Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways The typical household led by a member of Generation X has only $40,000 saved for retirement. Many Gen Xers have a limited ability to save due to caring for both dependent children and aging parents. Gen Xers can increase their savings by taking advantage of health savings accounts (HSAs) and catch-up contributions to retirement accounts. Gen Xers can also prepare for retirement by reducing debt, earning extra income through a side hustle, and diversifying investments. The oldest members of Generation X—the generation born in the years 1965 to 1980—turn 60 this year, which is only a few years…

Key Takeaways Nike shares are rising after the company said wholesale revenue rose and running gear sales took off last quarter.The athletic brand’s turnaround still faces a number of challenges, including higher tariff costs than previously anticipated and weak sales of its “classic” footwear franchises. The revamp of Nike’s brand made headway last quarter, according to executives, but another high hurdle—rising tariff expenses—looms. Nike (NKE) reported better first-quarter results than expected Tuesday evening. CEO Elliott Hill said the “Win Now” turnaround campaign is working, as evidenced by a 5% year-over-year bump in wholesale revenue and 20% jump in running gear…

Changing or keeping your name is a deeply personal choice that reflects your values, identity, and life journey. In the United States, name changes are most commonly made after marriage, with women traditionally taking their partner’s surname. However, modern couples are increasingly exploring creative alternatives, from hyphenating names to maintaining separate identities entirely.  If you do decide to change your name, you’ll need to update numerous important documents and accounts in a process that will require some time, organization, and some financial investment. While there are no direct financial implications to changing your name, administrative fees and the potential for…

When it comes to protecting your financial assets throughout your marriage, you may think a prenuptial agreement (prenup) is the only legally binding solution. However, there’s another increasingly popular option for those who said “I do” before locking down their assets: postnuptial agreements, or “postnups.”  Both types of agreements spell out how a couple will divide their assets and manage their debts in the event of divorce or death. However, you might encounter more difficulties enforcing an agreement that was signed after you entered your marriage since there are fewer legal precedents for postnups. Whether you’re contemplating a prenup before…

Key Takeaways Home values surged during the first few years of the pandemic, but they have dropped significantly in some regions. If you paid peak prices, a drop in home values may mean you now owe more on your mortgage than your home’s appraised value. Being underwater can limit financial flexibility, but there are ways to solve this challenge. During the pandemic, the real estate market boomed as record-low interest rates and lifestyle shifts created intense competition that helped drive housing prices to record highs across the United States. Now, however, home values are falling in some areas, which could…

The government officially shut down at 12:01 am Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, October 1. The shutdown will likely spark short-term volatility in the equity market. But past shutdowns have had little to no long-term impact on stock returns.The more pressing issue for investors is the delay of economic data, which, depending on how long the shutdown wears on, could have a direct effect on the Federal Reserve’s rate-cutting plans.For those wondering, the next Fed meeting, slated for October 28-29, will still go on as scheduled even if the shutdown continues through the end of the month. The Fed is…

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – FEBRUARY 27: A Meals On Wheels driver loads meals into a van on February 27, 2013. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe inability of Congress and President Trump to agree on a government funding bill, and the shutdown it caused, could have a severe impact on the well-being of older adults and younger people with disabilities.While Social Security and Medicare benefits appear safe, sufficient staff may not be available to issue or replace lost cards, or address eligibility issues. Funding for programs such as Meals on Wheels is at risk, as is subsidized housing for low-income…

Key Takeaways Crypto initial public offerings, exchange-traded funds, and digital asset treasuries have proliferated on major exchanges, giving investors more options than ever before to buy into digital assets. One of the themes of the moment is so-called DATCOs, which let investors buy stocks of companies that acquire coins—of which there are now hundreds. If you’re a crypto investor, you have more options than ever before. That doesn’t mean your choices are any simpler. Crypto is a fast-expanding market at a time when digital asset prices are under renewed pressure. Digital assets, from bitcoin (BTCUSD) to altcoins and big-name crypto…

Key Takeaways 57% say they are “optimistic” about the stock market now, a fifteen percentage point drop from September of last yearConcerns about bubbles in AI and megacap tech stocks have increased since AugustTariffs and inflation top their list of larger concernsGold rises as a top three asset they would buy with an extra $10,000Most approve of the Fed’s handling of monetary policy and want it to remain independent Call it a case of high anxiety for individual investors. This group is still bullish about their investments, but has increasing doubts about future returns as concerns about overvaluation, tariffs, inflation,…

Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / PlayerFM  The stock market defied its historical odds by surging in September despite concerns about a slowing economy, overvaluation, and tariffs. So what, if anything, can stop investors’ relentless bid on the biggest stocks in the market and ultimately slow this bull market down? Kenny Polcari of SlateStone Wealth drops in with his perspective, predictions for a volatile fourth quarter and a delicious family-style recipe for the Fall. Plus, the labor market is back in the spotlight this week with the September payrolls report due Friday. Yet the threat of a government shutdown might mean we never see…