Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Ray Dalio warns of “shocking developments” in the U.S. economy in the mid-2020s.Current market conditions resemble the dot-com tech bubble, according to Dalio.Bridgewater Associates, founded by Dalio, is a leading asset management firm.Dalio has experienced more market crashes than most know bull markets. Billionaire investor Ray Dalio has survived more market crashes than most people have experienced bull markets. The founder of Bridgewater Associates, considered among the world’s most successful asset managers, is now warning about “shocking developments” in the U.S. economy in the mid-2020s, comparing today’s market environment to the dot-com tech bubble. Rather than advocating panic…

(Investing) – The war between Iran and the United States could last far longer than policymakers anticipated, raising the likelihood of oil prices breaking past previous crisis peaks, according to RBC Capital. Helima Croft, RBC’s head of global commodity strategy, wrote that conversations in Washington have prompted the bank to revise its expectations for both the duration of the conflict and its market impact. “A number of experts have suggested that a combination of expanded U.S. war aims as well as Iranian asymmetric capabilities… could prolong the conflict well into the spring,” Croft said. RBC now believes oil prices could…

Key Takeaways Diversifying a portfolio can enhance returns while minimizing risk.Commodities are basic goods transformed into other goods and services.Investors can include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, futures, and currencies. Investors who diversify their portfolios typically strengthen their investment goals by maximizing returns while reducing risk. Many choose stocks, bonds, commodity-centric mutual funds, futures, and currencies, but investors can add commodities. These are basic goods that can be transformed into other goods and services. Understanding Commodity Investing Commodity trading historically linked cultures and people. From spices and silks in the early days to the exchanges where these assets are now traded,…

Stock futures pointed higher Monday after the three major equities indexes all finished in the red for a third consecutive week. Meanwhile, U.S. oil futures hovered near $100 a barrel as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to weigh on crude prices.  Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were up a respective 0.7%, 0.6%, and 0.3%, respectively. The major indexes closed lower for a third straight week Friday as oil prices continued to climb. On Monday, West Texas Intermediate crude futures, the U.S. oil-price benchmark, recently were down 1% to $97.60 a barrel after earlier…

Key Takeaways Top 10% have nearly seven-figure retirement savings, exceeding the average American.Tax-advantaged strategies, like Roth IRAs, boost wealth for the affluent.High-income earners avoid lifestyle inflation and prioritize saving.Delay of gratification helps build significant investments.Strategic investing is key to long-term wealth building. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. A common rule of thumb suggests saving enough to replace 70% to 80% of your pre-retirement income to maintain your lifestyle in retirement. For the average American, it may be challenging to build a nest egg this large, but not for the top 10%. These high-net worth…

To help you understand what’s going on in politics and the economy and what we expect to happen in the future, our highly experienced Kiplinger Letter team will keep you abreast of the latest developments and forecasts (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Letter or subscribe). You’ll get all the latest news first by subscribing, but we will publish many (but not all) of the forecasts a few days afterward online. Here’s the latest…Iran is down but not out. What lies ahead for the military situation and its economic impacts? A clear-cut victory may prove elusive. American forces have…

(Image credit: Alamy)In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), businesses are increasingly integrating these tools into daily operations to boost efficiency and innovation.From automating hiring processes to generating content and analyzing data, AI promises significant advantages.However, when employees improperly use AI — such as by inputting sensitive data without safeguards, relying on biased outputs or failing to oversee automated decisions — companies can face substantial civil liability.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…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Building a good relationship requires a solid foundation, and that foundation is almost always trust. But when it comes to your life savings, trust can feel like a very rickety bridge to cross.It is completely understandable that many people hesitate to work with a financial professional. Handing over the keys to your financial future — and granting access to your hard-earned accounts — to someone you don’t know is scary.Because of this fear, many people decide to just “stay put” and do nothing, which can be risky in its own way.Article continues below From just $107.88 $24.99…

KEY TAKEAWAYS More than 6 million federal student loan borrowers are 24 years old or younger, with the average borrower in this group holding about $14,242 in student loans.As fewer high school graduates attend college, the number of borrowers in this age group has declined. About 6.6 million federal student loan borrowers were 24 years or younger as of September 2025. These borrowers held about $94 billion in student loan debt, with the average borrower in this age group owing about $14,242, according to the most recent data from the Office of Federal Student Aid. That average loan balance is…

Key Takeaways Medicare covers doctor and hospital bills for adults 65 and over but not all expenses are included. Long-term custodial care for daily activities like bathing and eating is not covered by Medicare. Additional costs under Medicare include certain copayments, premiums, and prescription medications. Understanding what Medicare does not cover can help in planning for additional health care costs. Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for adults 65 and over, pays doctor and hospital bills for many older Americans. However, it doesn’t cover everything. Long-term custodial care for help with the activities of daily living such as bathing,…