Author: Money Mechanics

When folks think about investing in the stock market, they often view it through the lens of compound returns over time. But some investors may primarily invest in stocks to generate passive income rather than capital gains — especially those looking to supplement retirement income. General Mills (NYSE: GIS) has an incredibly impressive 127-year streak of not cutting its dividend, although there have been several multiyear periods when it hasn’t raised its payout. So you won’t find General Mills on the popular list of Dividend Kings, which are companies that have paid and raised their dividends for at least 50…

Overwhelmed with debt? If you’re trying to figure out whether you need a debt consolidation lawyer, a debt settlement company, a credit counselor, or bankruptcy support, this guide will help you make the call without wasting weeks (or money) going down the wrong path. Quick reality check: “debt consolidation lawyer” is a popular search term, but most attorneys don’t literally “consolidate” debt the way a bank loan does. What they can do is help you negotiate legally, respond to lawsuits, stop garnishments, and choose the right legal strategy when the stakes are high. Not being sued? Start here first (often…

OpenAI announced this week that it’s shutting down its Sora app and related video models just six months after launching the app. On the latest episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Kirsten Korosec, Sean O’Kane, and I debated what the decision means for OpenAI and for the industry more broadly. To some extent, the move seems consistent with what we’ve been hearing about OpenAI as it focuses on enterprise and productivity tools ahead of a possible IPO. In fact, Kirsten suggested that OpenAI’s decision to shutter Sora was “a sign of maturity that was nice to see in an AI lab.”…

(Investing) – HOUSTON – U.S. officials this week said the historic spike in fuel prices during the war in Iran will be short-term and trumpeted record U.S. production at an industry conference where oil executives and government officials from Asia, the Middle East and Europe bemoaned the worst oil and gas supply disruption in decades. The contrasting messages relayed to industry leaders at the annual CERAWeek conference in Houston reflected the different political realities in the U.S. and the rest of the world. U.S. cabinet members said American consumers could absorb a temporary price shock. Their effort to project calm reflected…

Most of our day-to-day lives are spent in our homes, so of course we want to properly invest in them, making them as comfortable and beautiful as possible. But a trendy home upgrade might not just change your living situation; it can have a long-term impact on your financial situation as well — and not only because of the upfront costs that go into a house addition. Factors like insurance, utility bills and weatherproofing can all lead to a lifestyle creep trap that irreparably damages your current financial state.Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t splurge on the hot tub or…

The Series I Savings Bond currently has a six-month composite rate of 4.03%. By David Enna, Tipswatch.com I realize that the fixed rate of the U.S. Series I Savings Bond isn’t top of mind for many investors at the moment, given an active war in the Mideast, soaring gas prices, and sharp declines in both the stock and bond markets. But in our little inflation-watching community, it’s a big deal. Both the I Bond’s permanent fixed rate and inflation-adjusted variable rate will be reset May 1 for purchases from May to October 2026. Before the outbreak of war on Feb.…

(Image credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Booking Holdings (BNKG), the online travel firm formerly known as Priceline, has undergone one stock split in its 27-year history as a public company: a 1-for-6 reverse stock split in June 2003 that was aimed at raising its share price.Since then, BKNG’s per-share price has risen from $25 to roughly $4,214 – a return of 16,700%. While this lofty share price puts the consumer discretionary stock out of reach for most retail investors, the company’s board of directors recently approved (pdf) a massive 25-for-1 forward stock split that will bring BKNG’s share price to…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Your 20s are full of firsts. First real paycheck. First apartment. First time realizing groceries cost more than you thought.It’s exciting, but it’s also when small money choices start to snowball. The money habits you build now can set you up for decades. Or they can follow you around like that receipt you keep meaning to deal with.Plenty of smart people stumble on the same things: No budget, ignoring savings, assuming insurance can wait and skipping credit-building. The good news is that each one has a simple fix.Article continues below From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal…

(Image credit: Getty Images)As a financial adviser, I often meet investors who are confused about Roth conversions.They get bounced between a certified public accountant (CPA) and a financial planner, each deferring to the other on whether converting a traditional IRA to a Roth makes sense.The result is that there is no clear direction on a crucial decision.Article continues below 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…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Question: We want to treat our adult children and grandchildren to a 10-day cruise to Greece, where I’m from. Our daughter said yes, but our son’s career is at a peak and he can’t escape. I want to make things fair, but I can’t reschedule. Should I send him a check?Answer: It’s not a given that you’ll have more wiggle room in your budget in retirement than during your working years. But if you built a large nest egg and have modest expenses, you may have the ability to cover the cost of shared family experiences, including…