Author: Money Mechanics

SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic sit at the center of the artificial intelligence and space infrastructure boom.All three are preparing, or are widely reported to be preparing, for public listings at valuations that could collectively exceed $3 trillion.These are not just big IPOs. They may become turning points for the economy and for investors who are already retired or nearing 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…

There’s a small but growing group of retirees who don’t fit the typical narrative.They didn’t earn Silicon Valley salaries or inherit wealth. Instead, they spent decades doing the right things: Saving diligently, avoiding lifestyle creep and sticking to a plan. Many also have something increasingly rare: A pension (I wrote a book about this group — you can request a free copy here).Combine a pension with $1 million or more in savings, and you’re in what we call the 2% Club. It’s a strong financial position, but it comes with its own set of blind spots. From just $107.88 $24.99…

For about 25 years, the valet tip ran on a simple social contract.$1 was acceptable$2 was considerate$5 meant you were really feeling generousNo one debated it. You handed over your keys, got your car back, passed along a crumpled $1 bill and walked away feeling like a decent human being.Then inflation came for the valet stand. 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…

You’ve probably heard the saying, “What you post online is forever.” But that is becoming less true as privacy laws give consumers more control over their personal information.Earlier this year, California launched its Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP), a first-of-its-kind tool that allows residents to submit a single request to have their personal information removed from hundreds of registered data brokers. The platform is the latest step in the state’s broader effort to give consumers more control over how their data is collected, sold and shared online.The shift comes at a time when concerns about online privacy are growing.…

2026 could be the biggest year ever for initial public offerings (IPOs), with high-profile private companies SpaceX, Anthropic and Databricks among numerous super-sized upcoming IPOs expected to hit the markets over the coming months.If you’re a stock investor looking for fresh meat to sink your teeth into, 2026 is a veritable Fogo de Chão.But even if most or all of your money is wrapped up in low-cost index funds and you have no real hunger for these shares, you still might be digesting a considerable slice of some of these and other potential mega-cap IPOs. From just $107.88 $24.99 for…

Some people may not agree on where to shop, but they seem to agree that value matters more than ever.Costco and Dollar General are two stores that may seem like complete opposites, but they’re both attracting shoppers who are trying to make their money go further. Dollar General recently reported stronger-than-expected sales growth as more shoppers looked for low-cost essentials and convenient locations. Meanwhile, warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club continue to attract members willing to pay annual fees in exchange for lower prices on groceries, household supplies and gas.Both retailers are helping shoppers solve the same problem: how…

NFP, an Aon company, has purchased certain assets of Signature Personal Insurance (SPI), an independent agency in Greater Kansas City, US, focused on high-net-worth personal lines clients. SPI, founded in 2004 by Roper DeGarmo, provides insurance cover for wealthy individuals and families with complex risk profiles, encompassing luxury properties, fine art and rare vehicles. The agency operates through carrier partnerships and its proprietary professional advisor insurance resource model. DeGarmo will join NFP as vice-president under Mary Mullen, senior vice-president of personal risk in NFP’s central region. DeGarmo said: “By combining our regional resources with NFP’s diversified risk solutions, expanded capabilities…

The government of Mexico has now finalised its main insurance protection for natural disasters and severe weather events for the coming year, doubling the size of its parametric catastrophe insurance arrangement to around US $575 million for 2026 into 2027.Mexico has been utilising parametric risk transfer in both insurance and catastrophe bond formats for many years, as the country has learned to appreciate the benefit of predictable and responsive, fast paying protection against natural disaster events. The government has a federal strategy for Financial Management of Disaster Risks, with its insurance arrangements running from the middle of the year. The…

35 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros were buyer’s markets in May, led by places in the Sun Belt.  There are nearly half a million more home sellers than buyers in the U.S. housing market–46.9% more–signaling that buyers hold the power.  The number of sellers entering the market is at a 6-year high. Meanwhile, homebuying demand remained flat, which widened the gap slightly.  There were only 7 seller’s markets. Long Island was the strongest, followed by several other Northeastern metro areas and San Francisco.  The remaining 8 were balanced markets, including New York, Boston, Minneapolis and other Midwest and…

1,000W, 10-port charger for $45… predictably disappointing.  Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysThings that look “too good to be true” invariable are just that.This example got dangerously hot in a short period of time before dying. There’s no legitimate charger that comes close to delivering on the 1,000W promise.Being a tech reviewer for a living means that I get offered some very interesting things. Not interesting as in Bugatti supercars or jewel-encrusted Fabergé eggs, but interesting as in “this thing could easily be a fire hazard — want to take a look?”Also: The best GaN…