Author: Money Mechanics

Cash has certainly been king over the last few years. As the Federal Reserve raised rates to combat inflation, cash, money market funds, and CDs have been paying yields not seen in roughly a decade. Investors are earning real interest on their savings. And when you add in all the uncertainty about the economy, cash has become a real allocation for many investors. But cash’s time in the sun may be setting as a variety of factors take hold. But there is a safe alternative in short-term muni bonds. Right now, short-term munis are paying more than cash rates before…

Disclosure: Our content is not financial advice. Do your own research and speak to a licensed tax professional or financial advisor before taking action. We may earn commissions from products reviewed. (Learn more) Tax Relief Advocates (www.taxreliefadvocates.com) is a California based tax relief firm that focuses on resolving IRS and state tax problems. They work on issues like unpaid back taxes, penalties, liens, levies, and wage garnishments. The process usually starts with a free consultation, then an investigation phase, followed by a customized resolution plan. In my experience reviewing this space, Tax Relief Advocates is a credible option for taxpayers…

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrives to meet Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, to continue discussions on trade, economic and national security issues, in Madrid on Sept. 14, 2025.Ana Beltran | ReutersU.S. and Chinese trade negotiations concluded in Spain Monday, after two days of talks on several sticking points ranging from tariff rates, export controls and the imminent deadline for a divestment of Chinese-owned TikTok.Talks on trade were overshadowed by a “framework” deal regarding the social media platform, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Monday.”It’s between two private parties, but the commercial terms have been agreed upon,” he said…

Ugreen Nexode 100W retractable USB-C cable ZDNET’s key takeaways Compact, palm-size design that extends out to 1 meter/3.3 feet The cable is E-marker chipped to handle up to 100W The retractor reel is strong and can withstand 28kg/56lb. Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.Cables are a source of never-ending frustration. Despite taking the time to carefully and methodically wrap them after each and every use using the over-under method, they always come out of my laptop bag looking like a deranged bird’s nest. This leads to unwanted frustration, wasted time, and far too much tearing of hair.I’ve tried…

Data storage stocks are racking up gains. Shares of several data storage providers rallied Monday, extending a surge in recent weeks. A big reason? AI-driven demand that has sent tech-stock investors looking for opportunity in a range of segments that offer the potential for growth. Western Digital (WDC) reportedly sent a letter to customers on Friday raising prices on its hard disk drives on the “unprecedented demand” it’s seeing in the AI era, pulled along by data-center growth. Shares of the hardware maker added almost 5% to close at a record high Monday. So did those of Sandisk (SNDK), which…

Key Takeaways The Fed is expected to cut rates this week, but whether it does or not, the three biggest banks are still the lowest-paying places to keep your savings. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all pay just 0.01% on savings—essentially nothing compared with the 4%–5% APYs offered by the top high-yield savings accounts. Even modest balances see a big difference. At $10,000, the gap between a 0.01% account and a 4.50% account is about $449 in interest per year. Smaller FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions are just as safe as the biggest banks, and you can…

An appeals court has ruled against President Donald Trump’s efforts to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook from her position. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the appeals court upheld a ruling that would allow Cook to keep her position while her lawsuit against him works its way through the court system. Unless the Supreme Court steps in, Cook would be able to vote in this week’s meeting, which starts Tuesday. Cook is suing Trump to keep her position at the central bank. In late August, Trump terminated Cook, saying she committed mortgage fraud. Cook said her…

Key Takeaways Failing to plan for health care can ravage your retirement finances and even family relationships. A typical 65-year-old couple will need about $330,000 for health care in retirement, according to Fidelity. Medicare covers only part of medical costs and provides little help with long-term care. Long-term care can cost more than $100,000 a year and quickly drain savings. Most Americans are woefully unprepared for the true cost of health care in retirement. Fidelity estimates that a 65-year-old couple needs about $330,000 saved to cover medical expenses in retirement, excluding long-term care, which can add hundreds of thousands more.…

Key Takeaways The average retired household spends around $5,000 per month, with housing, healthcare, and food being the largest expense categories.With a median 401(k) balance of $210,724, retirees relying on the 4% withdrawal rule and Social Security benefits often face a shortfall in covering monthly costs.Retirees can bridge the gap by boosting savings, delaying retirement, cutting discretionary expenses, or exploring additional income sources like part-time work or rental properties. One of the most pressing questions individuals face is: How much money will I need to maintain a comfortable lifestyle once I stop working? To answer that question, you have to…

Key Takeaways The Senate has voted to confirm Stephen Miran, a White House economic advisor, to a seat on the Federal Reserve’s board of governors.Critics of Miran’s appointment say it undermines the central bank’s independence from political influence.Trump has pressured the Fed to lower interest rates dramatically despite concerns that tariffs push inflation. The Senate has voted to confirm President Donald Trump’s appointee to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, clearing the way for him to vote at a key interest rate policy meeting later this week.The Senate approved Stephen Miran in a 48-47 party vote, giving him a place…