Author: Money Mechanics

(Image credit: Getty Images)We’ve all read stories about the budgetary wonders of self-restraint. You know the tale: If those darned millennials gave up Starbucks and avocado toast, we’d solve the housing affordability crisis or something.I don’t actually know. I don’t read those stories.That’s precisely why I laughed when my editor brought up a question she’d seen a few times from readers: “I can afford a nice car. But should I suck it up for a few years with my current vehicle, and use the money I’ll save not making payments on a new car to invest instead?” From just $107.88…

Younger Americans may be taking on long-term credit risk to help deal with rising costs. As credit card debt balances reach record highs, recent FICO data shows that Gen Z is opening credit cards at a higher rate than other generations. They also have among the highest credit card utilization. Amid job loss or reduced income, 48% of Gen Z relied on credit cards to make ends meet, FICO vice president Jenelle Dito recently told Yahoo Finance, and nearly 40% of Gen Z admits to opening credit cards as a financial cushion. But racking up credit card debt balances to…

India’s total imports declined by 13% in March from February as the Iran war crippled Middle Eastern supply that couldn’t be offset by record-high Russian oil imports.     India, the world’s third-biggest crude oil buyer, imported a total of 4.5 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude in March, down by 13% from pre-war levels, according to shipping and industry sources’ data cited by Reuters. While India’s imports of crude from the Middle East fell materially, imports from Russia surged and almost doubled in March compared to February. Middle Eastern supply to India plunged by 61% to 1.18 million bpd…

Prakhar Khanna/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET key takeaways Samsung is killing its messaging app in July.Users in the US with Android v12 or newer need to switch.There are plenty of superior options to choose from.Multiple reports have been issued that Samsung is shutting down its messaging app and service.According to this Samsung community post, the service EOL will be this July, which means you have a few short months to find a new app and grow accustomed to it. If that sounds like what you’re facing, you’re probably wondering which app or service you…

(Image credit: Getty Images)There is a time when “tough love” isn’t appropriate. And when a spouse, family member or friend is dealing with the consequences of bladder cancer, that is certainly not what is called for.While space limits any in-depth description, bladder cancer can go from something that is easily treated, to requiring removal of the bladder (cystectomy). Urine is then emptied in several ways, one of which is an ileal conduit (urostomy) diverting it to an external pouch the patient wears and empties several times a day. That is the basis of today’s story.”Mr. Beaver, I am a member…

(Image credit: Getty Images)A historic Great Wealth Transfer is reshaping the American landscape. Cerulli Associates projects that a staggering $124 trillion will change hands through 2048. More immediately, McKinsey estimates that over the next decade, Gen X households could inherit $14 trillion, with millennials receiving another $8 trillion.For the typical Baby Boomer or Gen X reader, these aren’t just macroeconomic headlines — they are deeply personal inflection points. You likely find yourself at a crossroads: Either preparing for a legacy that could redefine your own retirement, or staring at your balance sheet wondering how to pass the baton without tripping…

We’ve written down 20 things to know about Medigap plans.gettyI stopped by a neighbor’s house to see how things were going and the conversation quickly shifted to Medicare. (This seems to happen frequently). To address his concerns, I had to find out what type of Medicare coverage he selected. He said he has a Medicare drug plan. And my reply, “Then you probably also have a Medigap policy.”He said, “A Medi-what?” As I explained that, he had several more questions. And I know that, when one person has questions, there are many more who also have them. So here are…

Property taxes are a financial strain for many, but are one of the largest sources of funding for local governments in Ohio.These levies generate roughly $24 billion annually for local governments and help finance schools, police and fire departments, infrastructure, parks, libraries, and more in the Buckeye State.But now, a proposed constitutional amendment that organizers are trying to qualify for the November 2026 ballot would, if approved, abolish property taxes statewide, as early as next year. 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…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Business strategies, like trends, come and go. Hierarchies and debt-fueled growth were once popular until their flaws emerged.When you’re building a business, what truly lasts are the fundamental approaches that reliably deliver results and deserve every entrepreneur’s focus.Those trusted strategies aren’t flashy, and they don’t promise overnight success. They’re grounded in fundamentals: Disciplined execution, a clear understanding of customers, prudent capital use, and leadership that values long-term growth over quick wins. 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…

How much do I need to retire? That’s the “magic” question for many people. According to the 2026 Northwestern Mutual Planning and Progress Study, the average American now believes they need $1.46 million to “retire comfortably” — a 15% jump from last year.However, that number isn’t fixed. Life expectancy tables, family dynamics, cost-of-living estimates, and even the nation’s political climate can all affect your finances in retirement.But one area retirees often overlook is state-level taxation. Where you choose to park your retirement can drastically change how much you need to save. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become…