2 Top Stocks You Can Buy Now With $500

Many individuals plan to work during retirement, with 75% of respondents in the 2025 EBRI Retirement Confidence Survey expressing this intention, primarily for social interaction and financial reasons. However, historically, fewer actually do, with those who do often citing fulfilling jobs and the need for additional income to cover healthcare costs as motivating factors. Want More Context? 🔎

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve sets monetary policy, influencing interest rates and economic outlook, which is crucial for investors. Recent minutes from the July meeting revealed concerns reminiscent of 1996 under Alan Greenspan, suggesting potential significant impacts on the S&P 500. Want More Context? 🔎

If you will be 73 or older in 2025 and have non-Roth IRAs, you must start making taxable withdrawals known as required minimum distributions (RMDs). The amount you need to withdraw annually increases with age, with specific calculations based on your IRA's value, reaching 50% at age 120. Want More Context? 🔎

NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) is the largest utility stock by market capitalization, valued at over $150 billion, surpassing its closest competitor by more than $30 billion, according to The Motley Fool. Despite its size, analysts believe the utility could potentially double in value in the coming years, driven by various growth factors. Want More Context? 🔎

Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR) stock experienced a 1% decline in Monday's trading, having dropped as much as 5.9% earlier in the day, amid broader market pressures that affected the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite. Over the past week, Palantir's stock has decreased by 10% and is now 16% below its all-time high, although no significant business news appears to have influenced this downturn. Want More Context? 🔎

First Guaranty Bancshares (NASDAQ:FGBI), a regional bank operating in Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, and West Virginia, reported disappointing results on July 31, 2025, primarily due to increased provisions for loan losses despite improvements in risk management and expenses. The bank is shifting focus from commercial real estate to residential, consumer, and agricultural lending while emphasizing expense control and maintaining strong capital and liquidity to navigate market volatility. Want More Context? 🔎