Author: Money Mechanics

When it comes to your retirement, is the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) as beautiful as advertised? Maybe not.Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. So are the details. When it comes to taxes, the details of the new law — and the overall cost — might not be what many people hope.This law came about like a shopper who walks into a store and says, “I’ll take everything” — then they figure out the cost later. You and I wouldn’t do that, nor would any other informed consumer. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal…

My best workout weeks are the ones when I write in my calendar what I’m going to do that morning. Monday is a 3-mile run. Tuesday is plyometrics. The point is that there is a plan, and if I write it down, I almost always follow it.The great irony of financial “plans” is that they are the only plan I have come across that isn’t actually a plan. In fact, a plan tells you, “Do this, then do that.”But most people don’t have a written financial plan that spells things out for them like that. From just $107.88 $24.99 for…

If you’re getting older, martial arts may not be on your radar as an activity you should take up. In fact, when most people think about how they want to spend their days in retirement, activities like golf or gardening are more likely to come to mind.Maybe that’s a mistake, though.In fact, research from Harvard suggests that opting for a Tai Chi class over more traditional exercises, such as walking or swimming, could be the best way to stay fit after 60. Here’s why. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. CLICK FOR…

Each week, in our Ask the Editor series, Joy Taylor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor, answers questions on topics submitted by readers. This week, she’s looking at questions on expiring tax credits for energy-saving upgrades to your home. (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Tax Letter or subscribe.)1. When does the tax credit for solar panels expire?Question: I’m planning to install solar panels in my house. I heard that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) is ending the federal income tax break for this. When does the tax credit expire?Joy Taylor: The residential clean-energy credit is a nonrefundable income…

Bank stocks are among the most obvious ways to profit from the health of the American economy.Banks are occasionally referred to as the economy’s heart (or, for the less poetic, circulatory system), pumping money anywhere and everywhere it needs to be. It’s a decent metaphor!Most of us naturally think about banks from the consumer’s point of view – savings, credit cards, mortgages and the other financial products we need to get through life. But banks also carry the lifeblood of business and investment, whether that’s merchant services, business loans, payroll and deposit, trading, underwriting and much more. From just $107.88…

To help you understand what is going on in the global economy and what we expect to happen in the future, our highly experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Letter or subscribe). You’ll get all the latest news first by subscribing, but we will publish many (but not all) of the forecasts a few days afterward online. Here’s the latest…Europe’s economy has struggled for years, going back to the fiscal crisis in Greece a decade ago and continuing through the pandemic, war and inflation. Debt…

Traveling in retirement opens up a whole new world of adventure, but staying healthy while on the road is key to enjoying the experience. It can mean the difference between feeling tired and unwilling (or unable) to participate in activities and waking up energized and ready to turn the day into something extraordinary.Travelers have always faced some level of health risk when on the go. Studies consistently show that 22% to 79% of international travelers experience some type of illness, although not always requiring the need to see a doctor. And, although these rates vary by destination, trip length and…

Key Takeaways Cracker Barrel is taking steps to reverse a decline in traffic it has seen since unveiling a controversial new logo in August.The restaurant recently offered breakfast specials and will poll loyalty members on how their experience was, CEO Julie Masino said.Bank of America analysts cautioned that the recovery may be “protracted.” A hotly debated rebrand has depressed sales at Cracker Barrel since mid-August. The restaurant chain is trying to move on. Its efforts include new breakfast specials and soliciting feedback from regulars. And there’s good reason to try: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (CBRL) traffic has declined 8%…

Key Takeaways Mobile, manufactured, and modular homes have multiple financing options available.Financing can be available through the manufacturer, local credit unions, or specialty lenders.Loan options like U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans, and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are available on manufactured homes. You can use a home loan to purchase both a mobile, manufactured, or modular home and the land at the same time.Many borrowers take out chattel loans, which may be more expensive than a mortgage. Mobile, manufactured, and modular homes are popular choices for buyers interested in the tiny house…

Colombia’s oil and gas reserves could be revised up this year compared to 2024, but oil output continues to drop amid a hostile climate to oil and gas, social and security issues, and international majors bailing on Colombia. Colombia’s oil production could suffer another major blow as the investment climate will further sour after the United States this week stripped Colombia of its so-called U.S. Drug Certification. This means that the Trump Administration no longer believes Colombia is fully cooperating with the U.S. counter-narcotics efforts. The U.S.-Colombia ties have soured since U.S. President Donald Trump took office, and these continuously…