Relative newcomers Apple, Google 'most valuable'
Motley Fool
Q: What are the world's biggest brands? — T.C., Flint, Michigan
A: Forbes magazine recently published a list of the world's most valuable brands. Here are 2018's top 10, along with the value of each brand: Apple, $183 billion; Google, $132 billion; Microsoft, $105 billion; Facebook, $95 billion; Amazon, $71 billion; CocaCola, $57 billion; Samsung, $48 billion; Disney, $48 billion; Toyota, $45 billion; AT&T, $42 billion.
It's interesting to observe how the list changes over time. A mere 15 years ago, Facebook didn't exist, and Amazon started selling items other than books only in 1998. In 2010, Forbes' ranking of the most valuable brands included names such as IBM, General Electric, McDonald's, Intel and Nokia.
Fool's School: Social Security Scams
There are all kinds of scams out there aiming to steal our credit card numbers, tax refunds, Social Security benefits — and even our identities. Here's a look at a common Social Security scam and how you can avoid it.
In the old days, you would conduct your Social Security business with its employees — over the phone or in person at one of the many local offices. Today, though, retirees and near-retirees are encouraged to go online for many of their Social Security needs. The Social Security Administration now promotes its "my Social Security" site at ssa.gov. After you create an account there, you can review the SSA's record of your past earnings to make sure they're correct, request replacement Social Security or Medicare cards, change your address, get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S form for tax purposes, see an estimate of your future benefits based on your earnings record and more.
You can also apply at the SSA website to start receiving your Social Security benefits. The problem is, someone else might be able to start receiving your benefits — if they set up an account there in your name before you do. That can happen if you fall for a fraudulent email or phone call telling you that you need to provide some personal information, such as your Social Security number and birth date. Be skeptical of any emails or calls asking for personal information. If in doubt, contact the SSA on your own to verify.
By creating your own account, you can prevent anyone else from doing so. Note that you are supposed to create an account for yourself only and should not create one for anyone else. (This is a rule that the scammers break.)
Get many more retirement tips at fool.com/retirement/ index.aspx and money.cnn. com/retirement, and try our "Rule Your Retirement" service at fool.com/services. It offers solid, concise advice, along with stock and fund recommendations.
Name that company
I was born 25 years ago in Alexandria, Virginia, as a print newsletter. Today, I oversee a great global investment community, educating, amusing and enriching millions through my website, investing services, books, podcasts, syndicated newspaper feature, asset management service and more. (There are millions of copies of my books in print.) With offices in the U.K., Australia, Canada, Singapore and Germany, I'm an advocate for individual investors. My name is taken from Shakespeare and refers to the character who could tell the king the truth without getting his head lopped off. My favorite holiday is in April. Who am I?
Last week's answer
I trace my roots back to both a chemical company founded in Korea in 1947 that began making cosmetic creams and an electronics company formed in 1958 that introduced the first radios, TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, elevators and more in Korea. The former was eventually known as Lucky, while the latter went by Goldstar. (Remember Goldstar electronics such as TVs and CD players?) Today, my name reflects both companies, and my motto is Life's Good. Based in Seoul, I boast annual sales over $9 billion, and my market value recently topped $13 billion. Who am I? (Answer: LG)