Author: Money Mechanics

Private debt investing is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among higher-income investors seeking yield and diversification. The global market value reached $1.5 trillion in 2024, up from $1 trillion in 2020, and is expected to reach $2.6 trillion by 2029. Access is also expanding thanks to the rise of digital investment platforms that offer more opportunities to the average retail investor. As a result, it’s more important than ever to understand this alternative investment. Let’s explore what you should know about private debt, including how it works, its pros and cons, and where you can invest in it. We’ll also cover…

Microsoft Corp. MSFT has agreed to provide the U.S. General Services Administration with potential savings of $3.1 billion over a year on cloud services used by government agenciesMicrosoft Offers $6 Billion In Savings On Cloud, Office, AI toolsMicrosoft announced that the savings, totaling over $6 billion over three years, will apply to its Office productivity subscriptions, Azure cloud services, Dynamics 365 business applications, and Sentinel cybersecurity software, CNBC reported on Tuesday.Check out the current price of MSFT stock here.Agencies will also get one year of complimentary access to the Copilot AI assistant for millions of Microsoft 365 G5 users. Josh Gruenbaum, Commissioner of the GSA’s…

Alexander Spatari | Moment | Getty ImagesA version of this article first appeared in the CNBC Property Play newsletter with Diana Olick. Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family offices, institutional investors and large public companies. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox.Manhattan office leasing increased more than 20% in August compared with July to 3.7 million square feet and was well above the 10-year monthly average of 2.72 million square feet, according to a new report from Colliers. If demand continues at the same…

JBL/ZDNETZDNET’s key takeaways JBL’s new Grip speaker marks a new price category for the company’s portable speakers.It offers up to 14 hours of battery life, a slim design, and a strictly vertical orientation. It’s available for preorder on JBL’s website for $100.Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.JBL is expanding its portable speaker selection, introducing the JBL Grip, a midrange option for people who want a more refined look compared to the ultra-portable Clip 5 or a slimmer, exclusively vertical design, compared to the more expensive Flip 7. According to JBL, the Grip speaker’s dimensions are meant to resemble a seltzer…

Nestlé on Monday dismissed CEO Laurent Freixe after only a year on the job following “an investigation into an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate” that breached its Code of Business Conduct. “This was a necessary decision,” Nestlé Chairman Paul Bulcke said. “Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company.” Freixe, a company veteran, was appointed last year to replace CEO Mark Schneider as the maker of Toll House cookies and Nespresso coffee struggled with slowing sales. The Swiss company tapped Philipp Navratil, the head of Nestlé’s Nespresso division, to succeed Freixe. Nestlé, which imports Nespresso machines…

Bringing on a new adviser is an exciting milestone — it represents a growth opportunity and the promise of a stronger future for your practice. But if you’re not prepared with a solid training plan, that excitement can quickly turn into frustration.A new hire isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and without a structured intentional approach, you risk losing both time and talent.Properly training new advisers starts with clarity — clear goals, defined processes and meaningful mentorship. It’s about building a foundation that not only supports their success but also strengthens your team and ensures long-term sustainable growth. From just $107.88 $24.99…

Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you can’t build wealth. There are plenty of ways to make your money grow, even if you aren’t collecting a paycheck anymore.There are numerous reasons why people want to continue earning money in retirement. For some, it’s all about legacy. They want to leave as much as possible to their heirs. For others, it’s the lifestyle creep. They want to keep up with the Joneses and then some. Moreover, it’s what they do. They’ve been building wealth all of their adult lives, so why stop now?Whatever the reason, the good news is that there…

Choosing between solo and group travel can be a tough decision for retirees, with factors such as cost, safety, social interaction, flexibility and the overall experience all coming into play. Each option has benefits and challenges, and the best choice usually depends on a retiree’s personality, health, budget, travel goals and level of comfort.Kasia Morgan, Head of Sustainability and Community at Exodus Adventure Travels, oversees small-group guided adventures. Although she suggests a combination of both solo and group travel, she notes that 33% of their guests are solo travelers, primarily retirees. But according to the AARP, the numbers are much…

With the cost of living outpacing wage growth and the job market becoming more precarious, people in their twenties are finding it harder than ever to become financially independent. While it may be difficult to fly the nest, with a bit of careful planning and discipline, you can achieve financial freedom. What’s Holding Young Adults Back Financially? For many people, your mid to early 20s mark an important inflection point in adulthood. Many people in this age group have finished school, are trying to build a career, and are possibly living alone for the first time. However, many Gen Zers…

“Mr. Beaver, something we all take for granted,” wrote “Neal,” a manager for a large supermarket in Atlanta, “is paying for our groceries and receiving change.”The cashier’s role in these transactions is important, so to be sure that customers receive all their change, training manuals for new, inexperienced hires instruct” that they count back change aloud and, if coins are dispensed automatically, indicate that so the coins are not forgotten.Of course, you don’t need a legal education to know that the cashier has to make sure the customer is at least given the opportunity to take their change, bills and…