situation is unique. Before planning...

In the summer of 1944, the United States gathered 44 nations at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, and wrote the rules of the post-war world. The dollar would be the reserve currency.