Author: Money Mechanics

While the U.S. government remains in limbo during a shutdown, the White House grounds have been busy this week. Construction workers have begun demolition on the White House’s East Wing, which will be replaced by a 90,000-square-foot ballroom that’s estimated to hold up to 1,000 guests. Taxpayers are not funding President Donald Trump’s $250 million project. Rather, he is using private donations to construct his lavish addition to the White House. The White House released a list of the project’s funders on Thursday, which include some of the most influential American tech companies, like Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, and Microsoft,…

Key Takeaways The U.S. economy is adding far fewer jobs than it used to, raising the question of what factors are holding back hiring.An analysis by Goldman Sachs economists found President Donald Trump’s immigration restrictions were the biggest factor.Other reasons include economic uncertainty about about tariffs and layoffs of federal workers, as well as artificial intelligence. There’s no doubt U.S. employers are adding far fewer jobs than they used to. The only question is, which of the economy’s current headwinds are holding back hiring the most.Economists at Goldman Sachs attempted to answer that question this week using data from states…

Key Takeaways The average retirement account balance among those in their 60s is more than $250,000, but the median is closer to $95,500.Catch-ups grow to $11,250 at ages 60–63 in 2025, plus there are IRA and HSA catch-ups where eligible. You hit your 60s and the retirement questions get louder: Did I save enough? Should I remain longer in the workforce? And how do Social Security, Medicare, and catch-ups all fit together? Take a breath. This decade is about coordination. Hopefully, you’ve been growing your nest egg over your working life, and now you’ve got some powerful levers—such as bigger…

Key Takeaways Super Micro Computer shares tumbled Thursday after the server maker cut its fiscal first-quarter revenue forecast, citing project delays that shifted sales.The company maintained its full-year revenue outlook. It’s been a tough day for Super Micro Computer’s stock. The shares were down nearly 9% in recent trading, making it one of the biggest decliners in the S&P 500 amid broader market gains, after the artificial intelligence server maker lowered its revenue forecast less than two weeks before it’s due to report its latest quarterly results. Supermicro (SMCI) said in a business update Thursday that it’s had some recent…

Key Takeaways President Donald Trump has pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of the world’s largest crypto exchange Binance, clearing the way for his return to a leadership role.Bitcoin, as well as tokens linked to the Trump family and Binance popped on the news before giving back some gains. The White House is proving to be a powerful ally for influential figures in the crypto industry. President Donald Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, known to most as “CZ,” who was convicted and served four months in prison last year after pleading guilty to violations of the Bank Secrecy Act. Binance was fined over…

Key Takeaways Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested Thursday as part of a federal case involving the use of inside information to place prop bets on NBA games. After decades of trying to keep their distance, professional sports has grown increasingly comfortable with gambling, with teams relocating to Las Vegas and leagues establishing partnerships with gambling companies. Gambling industry advocates argue that legal, regulated sports betting root outs illicit behavior and maintains the integrity of games. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier on Thursday became the latest player to be accused of a criminal gambling scheme involving NBA prop bets.…

We often discuss what adult kids need to have on hand for aging parents–wills, trusts, healthcare directives and a power of attorney document. Check. But could the tables ever be turned and the parents would need something like that for addressing a matter involving their adult children? Emergencies can happen to anyone.What An Older Couple Never Thought Of DoingConcerned Dad (CD) and Mom (CM) found out the hard way that they should have at least gotten one legal document for their adult child earlier in her life. CD and CM have a 40 year old daughter (AD) with a history…

key takeaways Texas offers retirees the absence of a state income tax, plus lower living costs.Jefferson County provides coastal living at an affordable price.Maverick County offers small-town charm with an authentic Mexican feel.Gregg County blends East Texas culture with strong health care options. If you’re starting to think about where you might like to retire, Texas should be on your list of possible landing spots. With no state income tax, a lower cost of living, and plenty of sunshine, it’s a retirement destination that balances affordability with lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to fishing along the coast, enjoying the slower pace…

Intel is back to being a profitable company. Shares of the embattled chipmaker surged in extended trading Thursday, after the company swung to a profit that blew past analysts’ estimates. Intel posted adjusted earnings of 23 cents per share for the third quarter, compared to a loss in the preceding and year-ago quarters, and well above the 2 cents per share analysts expected. Its revenue rose 3% year-over-year to $13.7 billion, also topping projections compiled by Visible Alpha. Why This Is Significant After undergoing a major restructuring, getting a new CEO, and striking a string of high-profile deals in recent…

Key Takeaways Crypto staking rewards investors for helping secure Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks.Yield farming products promise returns but often involve higher counterparty or platform risk.Rewards vary with network conditions, token inflation, and lock-up duration.“Passive” income isn’t risk-free: Volatility and failed platforms can erase gains. Most people buy crypto hoping its value will rise, but simply holding it isn’t the only way to earn. You can also put your crypto to work and generate passive income through staking, lending, and yield farming. However, before trying any of these investment strategies, you must understand how they work and the risks involved.  What Is…