Author: Money Mechanics

(Image credit: Getty Images)Going through a divorce can be one of the most financially overwhelming experiences in a person’s life.Having to cover everyday essentials, such as rent, a mortgage, health care or even groceries, on a single income can feel daunting — but it doesn’t have to.For more than 25 years, I have dedicated my life to helping women successfully transition from married life to being financially independent — from overwhelmed to empowered —and I am here for you. 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…

(Image credit: Getty Images)If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that life doesn’t send a calendar invite before it throws a curveball. An emergency fund won’t stop surprises. However, it can turn a financial shock into a manageable setback rather than a crisis.The good news is that it’s possible to build an emergency fund faster than you think. Read on to find out how.An emergency fund is the safety net that keeps your long-term plans intact when short-term chaos shows up. Without it, even a small surprise can force you to put expenses on a high-interest credit…

(Image credit: Getty Images)As a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan, I live with plenty of painful gridiron memories, but one stands out: “The Drive,” January 11, 1987 — the AFC Championship Game.The Browns were leading the Denver Broncos when quarterback John Elway took over at his own two-yard line with just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter. What followed was a 98-yard march that tied the game — a masterclass in composure and clock management under pressure.Elway mixed short gains with well-timed risks, preserving precious seconds while steadily advancing the ball. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Question: We’re 60 with $550K saved and still paying for one kid’s college and our mortgage. We know we’ll inherit $3 million when my 92-year-old father passes away. Can we retire now, even though we can’t technically afford it?Answer: By 2048, an astounding $124 trillion is expected to change hands. It’s being dubbed the Great Wealth Transfer, and it could be a game-changer for folks who stand to inherit a large sum.If you’re 60 years old with a $550,000 nest egg, you may be on track for a secure retirement, provided you keep plugging away and saving…

(Image credit: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for Patriotic Millionaires)A “millionaires tax” was signed into law in Washington state this week, and one wealthy Washingtonian is celebrating.”In 2029, Washington state will start collecting a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million,” travel writer Rick Steves wrote in a social media post. “The 8,000,000 Washingtonians whose households make less than a million dollars a year will pay zero under this new tax and enjoy all the benefits of a better-funded state. And for the wealthy (like me and an estimated 30,000 others), every million dollars in taxable income that our households earn after…

As tax season winds down and spring prompts thoughts of moving, people across the U.S. consider the financial benefits of relocating to a state with no income tax.While that’s understandable, since avoiding state income tax can save money, overall affordability depends on more than just tax policy. Housing, everyday expenses, and even other types of taxes often offset income tax savings.In 2026, the nine states with no broad-based personal income tax — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming — continue to attract residents. But not all are equally cost-effective. From just $107.88 $24.99 for…

If you’ve been to the pump recently, you’re starting to see how expensive driving is becoming. The national average for gas is over $4 per gallon, according to AAA, with California drivers paying nearly $6 per gallon.Unless oil production stabilizes, these prices will stay the same. The good news is that while you can’t control prices, you might be able to lower fuel costs in other ways.One smart option is to consider alternative transportation for short-distance trips. These options can make your commutes more enjoyable while helping you avoid paying more of your hard-earned money on rising gas prices. From…

Rates on home equity lines of credit (HELOC) and home equity loans remain mostly unchanged. With growing demand for second mortgages, lenders will compete for your business. All you have to do is remember to shop and compare offers. According to real estate analytics firm Curinos, the average HELOC rate is 7.20%. The 52-week HELOC low was 7.19% in mid-January. The national average rate on a home equity loan is 7.47%, with a low of 7.38% recorded in early December 2025. Rates are based on applicants with a minimum credit score of 780 and a maximum combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV)…

Credit investors have piled into defensive positions by shifting out of riskier areas of the debt markets over the past month, as worries over AI disruption and the war in the Middle East persist.Investors pulled an average of $2.7bn a week from US junk bond funds over the past month, a more than 24-fold increase from the four weeks prior, according to data compiled by JPMorgan. The asset class lost nearly $14bn this year. Leveraged loans, which are exposed to the beleaguered software sector, saw $602mn of weekly average outflows during the same period, compared to $263mn in the prior month,…

Montauk Point Ltd., a Bermuda-based firm that provides independent advisory and strategic advice to third-party risk capital providers, has appointed 35-year insurance and reinsurance veteran Dr. Gero Michel to lead its risk and analytics platform.Montauk Point was launched in early 2025 by well-known reinsurance industry executive Adam Szakmary. The company refers to itself as a partner in navigating the complexities of re/insurance market capital participation. The company also specialises in helping third-party capital providers in areas such as portfolio construction, portfolio management lifecycle objectives, and other strategic portfolio considerations. Montauk Point is further enhancing its leadership team with the addition…