Author: Money Mechanics

If any pet insurance companies advertise “free” coverage, that label is usually very misleading. While no pet insurance is actually “free”, there are other options to help lower your coverage costs. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually misunderstood, what’s actually available, and ways to make pet care more affordable. Learn more: How much does pet insurance cost? The short answer is no, free pet insurance doesn’t really exist. What may look like “free” coverage at first glance is usually the result of short-term promotions, employer-sponsored plan access, or limited wellness benefits rather than no-cost, full-coverage pet insurance. When pet parents…

Oil prices are surging after Qatar’s Energy Minister has issued dire warnings that is sending shockwaves through global energy markets. In an interview with the Financial Times, Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi warned that Gulf countries could be compelled to stop energy exports within weeks, causing major disruptions to global supply chains. Kaabi stated that he anticipates all Gulf energy producers will halt exports soon, which could push oil prices up to $150 per barrel. “We expect everyone who hasn’t yet declared force majeure will do so in the coming days if this situation persists. All Gulf region exporters will…

Cimmerian/iStock / Getty Images PlusFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysThe regulatory landscape is evolving and creating new demands.Business leaders can use compliance to guide AI innovations.Internal and external partners can help organizations deliver results.The AI gold rush has put new pressure on governments and other public agencies. As enterprises look to gain a competitive advantage from emerging technologies, governing bodies are eager to implement rules and regulations that protect individuals and their data.The most high-profile AI legislation is the EU’s AI Act. However, global law firm Bird & Bird has developed an AI Horizon Tracker that…

Key Takeaways The dividend aristocrats, a subset of dividend-paying S&P 500 stocks, have outperformed the broader index in 2026.Rising geopolitical tensions and worries about AI-driven disruption have pushed many investors into stocks perceived as safer plays to start this year. Are dividend stocks back in vogue? They seem to be having a moment. As geopolitical tensions and worries about AI-driven disruption have rattled markets to start the year, many investors are piling into stocks perceived as safer, AI-proof plays. That includes stocks that pay dividends. The dividend aristocrats, a subset of S&P 500 companies that have raised their dividends annually for at least…

Key Takeaways Marvell Technology shares surged after the semiconductor firm posted better-than-expected earnings, thanks in large part to strong AI demand.CEO Matt Murphy said revenue is expected to grow 30% this year, above the company’s previous forecasts. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. Marvell Technology shares surged after the semiconductor firm posted earnings that topped estimates and raised its outlook, thanks in large part to strong AI demand. Shares of Marvell Technology (MRVL) were up over 16% in recent trading, at a time when broader markets lost ground. The move pulled the stock back into…

Key Takeaways If you have a monthly income of at least $2,000, take a look at South Africa and Kenya, which offer visa programs for retirees. Health care in many parts of Africa costs a fraction of U.S. prices, while some countries like Mauritius offer tax advantages that can stretch retirement income even further. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. Retirees are increasingly looking abroad not just for adventure or cultural connections, but for affordability and a health care system that won’t drain their savings. In parts of Africa, you can find private medical care…

March 06, 2026 09:35 AM EST The US Economy Lost 92,000 Jobs in February FROM 44 minutes ago The job market was supposed to stabilize in February. Instead, it took a nosedive. February was the worst month for the job market since October, as employers unexpectedly shed 92,000 jobs and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4% from 4.3% in January, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Friday. The job losses and rise in unemployment came as a surprise to forecasters, who had called for a gain of 50,000 jobs and the unemployment rate to stay flat, according to a survey…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Editor’s note: This is part two of a two-part series that looks at the best ways to ensure an inheritance creates financial freedom, not a financial burden. Part one is Will Your Children’s Inheritance Set Them Free or Tie Them Up?At age 18, my client — let’s call her Josie — received a trust that provided thousands of dollars a month in inheritance, more than enough to ensure she’d never have to work. So, she didn’t.For more than two decades, Josie raised a family, redecorated her home, drove luxury cars and kept up with the latest fashions,…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the strength, resilience and leadership women demonstrate across every stage of life.It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how women can protect themselves, their families and their legacies — especially during moments of transition.Women often experience life changes that have financial and legal implications. Marriage, divorce, the loss of a spouse or career changes can all affect how assets are managed and how future decisions are made. 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)You just retired and are sitting on a pile of cash in your retirement accounts thanks to a decades-long bull run in the stock market.It’s only natural to want to spread the wealth and give some of that nest egg to the kids or grandkids. In fact, 69% of retirees do, according to a recent MetLife study. But gifting some of your 401(k) right out the gate may cause more harm than good. Here’s why and how to be generous without putting your retirement at risk.What could go wrong with gifting from a 401(k)? Few people think…