Author: Money Mechanics

(Image credit: Future)For the fourth year, we’re pleased to present the winners of our annual Readers’ Choice Awards. In a survey we conducted on Kiplinger.com in January and February, more than 4,200 readers rated the financial products and services they use in 13 categories, from credit cards and banks to brokers, wealth managers and annuity providers. The results here offer valuable insight into the everyday experiences that Kiplinger readers have with their financial providers.Respondents made their judgments on criteria such as their interactions with customer service, the likelihood they would recommend the product or service to others, and their overall…

As part of a broader push to modernize payments, the IRS has been phasing out paper refund checks. This tax season, that shift has triggered a surge in notices asking taxpayers to confirm or update their banking information.These letters, known as CP53E notices, are landing in more than 1 million mailboxes, according to some congressional estimates.Unfortunately, as you might expect, the spike in IRS correspondence has created an opening for fraudsters, who are reportedly creating convincing fake versions. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up…

(Image credit: Future)For the fourth year, we’re pleased to present the winners of our annual Readers’ Choice Awards. In a survey we conducted on Kiplinger.com in January and February, more than 4,200 readers rated the financial products and services they use in 13 categories, from credit cards and banks to brokers, wealth managers and annuity providers. The results here offer valuable insight into the everyday experiences that Kiplinger readers have with their financial providers.Respondents made their judgments on such criteria as their interactions with customer service, the likelihood they would recommend the product or service to others, and their overall…

(Image credit: Future)For the fourth year, we’re pleased to present the winners of our annual Readers’ Choice Awards. In a survey we conducted on Kiplinger.com in January and February, more than 4,200 readers rated the financial products and services they use in 13 categories, from credit cards and banks to brokers, wealth managers and annuity providers. The results here offer valuable insight into the everyday experiences that Kiplinger readers have with their financial providers.Respondents made their judgments on such criteria as their interactions with customer service, the likelihood they would recommend the product or service to others, and their overall…

The U.S. has launched “Project Freedom,” deploying significant military assets to escort stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has issued a direct warning that any U.S. forces entering the strait will be attacked, asserting control over its security. Oil prices climbed following Iran’s warning after dropping earlier in the day on hopes of a de-escalation. The Iranian Armed Forces on Monday warned the U.S. it would attack forces that intend to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S. President Donald Trump launched ‘Project Freedom’ to help escort vessels stranded in the Gulf out of the Middle…

Kevin Warsh, chairman of the US Federal Reserve nominee for US President Donald Trump, during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee confirmation hearing in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.Graeme Sloan | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesMost people don’t know and don’t have much reason to care what a currency swap line is, except that the financial instrument could soon help markets understand what Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh’s unique ideas about Fed independence really mean.Warsh has said categorically the Fed should be “strictly independent” in the making of monetary policy. But he adds that he’s…

Nina Raemont/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeaways I tracked my steps with three health trackers. This included the Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch, and Oura Ring. Of the three trials, the Pixel Watch was the most accurate. More than ten years have passed since the first Fitbit arrived to kickstart the step-counting craze, yet our collective obsession with hitting that daily goal hasn’t faded.Using a wearable is a practical way to keep tabs on your movement and ensure you don’t stay sedentary for too long. Whether worn on your wrist or as a ring, these gadgets act as constant nudges…

(Image credit: Getty Images)If you felt shocked when you filed your taxes this year, you’re not alone.In the months leading up to April 15, the promise of a higher tax refund was splashed all over the media. However, many Americans found themselves writing a check instead. It’s frustrating, confusing and, honestly, it might feel like the rules changed overnight.In some ways, they did. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters Profit…

A North Shore estate with deep roots in Midwestern history has returned to the market with a price adjustment. It presents the opportunity to own a pastoral retreat that feels like a slice of rural Britain rather than a home just 40 minutes from the Windy City.The Tudor-style residence at 499 West Old Mill Road in Lake Forest is listed for $4.7 million and sits on nearly 10 fully fenced acres bordering a restored prairie reserve originally created by landscape architect Jens Jensen, best known for his work on historic public gardens throughout Chicago.Long before these reimagined gardens began blooming,…

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.The writer is chair of Rockefeller International. His latest book is ‘What Went Wrong With Capitalism’Wall Street pros used to dismiss retail investors as “dumb money” — amateurs who knew no better than to chase the latest hot trade. But lately, the little guys have made impressive gains by “buying the dip”, and have arguably emerged as the single most influential set of investors in the stock market. Awed by the way the retail crowd just buys its way through negative headlines,…