Author: Money Mechanics

This week’s Baker Hughes Rig Count shows that the U.S. decreased by 1 last week, resulting in a total count of 562 rigs. Canada increased by 11 over last week, resulting in a total Canadian count of 180 rigs. Breakdown by region Of the regions tracked by Baker Hughes, the Granite Wash experienced an increase this week. Meanwhile, 1 region experienced a decrease this week: The Permian is down 1, at 256. Major Basin Variances This Week +/- Ardmore Woodford 2 0 Arkoma Woodford 1 0 Barnett 0 0 Cana Woodford 19 0 DJ-Niobrara 8 0 Eagle Ford 44…

Most Americans can’t imagine life without a monthly mortgage or rent payment.But that was exactly the dream Andy Hill, 44, had in mind when shopping with his wife Nicole, 44, for their next family home.His story proves that buying a home can usually be achieved by two, important factors: timing and savings. The ‘overwhelming’ journey of homeownershipIn 2013, the Hills were living in a 1,100 square feet place in Royal Oak, MI. Owning a home admittedly left Andy anxious. Before closing, he hadn’t thought much about what owning a property would entail. He’d only worked out how much home he could qualify…

Many people don’t begin planning for retirement until later in life. Saving earlier can feel financially difficult or secondary to more immediate priorities.But delaying retirement investing comes at a significant cost: time.Even modest investments made early can grow substantially through compound returns. The longer money remains invested, the greater the opportunity for growth and long-term financial security in retirement. 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 and prosper with the…

At some point in the future, somebody is going to go through all your stuff and throw out most of it. If you don’t do it while you’re still in good health, someone else will, after you suffer a medical emergency or you pass away. Do your heirs a favor and reduce your own stress by culling your possessions now.It isn’t easy. Discarding things that remind us of loved ones often brings up grief and guilt. And it’s maddening to realize that the nice couch or rug we splurged on has no monetary value. Sociologist David J. Ekerdt at the…

is in retreat on Friday, June 12, with dropping below $86 a barrel to their lowest level in nearly two months as the market races to price out the war premium that has defined trading all year. West Texas Intermediate fell roughly 2% to 3% to around $84 to $85 — one snapshot had it down about $3.50 at $84.21 — marking its weakest reading since mid-April, while the international benchmark tumbled as much as 5% intraday toward the high-$80s, its softest level since March. The trigger was unambiguous: the prospect of a peace agreement that would reopen the Strait…

There are really two Virginias when it comes to selling a business. One is the government-contracting machine clustered around Washington in Fairfax, Arlington, and Loudoun, where a company’s value can hinge on a security clearance and a contract that legally can’t be handed over without the government’s blessing. The other is everything else, the Richmond finance and healthcare scene, the ports and defense work in Hampton Roads, the manufacturing and tourism out west, which behaves a lot more like the rest of the country. Knowing which Virginia you’re selling into changes almost everything about how you prepare. Before you talk…

A seasonal tiny cottage that offers less than 190 square feet of living space has bobbed onto the market in Cape Cod, where it is being touted as a prime investment opportunity that could earn a future buyer a very lucrative rental income. Built in 1940, the minuscule Truro, MA, abode is tucked behind two other dwellings that are part of a larger compound—and are also available for sale with the cottage for the much larger price of $2.1 million. But for those seeking a much slimmer slice of beachside paradise, the 189-square-foot dwelling, which is referred to as Unit…

As children reach adulthood, many parents assume they’ll still be able to step in when needed. In reality, that dynamic often changes quickly. Once a child turns 18, parents can lose both visibility and influence in ways they may not expect.That’s why I suggest having two difficult conversations that can make a meaningful difference: The first helping your children build financial literacy, and the second ensuring you can support them effectively in a medical emergency.Neither is especially comfortable, but both are far easier to have now than after something goes wrong. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become…

More and more retirees are “retiring” from retirement.Data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shows the number of retirement-age Americans in the workforce is growing.And in a survey by Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax, 51% of respondents who’d reached retirement age said they plan to work indefinitely. 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 and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal…

Welcome to Kiplinger’s My First $1 Million series, in which we hear from people who have made $1 million. They’re sharing how they did it and what they’re doing with it. This time, we hear from a 58-year-old married tech CFO in Dallas who makes $450,000.See our earlier profiles, including a writer in New England, a literacy interventionist in Colorado, a semiretired entrepreneur in Nashville and an events industry CEO in Northern New Jersey. (See all of the profiles here.) From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus…