Health insurance is one of the most complex and aggravating topics for both consumers and providers in the US. Speak with anyone based outside the US and they all will comment about how much better things are abroad versus here. But as most of you would agree, having health insurance is a financial necessity in America today. Without it, if you were to get in a major accident or get seriously ill, you could literally go bankrupt. And if you live in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Washington D.C. you’ll be penalized if you don’t have health…

If you want to optimize your life, it’s essential to understand the concept of Return on Effort (ROE). The higher your ROE, the more you get out of your efforts, making it an invaluable framework for decision-making. ROE can also help you better utilize your time by prioritizing tasks and opportunities that yield the greatest results. I started focusing on Return on Effort in 2009 when I launched Financial Samurai. After a decade in finance and grueling 60+ hour workweeks, I was burned out and searching for an escape. The constant grind had taken a toll, and I needed a path to…

A new interactive tracker provides more timely, and surprising, answers about trade ‘connectedness’ around the world. Is globalization reversing? Will US tariffs derail global trade? Is the world splintering into geopolitical trade blocs? Answers to these questions will now come faster—if not in real time, then at least quarterly—due to the new DHL Global Connectedness Tracker. Unveiled on Tuesday by global logistics and shipping company DHL and New York University’s Stern School of Business, this web-based platform features interactive charts that track globalization levels and trends worldwide. Some recent findings may come as a surprise: Global “connectedness,” measured across trade,…

Being financially independent means having enough passive income to cover your essential or desired living expenses. A common guideline is to aim for a net worth equal to 25 times your annual expenses, often used as a baseline for achieving financial independence. However, this approach is overly simplistic because it depends on the composition and liquidity of one’s net worth. If your net worth consists entirely of liquid, income-producing assets, 25 times your expenses should suffice. But if much of it is tied up in a primary residence or illiquid private investments, you may not be able to generate enough…

Home Media Expert Perspectives In Conversation with Farid Huseynov, Chief Executive Officer, Kapital Bank Kapital Bank CEO Farid Huseynov spoke about the bank’s leadership in digital transformation, innovation, and sustainability. From AI-powered solutions to fostering a global financial ecosystem, Huseynov shared insights on Kapital Bank’s customer-centric strategies and commitment to environmental and social responsibility. During Sibos 2024, Kapital Bank CEO Farid Huseynov shared insights with Transaction Banking Editor Gilly Wright on the bank’s journey to becoming a leader in digital transformation and innovation. Kapital Bank’s focus on customer-centricity drives its adoption of technologies like AI and big data analytics to…

Being the first-ever financial institution in Azerbaijan is not enough on its own to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Kapital Bank has also become increasingly agile in response to what customers want and need. “It’s about being the first choice for our customers,” said Farid Huseynov, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “We earn their trust by striving for excellence in everything we do.” Put simply, the bank’s competitive advantage comes from its ability to combine tradition through a 150-year history with innovation. “We have a deep understanding of the Azerbaijani market, and we’ve made significant investments…

I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Bengen, creator of the “4% Rule” for retirement planning. Bill has been a reader of Financial Samurai for many years and has always been courteous in the comments section when I write about safe withdrawal rates. So, I figured it was time we had a chat to clear up some misconceptions. For those unfamiliar, the 4% Rule, developed by Bill in the 1990s, suggests that traditional retirees (around age 65) can safely withdraw 4% of their retirement portfolio in the first year—adjusted for inflation in subsequent years—without running out of money over…

Since 2018, AI has been essential to CTBC’s digital strategy, supported by its in-house R&D lab with 200-plus data and AI-focused scientists. This initiative now spans more than 50 departments across three major business lines. With over 100 active AI applications in production, the bank achieved an explosive 150% increase in AI usage year-over-year. Wang underscores CTBC’s vision: “Our goal is to scale AI implementation and deliver tangible benefits.” CTBC aims to leverage both GenAI and traditional AI to enhance its personalized banking experience and seamlessly deliver next-gen banking services. Real-Time Fraud Prevention with AI Digital account fraud is a…

After reviewing my analysis on a conversation I had with a financial professional in 2013, I decided to take another close look at my finances. To my surprise, I uncovered a huge gap between my perceived risk tolerance and the reality of my portfolio. Since leaving work in 2012, I’ve generally seen myself as a moderate-to-conservative investor. Without a steady paycheck, along with having a stay-at-home spouse and two young kids, I thought it prudent to be more conservative. But after a thorough review of my largest tax-advantaged retirement account—my rollover IRA—I’ve come to realize I’ve been deluding myself for…

In 2022, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) made a long-term commitment to a digital-first strategy. Khalil Al-Qattan, ABK’s General Manager of Digital Transformation and Innovation, discusses how the bank’s digital focus is transforming the customer experience, streamlining operations, and attracting new business partners. Global Finance: What are the main goals of ABK’s digital transformation strategy, and what steps are you taking to achieve them? Khalil Al-Qattan: ABK’s customer-centric, digital transformation strategy focuses on enhancing the customer experience, improving operational efficiency, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. We’re reimagining the banking experience by investing in a range of…