Author: Money Mechanics

As interest rates continue to drop, getting the most out of your savings is key. And if you’re trying to grow your savings this year, it’s important to choose an account that won’t lose value to inflation. A high-yield savings account (HYSA) continues to be one of the best places to keep your cash protected against market volatility while earning a competitive interest rate on your balance. Even though rates are falling, the best high-yield savings accounts still earn upwards of 4% APY. So, how much interest could you earn this year with an HYSA? Here’s a look at your…

Thank you, Donald, for the kind introduction.1 I am honored to be here in Dallas. I very much enjoyed my time today meeting with community members and hearing from the hardworking staff at the Dallas Fed. And I appreciate this opportunity to speak with all of you this evening. Tonight, I would like to share with you my updated economic outlook and then discuss the possible implications of that outlook for the path of monetary policy. It is an opportune time for that discussion, just a week after our last Federal Open Market Committee meeting. Then, I will expand on…

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on GoogleSpring is here, and Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is officially live right now. We’re seeing discounts of over 60% off across dozens of categories, including outdoor, home, beauty, tech, and more, and competing discounts from other retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Target, and Costco. ZDNET reviews the best gear year-round, and we’re here to help you cut through the noise and quickly find the best deals during the spring sale period. Also: The most popular Amazon Spring Sale deals, according to thousands of readersAs ZDNET’s deals and shopping editor, I am always scouring the web for the…

(BOE Report) – Vicki Hollub is preparing to retire as chief executive of Occidental Petroleum, after her decade-long stewardship of the U.S. oil and gas company that made her one of the most powerful women in a male-dominated industry, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Hollub, 66, plans to make a formal announcement later this year, according to four people with knowledge of the matter. Richard Jackson, who was elevated to chief operating officer in October, is primed to become CEO upon Hollub’s departure, three of the people added. Her exit would mark an end to more than four…

(Image credit: Getty Images)With the average American living 79 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, planning for the future is increasingly important. For women, whose life expectancy exceeds 80, it becomes even more critical.A longer life expectancy means women are more likely to need long-term care than men. For women who do need care, the timeline is often longer. Research from the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance shows that on average, women age 65 and older live with a disability for about 3.2 years, compared to 2.3 years for men.If not properly planned for, that…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Most women don’t make the wrong Social Security decision. They just make it in isolation.That’s what I see most often — thoughtful, well-intentioned decisions based on common advice, but without fully considering how that choice fits into the bigger picture.Because Social Security isn’t just a timing decision. It’s part of a much broader plan — one that includes your investments, your taxes, your lifestyle and how you want to spend your time in retirement.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…

Uncertainty in the financial markets is leaving many Gen Xers uneasy about the future. Concerns about potential downturns and rising volatility — especially following a prolonged bull market — are prompting individuals to seek more reliable strategies to protect their nest egg as they near and enter retirement.While past performance is not indicative of future results, history can help inform successful strategies for weathering uncertain times. In fact, during the 2008 recession, our baby boomer counterparts were faced with a similar set of circumstances. We can look to their experience to find out which tools best helped them maximize their…

The recently enacted tax law, known by some as the “big, beautiful bill,” has changed the federal child tax credit (CTC) math for millions of American families.While the headline news is a boost to $2,200 per child, the “fine print” in the 2026 CTC rules has quietly tightened eligibility in ways that could cost you your entire refund.Take our quiz to see if you’re set to claim your maximum credit.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…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Netflix is raising subscription prices across all of its U.S. streaming tiers, marking the second increase in just over a year and adding to what many subscribers refer to as “streamflation.”The price hike, rolling out this week, increases the standard plan with ads by $1 per month, while standard and premium plans rise by $2, according to pricing posted on its website.Here’s how the increases break down and what they could mean for your monthly streaming budget.Article continues below From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88…

This Week In A Nutshell: The Iran War continues to fuel market volatility as it enters its fourth week, particularly as the White House signals it is seeking a resolution. Upcoming Attractions   This week will feature many speaking engagements from various Fed officials, but key economic data releases will be scarce. The primary focus for markets will continue to be on the situation in the Middle East, specifically the timeline for resuming oil shipments from the Persian Gulf. Rates may also come down this week if Fed officials, in their speeches and interviews, attempt to change the rather hawkish…