Author: Money Mechanics

(World Oil) – Oil’s brief surge above $100/bbl has renewed concerns that the escalating Iran conflict could trigger broader inflation pressures if elevated crude prices persist. Crude prices jumped above the $100 mark for less than a day Monday amid fears that the conflict in the Middle East could further disrupt global energy supplies. The spike came as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a key chokepoint that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil flows — remained near a standstill. Prices later retreated after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the war could be nearing an end, saying in an interview with…

Key Takeaways Computer programmers, customer service representatives and data entry workers face the highest AI displacement risk today, based on what AI tools can do related to their jobs, according to a new study by Anthropic.There’s been no surge yet in unemployment for the highest-exposure workers.But hiring of workers ages 22 to 25 into AI-exposed roles has dropped by about 14% since ChatGPT launched. The workers most at risk from AI aren’t those earning the lowest wages, but are among the best-paid, best-educated professionals in the U.S., a new study from Anthropic has found. Unlike past waves of automation, which…

Key Takeaways An address commission is a fee paid by a vessel owner to the charterer to offset chartering costs.This fee is common in the shipping industry and can impact the overall cost of shipping goods.The term “free of charter” means the address commission fee is waived, reducing shipping expenses for the charterer. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. What Is an Address Commission? An address commission is a fee paid by vessel owners to charterers. A charterer is a party who owns cargo and rents a vessel to deliver that cargo. The charterer employs…

(Image credit: Getty Images)When it comes to preparing for retirement, many people fear running out of money, yet most don’t actually know how much they’ll need.While figuring out the magic number can be difficult, it’s essential. Without a clear target, you risk a shortfall that could force a major lifestyle overhaul or an unexpected return to work.Fortunately, there’s a way to see if you’re on track. JPMorgan developed a guide that illustrates how much you should have saved based on your age and income. It’s just a rule of thumb, but it can tell you whether you’re doing well, need…

Picture this: You’re enjoying a leisurely drive when a vehicle makes a sudden stop in front of you. Okay, no worries, you brake. But then, an odd thing happens. The car in front of you reverses course and crashes into you.The fun doesn’t end there. The driver of the other vehicle gets out and delivers an award-winning performance. Either he complains of severe neck pain, or maybe he distracts you just enough while additional people climb out of the car, all claiming they were passengers injured in the crash.This is a common example of an auto insurance scam, and not…

Planning for the future is one of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones, but the legal language involved can often feel like a barrier. Whether you are drafting your first will or updating an existing trust, understanding the vocabulary is the first step toward confidence. This quiz breaks down 10 essential terms to help you move from confused to capable. Let’s see how well you know the language of legacy.And don’t worry if you miss an answer; you can use the links below the quiz to brush up on estate planning and its terms.More on Estate Planning,…

Just three years ago, Alabama made history as the first state to strip income taxes from overtime pay. Yet the celebration for overtime workers was short-lived.Following the law’s sunset last year, overtime earnings are once again fully subject to state income taxes, just as the cost of goods like groceries and utilities has surged 22% over the last five years in Alabama.A new legislative push — House Bill 527 — aims to provide some state overtime relief through a proposed $1,000 tax deduction. But with Alabama workers facing a tightening economy, is a capped deduction enough to offset the loss…

As the 2026 filing season is now in full swing, some taxpayers may find their refunds temporarily delayed or even frozen due to changes in how the IRS delivers payments.Under new rules, the tax agency is phasing out paper refund checks. As a result, refunds may be put on hold if a filer’s direct deposit information is missing, incomplete, or rejected.That is notable for a couple of reasons.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 ISSUE…

Key Takeaways The cost of living in Eagle Pass, Texas, is almost 18% less than the national average.Amarillo, Texas, is known for its farmers’ markets and can save you some money on groceries.Arizona doesn’t levy Social Security, inheritance, or estate taxes.The cost of living in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is 3% less than the national average, and housing is 9% lower.Oklahoma has some of the lowest property taxes in the country and provides some exemptions for seniors. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. The Southwest might be whispering your name if your vision of a pleasant…

JPM thought countries would stop production in weeks. It’s happening much faster. The table below from JPM research was their best attempt at estimating how many days it would take for a de facto Hormuz closure to trigger a halt in energy production across Middle East countries. The idea is simple: if I can’t ship my production through the Strait, and my storages are getting full, I am forced to stop production altogether. And when I do that, disruptions become much bigger – restarting production can take months even after (when?) the eventual resolution happens. JPM thought Kuwait would start…