Author: Money Mechanics

Have you met your retirement savings goal and feel ready to retire at 60? You’re not alone. Thanks to a more than decade-long bull run in the stock market, many Americans have reached their targets ahead of plan and are gearing up to retire.They have the cash and are excited to pursue their passions, volunteer, start a new career, or simply take it easy. Those who are successful at it understand that retiring at 60 requires a lot of planning — from how they manage their money to how they pay for health care (Medicare doesn’t kick in until 65),…

Low‑priced stocks are often dismissed as risky, but if you’re selective, sub‑$10 names can offer real growth potential and attractive upside. The following five stocks combine value, growth prospects, and industry tailwinds. According to the AI-powered InvestingPro Fair Value Model, these companies are significantly undervalued, making them compelling buys. In a market where high-flying tech stocks dominate headlines, savvy investors often find hidden gems among lower-priced shares trading in the single digits. While these stocks sometimes carry greater risk, they can also offer significant upside for those with a higher risk tolerance and a keen eye for a turnaround story.…

SageSure’s successful sponsorship of its latest catastrophe bond, the $175 million Gateway Re Ltd. (Series 2026-2) issuance, is a testament to the transparency and performance of the managing general underwriters (MGUs) underwriting platform, President and CEO Terrence McLean said today.As Artemis has been reporting, SageSure successfully priced its thirteenth catastrophe bond in late February, with the Gateway Re Series 2026-2 issuance pricing at its initial targeted size of $175 million, to provide multi-peril reinsurance protection to protect the Auros Reciprocal Insurance Exchange and Interboro Insurance Company, both entities that sit beneath Slaine Insurance Holdings, LLC. SageSure appeared to prioritise price over…

Key Takeaways Some of the fastest-growing, highest-paying jobs in the U.S. don’t require a four-year degree.Google Career Certificates in data analytics, project management and cybersecurity run about $49 a month on CourseraIndustry credentials such as AWS Cloud Practitioner, CompTIA Security+ and PMP can open doors to more advanced (and higher-paying) roles. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. You don’t need to take out a mass of student loans for a four-year degree to land some of America’s fastest-growing jobs. Cloud engineer, project manager, business analyst and cybersecurity analyst jobs all rank high on Indeed’s 2026…

Key Takeaways Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city in Iowa, offering retirees small-town living in an urban setting.The cost of living in Cedar Rapids is lower than the national average, with median housing, grocery, and utility costs significantly less than those in other states.Cedar Rapids was named one of Investopedia’s 100 best places to retire in the U.S. Cedar Rapids is the second-largest city in Iowa, and it’s one of Investopedia’s 100 best places to retire in the U.S. It’s also known as the City of Five Seasons because it’s like nature adds a fifth season for the community to…

Key Takeaways The median household ages 40 to 49 holds $37,700 in total financial assets.The mean, $277,538, is over seven times higher and driven by a small number of households with very large balances.Cash dominates portfolios, while it’s still uncommon to directly hold stocks or bonds in this age group. Your 40s are typically when you’re hitting your peak earnings—or you’re getting close to it. Yet the latest Federal Reserve data shows that the median financial portfolio for people in this age group—that is, all assets except for your home—is worth only $37,700. And almost four in 10 American fortysomethings…

Key Takeaways After another declining week for stocks, savers are looking for safe places for cash that still pay a solid return.Top savings accounts, CDs, brokerage cash accounts, and Treasuries pay 3%–5% with almost no risk—some with a guaranteed return.Our latest chart shows where $20,000—or a bit more or less—can earn a competitive return without being subject to stock market swings. See Today’s Best Cash Yields—All in One Chart With markets unsettled again this week, many savers are steering toward safety—looking for places where their cash can still earn a solid return, but without the market risk. Fortunately, today’s safe…

Key Takeaways U.S. retail sales fell in January, Census Bureau data showed.Sales at auto dealerships and gas stations fell, but receipts at other retailers moved higher, which economists said showed continued strength in the U.S. consumer.Tax refunds are expected to be higher in 2026, which could add more upside for retail sales, but higher gas prices could be a headwind. Snowy weather slowed shoppers in January, but economists expect them to revive spending later this year. Census Bureau data showed that U.S. retail sales fell in the first month of 2026, according to a report that was delayed due to…

Key Takeaways The median 401(k) balance for workers in their 30s is $78,857, according to 2026 data from Empower.Contributing to retirement savings in your 30s allows you to benefit from decades of compound interest.Fidelity recommends saving 3 times your salary by age 40 to stay on track for retirement. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. If you’re in your 30s, you may have many competing financial priorities, such as student loans, rent, or raising a family. You might be thinking about a wedding or a new home in the next few years, too. All of…

(Image credit: Getty Images)For advisory firms with a large client exposure to alternative investments, tax season unearths operational gaps they did not anticipate.The mad manual scramble for K-1s and amended forms strains operations. For decades, I have seen these pressures disrupt even the most talented teams and force advisers into reactive decision-making that erodes the confidence in accuracy and completeness and affects staffing and client trust.In practice, investment sophistication often outpaces back-office infrastructure. Even established advisory firms can find themselves unprepared as new funds add layers of complexity that overwhelm legacy workflows. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance…