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Your Money, Their Votes: What You Should Know About How Funds Should Vote Your Shares

Fact checked by Stella OsobaYinYang/Getty ImagesInvestment funds cast nearly 9 million proxy votes annually on behalf of American investors, effectively serving as corporate America's hidden hand. Once a tedious formality at annual meetings, corporate governance has become contentious.Fund managers traditionally vote on many issues on behalf of investors, but that's changing.Key TakeawaysWhen investing in index funds, you delegate your shareholder voting rights to fund managers who vote on critical corporate issues.The biggest fund managers now offer ways for many investors to direct how they would vote on major corporate governance issues.The Rise of the Big 3's Proxy Voting PowerPassive index mutual and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) now hold over half of U.S. fund assets and about one-third of all U.S. equities. The "Big Three" asset managers—BlackRock Inc. (BLK), Vanguard, and State Street Corp. (STT)—control the most shares in nearly 90% of S&P 500 companies, wielding enormous proxy voting influence.Once reliable supporters of management, the Big Three have been the focus of grassroots campaigns like those of GLAAD and other progressive groups. "Just as GLAAD works to get out the LGBTQ vote in political elections, we are activating the LGBTQ community to get educated and vote during proxy season," Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, the media advocacy organization for accelerating LGBTQ acceptance, told Investopedia.Conservatives targeted these funds after environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-friendly votes in the early 2020s. Their critics, like James Copland of the Manhattan Institute, call their power "peculiar" and hope that Congress or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will curtail the Big Three's ability to flex their "voting muscle over all of corporate America." They argue that since funds are mere conduits for investors avoiding investing decisions (they automatically get whatever is in specific indexes), they shouldn't get to impose their values through proxy votes.However, many trading strategies—from technical trading to quant models—would seem at least as disconnected from governance concerns—so where to draw the line? The fund giants argue, too, that index investors often have the most at stake, saying that as permanent shareholders unable to sell specific index holdings (as others who disagree with a company's policies can), they must exercise their governance rights. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink calls index investors "the ultimate long-term investors," while Vanguard argues their position requires "the highest standards of stewardship."NoteIn 2025, Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST), Apple, Walt Disney Co. (DIS), and Goldman Sachs (GS), among others, fought off anti-DEI proposals with shareholder support over 95%.New Ways To Make Your Voice HeardFacing political pressure, fund giants now offer investors more control over proxy votes:BlackRockAccording to a company spokesperson, BlackRock's Voting Choice program enables over 3 million eligible shareholders in the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV), representing about $275 billion of the fund's total assets of $585 billion, to participate. Investors can choose among seven third-party voting policies or continue letting BlackRock's team vote on their behalf. As of December 2024, $3.1 trillion of BlackRock's $6.3 trillion in index equity assets are eligible, with clients representing $679 billion exercising this choice. Fink has said these programs "can enhance corporate governance by injecting important new voices into shareholder democracy.”State StreetState Street offers 10 proxy voting choices across $1.7 trillion in assets, including all U.S.-based index funds investing in American equities—covering 81% of eligible index equity assets.VanguardVanguard's program covers eight funds (excluding those tracking the (S&P 500 Index), representing 4 million investors and $250 billion in shares. It offers five options: Vanguard-managed voting, management alignment, ESG priorities, profit focus, or abstention.What This Means For Your InvestmentsFund investors wondering how their money influences corporate America can do the following:Review voting records via SEC's Form N-PX filings on the SEC's EDGAR database.Explore the Big Three's voting choice programs.Compare fund families' voting patterns on ESG proposals.The Bottom LineProxy voting has become a major battleground in American capitalism. By investing in funds, you delegate your corporate voting rights to managers with potentially different priorities. Regardless of your stance on ESG initiatives, your investment dollars are helping shape corporate America's future.
How DOGE Could Impact Your Social Security Benefits and What You Need to Know

Fact checked by Suzanne KvilhaugKenTannenbaum / Getty Images DOGE has made significant changes to Social Security—here's how it could impact you.A wave of restructuring at the Social Security Administration is starting to impact retirees, disabled Americans, and low-income seniors. The changes are being driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a White House initiative led unofficially by billionaire Elon Musk with the support of President Donald Trump.DOGE has slashed staff, shuttered offices, and imposed a larger withholding for overpaid benefits—moves that critics say could hit vulnerable Americans the hardest.Key TakeawaysSocial Security services are slowing down after DOGE-driven cuts, especially for vulnerable groups like disabled Americans and low-income seniors.While long-term benefits are likely secure, navigating the system is getting harder with fewer resources to process claims.A new 50% withholding rule for benefit overpayments—up from 10% under President Joe Biden—has raised alarms, with experts warning it punishes vulnerable retirees for mistakes they didn’t make.Why Cuts Hit Some Harder Than OthersSocial Security has long been a lifeline for older Americans and those living with disabilities. But the current staff reductions and field office closures are already having noticeable effects.Monique Morrissey, an economist at Economic Policy Institute, a left-leaning think tank, says that the people most impacted by DOGE are those disabilities and low-income seniors. These groups rely more heavily on in-person support, which is harder to come by with fewer staff and closed offices.“People trying to access retirement benefits will also face delays,” she said. "Some people eligible for disability income and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will lose out permanently from service delays and disruptions in accessing these benefits."She also warns that website crashes are becoming more frequent. And when people try to apply online without help, they may miss out on benefits they’re entitled to due to the lack of resources available.Elon Musk & DOGEAfter three months heading up DOGE's cost-cutting efforts, Musk said in late April he would be "allocating far more" of his time to his job as Tesla CEO, though he stopped short of saying he would completely cut down on government work. "I'll continue to spend a day or two per week on government matters for as long as the president would like me to," he said on Tesla's first-quarter earnings call.Withholdings for OverpaymentOccasionally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will pay people more than their monthly benefits are worth. This typically occurs when SSA has the incorrect or incomplete information on file.When this occurred in the past, the SSA would withhold 10% of the beneficiary's monthly benefit until the overpaid amount was fully paid back.However, in March, the Trump administration proposed a rule requiring full, or 100%, repayment of any overpaid benefits, which immediately drew sharp criticism.“It’s retribution without actual wrongdoing," said Morrissey. "Except in rare cases, these overpayments are accidental, including mistakes by the Social Security Administration—and not attempted fraud."While the Trump Administration walked back the proposal just months later in April, saying it would instead default to withholding 50% of benefits, experts still worry the current rule will hit the most vulnerable hardest, like recipients who live on fixed incomes and those who aren’t even aware they’ve been overpaid.50%If you receive an overpayment, the Social Security Administration can withhold up to 50% of your monthly payments to recoup it.What Should You Do?If you're already receiving benefits, the system is still working, at least for now.However, if you want to make changes to your information, like your direct deposit information, it may not be the ideal time, Morrissey warns.Recently, the SSA imposed new rules regarding identity verification, too. Now, those who want to change their direct deposit information will have to visit a Social Security office in-person to confirm their identity if they're unable to do so online.And if you’re considering retiring early to lock in benefits now, Morrissey urges people to weigh that decision carefully, as collecting retirement benefits early results in permanently reduced monthly benefits.The most important message? Apply for benefits when you're ready, especially if you think you qualify for disability benefits. “You can apply for SSDI retroactively even if you're already receiving reduced early retirement benefits,” said Morrissey.The Bottom LineCutbacks at the Social Security Administration have disrupted service delivery and created new hurdles for many Americans. Monthly payments are still being paid, but may be more challenging to apply for benefits or navigate any issues, especially for those without tech access. Staying informed, seeking help when needed, and applying early for complex benefits like disability could make a big difference.
How To Invest $20,000 for Maximum Returns

Fact checked by Katie ReillyAlistair Berg/Getty ImagesIf you’re looking to invest $20,000, financial advisors recommend starting with proven strategies like index funds. Chad Olivier, CEO of the Louisiana-based Olivier Group, told Investopedia that this approach allows you to build a broad portfolio with exposure to hundreds of stocks.This gives you more stability and less risk because you’re spreading your investment across many companies and sectors. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a beginner, understanding how to allocate your funds effectively—and avoiding emotional market buying or selling—is key to long-term financial success.Key TakeawaysBefore investing, consider potentially better alternatives, like paying off high-interest debt or maximizing employer-matched retirement contributions.Diversified index funds like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) offer broad market exposure—reducing risk while delivering strong long-term returns.Use strategies like dollar-cost averaging to avoid emotional decision-making and maintain discipline during market volatility.Should You Invest, Save, or Pay Down Debt?Before deciding to invest, take stock of your finances and consider alternatives. For example, if you’re saddled with credit card debt, you may want to pay it down and avoid paying more in monthly interest than you’ll likely make on an investment. Contributing to your 401(k) or retirement plan can also be a smart move, especially if your employer offers matching contributions, which effectively provide an immediate return on your investment.How To Invest $20,000If you can invest $20,000, you might start with the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, which tracks the S&P 500. If you had done so 10 years ago, you’d have about $63,851 in May 2025, yielding a total return (with dividends reinvested) of about 163%.If you invested the same amount in the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ), which tracks the tech-heavy Nasdaq, you’d have almost $97,558 in May 2025—a total return (with dividends reinvested) of 388%.Once you’ve built a well-diversified portfolio, Olivier suggests researching and investing in individual stocks, which carry more risk than an index ETF but offer potentially higher returns in the long run. In particular, Olivier recommends investing in well-run companies that have strong cash positions and are at the cutting edge of technology. “I always say that with a little bit of a concentrated position in some great, great companies, you'll do really well in the long run,” Olivier said. Firms that have delivered outsized returns over the past decade include big-tech names like Apple Inc. (AAPL), NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA), and Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN), which as of May 2025, have annualized returns of 21%, 70%, and 24%, respectively, over the past decade.An Alternative: Build Over TimeYou may also want to incorporate a regimented investment strategy to help reduce the overall impact of price volatility. Dollar-cost averaging, for example, involves investing a set amount of money on a regular schedule, no matter how the price of the investment changes. Strategies like this help investors avoid the emotional pitfalls of trying to time the market. Plus, you’ll be making regular investments over time.“No matter what the markets are doing, this strategy helps you stay consistent,” Olivier said. “And if you stay consistent, you’ll do really well over time.”What about bear markets and periods of intense volatility? Olivier’s advice is simple. “It’s the Warren Buffett way of investing: Know your positions, and stick to them,” he said. “When everybody else is running for the hills, he’s holding—or even buying."The Bottom LineInvesting $20,000 wisely involves balancing risk, staying disciplined, and focusing on long-term growth. Diversified strategies like index funds and regular investing can help you build wealth steadily over time.To put it in Buffett’s words, "Just keep buying," the legendary investor said in 2023 about investing in S&P 500 index funds and weathering tough times. "American business is going to do fine over time, so you know the investment universe is going to do very well."