Author: Money Mechanics

(Image credit: GETTY IMAGES)Joanne De Simone has two grown sons with disabilities. Her older son, Benjamin, 27, is medically fragile and lives at home. Her younger son, Sebastian, 23, is on the autism spectrum and is in a non-degree inclusive college program out of state.Because of her sons’ needs, De Simone, 59, must carefully plan for her own retirement as well as for her children’s futures.”I’ve said to the support coordination agency we’re working with that if my husband John, 61, and I drop dead tomorrow, you have to make sure Benjamin gets into [a good medical facility],” says De…

If you’re retired or a few years away from it, you’re likely considering reallocating some of your assets to less volatile options to reduce risk. Fortunately, savings accounts still offer strong returns that surpass inflation and help achieve your goals during retirement.If you decide to transfer some money, your next step is to choose the right savings account. Various options suit different needs, from having immediate access to cash to a hands-off account that earns a fixed rate of return, regardless of the Federal Reserve policies and interest rates.To help you find the best fit, I’ve included several scenarios and…

Austrian regulators have yet to approve Chinese e-commerce group JD.com’s proposed acquisition of German electronics retailer Ceconomy, leaving a key approval outstanding and putting the wider transaction at risk. Ceconomy said the foreign direct investment (FDI) approval process in Austria remains pending, even as the deal has secured clearances in several other jurisdictions. In a statement, Ceconomy said: “With respect to the FDI clearance in Austria, it is currently uncertain whether and, if so, when such clearance will be granted.” The company confirmed that all necessary merger control approvals have been obtained, alongside FDI clearances in France and Italy. It…

Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every corner of the housing industry. Real estate professionals are using AI tools to streamline workflows, improve document processing and enhance compliance processes. The title industry is no exception. Title companies across the country are investing heavily in automation, analytics and digital tools to make transactions more efficient. These technologies are helping the industry manage increasingly complex regulatory requirements, detect fraud patterns and process large volumes of property data. But as conversations about AI in real estate accelerate, it’s important not to overlook a fundamental truth: technology can assist the title process, but it cannot…

(BOE Report) – As Big Oil executives gathered this week and discussed the biggest-ever disruption to global energy supplies due to the war in Iran, there was one impact they did not address publicly: the multibillion-dollar windfall they will make because of soaring prices for the energy they sell. Global benchmark Brent crude has so far averaged around $97 per barrel in March, up 33% from the $69 average in February and even more from $65 in January. The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran that started on February 28 has halted a fifth of the world’s supply that passes through the…

As per a new report from Ernst & Young Ltd. (EY), the reinsurance sector is entering a era of “latent market demand” where private equity and alternative capital providers are set to expand their presence by exploring AI-linked securities, cyber catastrophe bonds, and other innovative investment vehicles.In its recently published report, EY acknowledges that over the long term, innovation is necessary within the industry as core reinsurance products and distribution channels have seen only limited change in recent years. “Cyber is the only major new line to have achieved scale in the recent past, but there’s debate about the value…

Google Maps is a veritable font of easy, useful tricks.  Elyse Betters Picaro/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Google Maps has dozens of settings that unlock hidden features.They improve navigation, battery life, accessibility, privacy, and more.Here are the top tips and tricks I believe make Maps far more useful.Google Maps is a great option for quick directions, finding a restaurant, or perusing Street View. You probably don’t give it much thought when you’re doing all these things, with a quick glance at the info you’re seeking and slipping your phone into your pocket.…

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.”…