Author: Money Mechanics

Unlike the broader S&P 500 Index or the tech-heavy Nasdaq indexes, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is comprised of 30 companies — 30 of the most established, recognizable names in American business., including companies like UnitedHealth, Goldman Sachs, Apple, Boeing, and Caterpillar. When the Dow moves, it’s a signal about the U.S. economy. Most retail traders know the Dow. They watch it on the news, track it on their phones, and use it as a barometer for how the market is moving. But far fewer know that they can actually trade options on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DIA) itself…

For first-time buyers and budget-conscious households, the 2026 housing market presents a significant challenge.Last month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an annual inflation rate of 3.8%, a surge that has trickled down to every facet of daily life, including groceries, healthcare, utilities, and — yes — even the housing market.Currently, median home prices for new single-family homes are hovering around $412,000, according to Property Shark, with annual property tax bills hovering around $3,119 (though property taxes vary by locality). From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99,…

Pop star and actress Jennifer Lopez celebrated Memorial Day Weekend in true style—by spending a fun-filled day wth her children and loved ones around the swimming pool at her newly renovated $18 million Hidden Hills, CA, mansion.Lopez, 56, who is in the midst of promoting her latest on-screen project, “Office Romance,” in which she stars with “Ted Lasso” actor Brett Goldstein, took some time out of her busy schedule to host her family and friends at her new abode—which she purchased for $17.5 million in February 2025, not long after finalizing her divorce from Ben Affleck.The “Get Loud” singer shared…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Finding the sweet spot between a high-end travel experience and a smart budget is all about knowing how the travel industry prices its products. Do you know which days to fly, or how to leverage your background as a homeowner for free global lodging?Take our quick travel quiz below to test your booking IQ and pick up a few expert strategies for your next adventure.Don’t worry if you miss an answer; you can follow the links below the quiz to brush up on your knowledge. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better…

You may have heard about a settlement between President Donald Trump and the IRS to resolve a $10 billion lawsuit over his tax returns. The deal has sparked backlash, including over a provision that bars the federal tax agency from continuing existing audits involving Trump, his company, and his family members.The agreement also reportedly creates a multibillion-dollar “Anti-Weaponization Fund” (more on that later).Meanwhile…the administration has cut IRS staffing and budget — most recently by roughly $1.1 billion in FY26 — since Trump began his second term. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor.…

In-brief analysis May 26, 2026 Developers plan to bring approximately 44.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of new pipeline capacity online in the United States in 2026 and 2027, according to our latest Natural Gas Pipeline Projects Tracker. Approximately 70% (31.6 Bcf/d) of this new capacity is already under construction. More than 66% (29.7 Bcf/d) of the capacity additions originate in Texas. Louisiana is second with 19% (8.4 Bcf/d) of total capacity additions. The projects in Texas will provide additional takeaway capacity out of the Permian Basin and debottleneck the Waha Hub, supplying natural…

surged +2.5% to $99 per barrel during the European morning trading session today (May 26) after the US military confirmed it had conducted strikes in southern Iran targeting vessels allegedly attempting to deploy mines and missile launch positions, injecting fresh geopolitical risk into the oil price. The Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint through which roughly 20% of global oil supply, or approximately 20 million barrels per day, transits, moved back to the center of energy security calculations. July futures, resuming trade after Monday’s Memorial Day closure, were trading 4.1% lower at $92.79 per barrel relative to Friday’s close, a gap…

Homebuying affordability improved slightly in April because mortgage rates declined while incomes rose. Still, the income required to afford a home was $29,000 higher than the typical U.S. income–and mortgage rates rose again in May, potentially erasing some of the affordability gains made in April. A household earning the average U.S. income would need to spend 40% of their income on the median-priced home, down from 42% a year ago.  33% of home listings are affordable, up from 29% a year ago–but down from more than half five years ago.  Buying a home is getting more affordable in 34 of…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Suppose we were having a cup of coffee in my office, and I asked you, “Can you think of something really good about having bladder cancer?” You would probably look at me as if I had a screw loose.Well, the response I’ve received from couples who read our recent article We’ve Survived Bladder Cancer, But Live With the Effects of Surgery. Tough Love Isn’t What We Need is proof that something indeed very good can result despite the tragedy of experiencing this life-altering disease.Within hours of the article being online, emails and phone calls arrived from people…

(Image credit: Getty Images)According to the latest research, a growing number of U.S.-based CEOs, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are quietly building a plan B in Europe.There has been a huge upsurge in enquiries about relocating and gaining European citizenship in the past two years, as well as a recorded increase in emigration. Many commentators see this shift as a strategic response to rising geopolitical uncertainty and political polarization at home.Multiple factors driving demandWhile violent crime and civil unrest in the U.S. are cited as key reasons for the increasing interest in emigration, fiscal strain also plays a role. Many…