More than four-fifths of mass affluent respondents to a Prudential Financial survey indicate that they would consider working in retirement. In addition, the survey found that 89% of high-net-worth adults feel prepared to meet essential costs, but just 55% have accounted for the impact of inflation. "Feeling ready is very different than actually being ready," said Prudential's Caroline Feeney.

A survey of 362 women found that those who were more involved in financial management during their marriages were more confident in dealing with financial issues after divorce. BMO's Amy Hale noted that "if the spouse makes poor financial decisions, both partners may be held liable, and women could face unanticipated legal consequences or tax burdens."

Major stock indexes rose on Monday, with the S&P 500 climbing 1.2%, the Nasdaq Composite up 1.9% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.7%. Optimism about a potential trade agreement between the US and China is helping buoy the market.

Markets expect the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates again this week, and some observers are expecting more cuts going forward. Meanwhile, the Chicago Fed is estimating that the unemployment rate has been relatively stable during the past two months.

Discussing legacy issues with family members is an important yet sometimes awkward process, says Melanie Schnoll Begun Morgan Stanley, who discusses tax laws, family values and the role of trusts.

Current Federal Reserve board members Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, and BlackRock executive Rick Rieder have been confirmed as the five finalists to succeed Jerome Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Bessent said he hopes to provide President Donald Trump a "good slate" of candidates after Thanksgiving, while Trump said he expects to make a nominee decision by the end of 2025.

Markets expect the Federal Reserve to lower the federal funds rate by a quarter percentage point, bringing it to a range of 3.75% to 4%. This move will affect consumer borrowing costs, but not all rates will decrease significantly. Short-term rates, such as those on credit cards, are more sensitive to Fed changes and may see slight reductions. However, longer-term rates, like mortgages, are less affected.