Author: Money Mechanics

Over the course of this year, the U.S. economy has shown resilience in a context of sweeping changes in economic policy. In terms of the Fed’s dual-mandate goals, the labor market remains near maximum employment, and inflation, though still somewhat elevated, has come down a great deal from its post-pandemic highs. At the same time, the balance of risks appears to be shifting. In my remarks today, I will first address the current economic situation and the near-term outlook for monetary policy. I will then turn to the results of our second public review of our monetary policy framework, as…

In-brief analysis July 14, 2025 Based on what power plant owners and operators have reported to EIA, the total operating capacity of U.S. coal-fired power plants is scheduled to fall from 172 gigawatts (GW) in May 2025 to 145 GW by the end of 2028, according to our Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. On a regional basis, 58% of the planned coal capacity retirements are in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Coal consumption in the U.S. electric power sector has fallen since its peak in the late 2000s because of increased competition from other electricity…

Key Takeaways Stocks soared on Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell left the door open for the Fed to cut interest rates at its September meeting.Stocks in the industrial and financial sectors led the Dow higher as investors bet lower rates would stimulate capital markets and construction activity.Homebuilders should benefit from lower rates by reducing the monthly cost of home loans; rate-sensitive small caps are also expected to get a boost. Stocks soared on Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled the central bank may be ready to resume cutting interest rates at its next policy meeting in…

All three main U.S. equity indexes gapped up at the opening bell and bounced even higher after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested in his keynote speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium that, all things considered, the Fed could cut interest rates as soon as September.”In the near term,” Powell said at Jackson Hole, “risks to inflation are tilted to the upside, and risks to employment to the downside.” In his prepared remarks, Powell cited the still-emerging impacts of shorter-run factors such as tariffs and immigration policy as well as longer-term factors such as fiscal and regulatory policy.”The effects…

Significant changes occurred in Medicare Advantage plans each of the last couple of years, and more changes are on the way in 2026. In 2024, I documented several factors that would cause higher costs and fewer benefits in Advantage plans in 2025. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was in the midst of a three-year period during which payments to Advantage plan sponsors were reduced. In addition, major sponsors of Advantage plans reported that their costs were higher than expected because of higher use of medical services and increased claims by plan members. CVS Health, Aetna and UnitedHealth Group…

Key Takeaways Your ex is removed from your will in most states, but some states don’t follow this rule. Assets with named beneficiaries, like life insurance or retirement accounts, can still go to an ex because they bypass probate court. Always update beneficiaries on retirement plans, life insurance, and bank accounts after divorce. Divorce can complicate estate planning (among other things). The good news is that your ex is automatically cut out of your will in most states. “Under New York law, once a divorce is finalized, your ex-spouse is generally treated as if they predeceased you for the purposes…

The 2025 hurricane season is underway, and Hurricane Erin was the first named storm. While Erin is moving back out to sea, forecasters are already tracking more systems right behind it.For travelers, that means the risk of last-minute disruptions is far from over, and the window to prepare often closes once a storm is officially named. Taking steps now to understand airline policies, rental agreements and travel insurance options can make the difference between absorbing the full cost of a canceled trip and protecting your wallet.If a hurricane forces you to cancel or change your vacation plans, knowing your rights…

Over the past few years, cord-cutting has gone from a niche lifestyle choice to the norm for millions of households. With cable prices climbing and streaming services multiplying, families are looking for smarter ways to get the content they want without paying for what they don’t watch.A pioneer in live TV streaming, Sling has built its brand on flexibility and affordability.Now, with the launch of its new Sling Select package, a streamlined bundle priced at just $19.99/month, Sling is offering an affordable way to get key live channels, watch sports and other networks that you pick based on your preferences.…

Retirement doesn’t have to be permanent, but it sure feels like it for the people who retire and attempt to get their old jobs or similar ones back.Blame it on ageism, a perceived lack of tech know-how, or some other reason, but either way, companies aren’t too keen to rehire their retirees.A Transamerica Institute survey from last year, which polled nearly 2,000 employers nationwide, found that the median age considered too old to hire was 58. The age considered too old to work? 62. Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. Save up to 74% Sign…

Key Takeaways More than 58,000 home purchase agreements were canceled last month, or 15.3% of all homes that went under contract, according to a report from Redfin. Deals were most likely to collapse in Texas and Florida, two states that have seen relatively high rates of housing construction. Monthly costs—mortgage rates, insurance premiums, property taxes, and other fees—could play a big role in deals falling through. Buyers’ reluctance could help push prices lower and reset the housing market, say advisors. More would-be homebuyers than ever are backing out of their purchase agreements.  More than 58,000 home purchase agreements were canceled…