Author: Money Mechanics

Mortgage spreads In 2025, my forecast for mortgage spreads was for them to improve by 0.27%-0.41% using a 2025 average of 2.54%. As volatility compresses and the Federal Reserve continues its rate-cut cycle, much like in 2024, the spreads should improve. With mortgage spreads down to 2.15% last week, the improvement reached 0.39%, so we are almost at the peak of my forecast. So, if we see more improvement, then my 2025 forecast was actually too conservative.Mortgage rates would not have reached a yearly low this year if it weren’t for improved mortgage spreads in 2025. The 10-year yield hasn’t…

(BOE Report) – Kazakhstan’s oil and condensate output rose to 8.885 million metric tons in August from 8.631 million tons in July, driven by production growth at Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak oilfields, official data showed on Friday. The August figure translates into 2.150 million barrels per day, according to Reuters calculations. Despite exceeding quotas set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, a group known as OPEC+, Kazakhstan restated its commitment to the pact, which excludes gas condensate, a type of light oil, from its production limits. Tengizchevroil (TCO), Kazakhstan’s largest producer, reached a record output…

Long-term care (LTC) and insurance for it (LTCI) are two of the most misunderstood issues in retirement and retirement finances.One big reason is that people don’t want to talk about it. A survey a few years back reported that more people would rather go to the dentist than talk about LTC. Other surveys reveal that misinformation and misunderstandings about LTC and LTCI are widespread. But when people have the right information, they’re more likely to develop realistic plans and preparation for LTC.LTC often is thought to be nursing home care. It used to be. But LTC now encompasses much more.A…

Key Takeaways Medicare charges monthly premiums for Part B (outpatient care) and Part D (prescriptions). Payments are usually drawn from Social Security, but you can have a bill mailed to you that you pay by check, card, or bank transfer. Part B bills cover three months at once, leading to big first-time charges—plus, possible income-based surcharges or late penalties. Penalties can last a lifetime, so enrolling on time is essential. You qualify for Medicare after paying Medicare taxes your entire career. While those taxes cover most of your costs, Medicare still charges additional premiums to enrollees. These premiums can be…

Gov. Bill Lee (R-Tenn.) announced Friday that additional federal agents and state resources will arrive in Memphis next week to help curb violent crime.The reinforcements, which include National Guard troops deputized by the U.S. Marshals Service, will join a new multi-agency effort known as the “Memphis Safe Task Force.”The Associated Press reports that the initiative will bring together 13 federal agencies, state troopers, and local police, marking one of the largest joint security operations in the city in recent years.Also Read: Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Oracle, Costco, NIO — And Wall Street Snaps Its SlideLee explained that the Guard members…

Selfie with iJustine and Tim Cook at 2025 Apple Event. Jason Hiner/ZDNETWe always knew people took a lot of selfies, but when Apple unveiled its 2025 fall devices, it revealed that iPhone users had taken over 500 billion selfies in the past year. Since there are about 1.5 billion iPhone users in the world, that’s an average of about 330 selfies a year per person. In this selfie taken on the iPhone 17, you can see the level of detail in the face, hat, and the texture on the wall. You can also see the dynamic range in the clouds…

Key Takeaways Bill Gross, the former “Bond King” from PIMCO, warns against rushing to buy the dip during market drops. Experts suggest alternative strategies for navigating market volatility instead of impulsive dip-buying. Sometimes, relatively good news over a long enough time makes for bad habits. In recent years, drawdowns that have been followed by comparatively quick recoveries have often rewarded those “buying the dip”—market drops from recent averages. But those favorable market conditions were never meant to last, a hard truth often crowded out by Reddit threads and headlines from less-scrupulous investing sites promising major gains ahead with not a…

Key Takeaways About half of Americans considering retirement abroad cite wanting to have a lower cost of living as their top reason. Political dissatisfaction and desire for better healthcare are major factors driving Americans to retire overseas. Quality of life improvements, including safer communities, climate, and social engagement, strongly influence retirement location choices. According to a 2025 Harris Poll, nearly half (44%) of Americans have seriously considered retiring abroad, with 14% reporting that they’re actively planning or contemplating a move overseas within the next two years. Lower living costs, better healthcare, and the promise of a higher quality of life…

Key Takeaways Reverse budget your savings before expenses to help you achieve your first $1 million in net wealth.Use high-yield savings, retirement, and brokerage accounts, and trade assets you’re comfortable with rather than those that are in trend.Focus on growth and take a long-term approach.Find ways to automate your savings.Manage your money by rebalancing your portfolio, using hedging strategies, and dollar-cost averaging. Hitting $1 million in net wealth may come from landing a windfall like the lottery or inheriting it from a rich relative. Let’s face it, though, most of us aren’t that lucky. But that doesn’t mean you can’t…

Where Else People Age 55-64 Are Saving Money Asset % Households with Asset Median Value for Asset Holders Savings Bonds 8.5% $3,000 CDs 6.6% $25,000 Stocks (directly held) 19.2% $30,000 Retirement Accts 57% $185,000 Bonds (directly held) 1.2% $400,000 Source: The Federal Reserve’s “Survey of Consumer Finances” (2022) “Directly held” means the asset is not in a retirement account. The value of bonds in this table looks much higher than the other categories, especially given that only a tiny fraction of 55-64-year-olds owns directly held corporate or municipal bonds. This small group either holds numerous bonds, bonds with high values,…