Author: Money Mechanics

The income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) is a component of Medicare funding. It was created in 2003 as part of the Medicare Modernization Act to help increase the financial stability of the Medicare program. Since it affects millions of higher-income retirees and can significantly impact monthly costs, understanding the IRMAA is essential for effective retirement and healthcare planning. Test your knowledge of the filing rules, affected Medicare parts and appeal process with this quiz!And don’t worry if you miss an answer, you can follow the links below the quiz to brush up on your knowledge.More on Social Security, from the…

The current government shutdown has far-reaching effects — and the longer it lasts, the more disruptive it can become. Federal employees face the most immediate strain, with paychecks halted until the government reopens. But even if you don’t work for the government, the shutdown can still touch your finances in surprising ways.The last prolonged shutdown stretched from December 2018 to January 2019, when President Trump signed a bill to temporarily reopen the government while Congress continued negotiations. That standoff left hundreds of thousands of workers without pay and created ripple effects across federal services.No one knows how long the current…

The October 1 shutdown of the federal government could delay the announcement of the annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This highly anticipated announcement usually occurs on October 15, but could be delayed in 2025. However, an increase in Social Security benefits as a result of the COLA is still expected to take effect in January, as planned.The longest government shutdown lasted 35 days.I want to be clear that a shutdown will not impact the payment of Social Security benefits to any recipients. Retiree benefits, disability payments, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will be paid in full and on time…

Key Takeaways AES, a renewable energy provider that counts several big tech giants among its clients, is reportedly in talks to be acquired by BlackRock’s Global Infrastructure Partners.The Financial Times said the deal could be worth $38 billion, making it one of the largest infrastructure takeovers in history. AES (AES) shares jumped nearly 17% Wednesday following a report the renewable energy provider is in talks to be acquired by BlackRock’s (BLK) Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). The Financial Times said the purchase could be worth $38 billion, which would make it one of the largest infrastructure takeovers ever, and could be announced…

Congress failed to pass funding legislation for the current fiscal year, causing the federal government to shut down. Stocks opened lower as a result, but all three main U.S. equity indexes turned positive before midday and trended higher through the afternoon.Sector leaders included an odd mix of technology and consumer discretionary stocks, plus utilities and health care stocks, while a leading athleisure name appears to be on a solid recovery run.”As expected,” writes Louis Navellier of Navellier & Associates, “the government shutdown started at midnight. The market appears unconcerned.” From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter,…

A government shutdown can do more than shake up the markets or delay federal paychecks. It can also throw your travel plans into chaos, especially if they involve a visit to a U.S. national park.While some parks remain partially open during shutdowns, the lack of staff and services can significantly impact your experience and your safety.If you’re planning a road trip or fall getaway, here’s what you need to know about how a government shutdown affects national parks, what’s still accessible and how to prepare for potential disruptions. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter, better…

Gold mining stocks offer leveraged exposure to gold prices, amplifying returns as the precious metal rallies. With gold at $3,800 per ounce, miners are generating record cash flows, yet their valuations lag behind the metal’s price, creating a buying opportunity. Here are the 5 best gold mining stocks to consider for your portfolio right now. Looking for actionable trade ideas? Subscribe now to unlock access to InvestingPro’s AI-selected stock winners! As continues its impressive rally toward historic highs, driven by , concerns, geopolitical uncertainty, and central bank diversification away from the , stocks of companies mining the yellow metal present…

Please enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser or access the information through the links provided below. October 01, 2025 Agencies issue reminder to institutions on lending when the National Flood Insurance Program is unavailable Farm Credit Administration Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Federal Reserve Board National Credit Union Administration Office of the Comptroller of the Currency For release at 10:00 a.m. EDT Federal financial institution regulatory agencies today remind lenders that they may continue to make loans that are subject to the federal flood insurance statutes when the National…

By David Enna, Tipswatch.com It’s Day One of the U.S. government shutdown, and the crucially important, non-partisan Bureau of Labor Statistics now has one working employee: acting commissioner William Wiatrowski. The other 2,054 employees have been (or will soon be) furloughed. The Labor Department last week published a contingency plan for the shutdown, which included these details: The Labor Department’s working employees will be reduced from 12,916 to 3,141. The BLS is listed in the group that will “completely cease operations.” No economic data will be released. All active data collection activities for BLS surveys will cease. The quality of…

“I am honored to lead NAMB’s continued efforts to elevate the professional landscape for everyone working in our vital and dynamic industry,” said White. “For over 51 years, NAMB has been the voice of the mortgage marketplace. I take this responsibility seriously and look forward to working alongside our members, industry partners, lawmakers, and stakeholders to ensure that NAMB remains a powerful force for good for the next 50 years.” White also expressed gratitude to outgoing president Jim Nabors for his leadership during the 2024–2025 term. “I want to extend my sincere thanks to Jim Nabors, NAMB’s immediate past president,…