Author: Money Mechanics

AI was once again the buzzword for this latest batch of YC Demo Day companies. Nearly 190 companies participated in Y Combinator’s Winter ‘26 cohort and presented their startups in a Demo Day on Tuesday.  These companies are working on products across industries such as law, transportation, and healthcare.   I did not, admittedly, listen to every single product pitch given the sheer size of the cohort and this year’s Demo Day format available to media: YC posted the pitch videos, one by one, around 20 minutes after their presentations (rather than a livestream, or an in-person session invite).   Instead, I read about all 190 of the startups presenting and spent the day watching pitches…

(Oil Price) – Iran’s oil exports have not collapsed and are fetching much higher prices than before the war, handing Tehran handsome extra revenues from its crude, which is the only one unimpeded from transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Unlike all other Gulf producers, Iran is passing its oil through the Strait of Hormuz and its export volumes remain resilient. Steady volumes and higher prices have been bringing millions of dollars of additional oil revenues for the Islamic Republic since the war began, as oil prices jumped and discounts for Iranian barrels significantly narrowed versus Brent. Iran has likely earned $139 million…

Just as the dust seemed to settle on Washington’s tax code, the Evergreen State is once again shifting its fiscal identity.Historically a “no-income-tax” state, Washington broke a 90-year streak in 2021 by implementing a capital gains tax. Then, only last year, lawmakers enacted a record-breaking estate tax hike, pushing the top rate to 35% — the highest state “death tax” in the nation.The hike was intended to address income inequality and generate revenue for public services, like education and child care. Following concerns from business leaders regarding a potential “wealth exodus,” though, state lawmakers pursued a legislative retreat.Article continues below…

For millions of retirees, every dollar saved on taxes can help keep up with rising grocery and gas prices, health costs, and everyday living expenses.And a new senior bonus deduction in the 2025 Trump/GOP tax and spending bill is one such opportunity. The tax break is designed to lighten the tax load for eligible taxpayers age 65 and older — at least for a few years.But the impact varies considerably by income level. Here’s more of what you need to know.Article continues below From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just…

The best market bargains are sometimes found among the stocks that have suffered the most. Picking the Right Criteria Is Key to Spotting High-Upside Beaten-Down Stocks. Take a peek at nine oversold stocks offering compelling value and up to 66% upside. Markets feel shaky right now. Tensions in the Middle East remain high, inflation still feels uncertain, and central banks are keeping interest rates high. This makes it harder for investors to see what comes next, while price swings become more intense. Higher energy prices from these conflicts are adding to inflation worries. At the same time, the Federal Reserve…

Higher housing costs, along with economic uncertainty that comes with the Iran war, are causing some house hunters to think twice.  The weekly average mortgage rate has hit a three-month high of 6.22% as the Iran war and jitters about inflation rattle markets. The daily average mortgage rate rose as high as 6.55% on Tuesday.  Markets are bouncing around this week as investors try to keep up with conflicting messages about the conflict in the Middle East; stocks and bonds rallied on Monday after the White House said the U.S. and Iran had productive conversations, but it is unclear when…

(Image credit: Getty Images)For many private business owners, their company is not just a source of pride but also the cornerstone of their personal wealth. Ensuring the longevity of that value — both for the business and their family — requires careful, proactive planning.Yet too often, estate planning and business succession are treated as separate projects, when in fact, their integration is essential for maximizing value, minimizing taxes, and ensuring a smooth transition regardless of whether the business is designed for the next generation of family owners or is being groomed for sale.This article explores how business owners can strategically…

(Image credit: Getty Images)For decades, retirement planning has revolved around one primary objective: Save as much money as possible.Many people do exactly that. They live below their means, max out their 401(k)s, invest consistently, pay down debt and trust that if they stay disciplined, everything will work out.But when retirement finally arrives, the primary objective rapidly shifts. It’s no longer about building the nest egg; it’s about living on it. That’s where uncertainty can creep in.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…

(Image credit: Getty Images)When you walk into your community bank, credit union or independent mortgage bank (IMB), you expect something different than the big national players.You want to be recognized. You want someone who understands your financial situation and can help you navigate it. You want the personal touch that made you choose a local institution in the first place.So when you hear that your credit union or community bank is implementing AI, it’s natural to worry about what that means.Article continues below From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Planning a trip can be stressful, but when it’s across the country to visit six colleges in Southern California in five days, it can be downright daunting.It’s especially tricky when one college is in Beverly Hills, and the other is in San Diego. Add the fact that we want to layer some sightseeing, picturesque sunsets and a hike to the Hollywood sign, and you can see why I was feeling overwhelmed at the sheer thought of it all.The easy part (kind of) was booking all the college tours. I based the visits on the colleges’ availability. (That’s…