Author: Money Mechanics

(Image credit: Getty Images)For many investors, energy investments represent more than just an income stream. They can become part of a long-term financial strategy that extends well beyond the initial investment.Oil and gas assets often behave differently from traditional stocks or bonds. In some cases, they may generate income for many years while also offering exposure to physical energy production and underlying resource value.Because of this, investors who include energy assets in their portfolios may also want to think about how those investments fit into their broader wealth and estate planning. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Spring is tax season, and for many people, it’s typically the only time they think about their taxes. Although there are very few things you can do to change your taxation from the previous year at this point, a year-round tax plan will allow you to manage your tax bill going forward.This is particularly important for retirees, who are often surprised by the amount of tax they owe. Even though income may be lower in retirement, Social Security income may be subject to federal taxes, and withdrawals from traditional pre-tax retirement accounts are subject to income tax.Here’s…

(Image credit: Getty Images)When global tensions rise, it’s natural for investors to wonder whether the markets will follow. Global conflicts can dominate the news cycle, accompanied by commentary and speculation that reinforces the sense that global events lead to market volatility.While global conflict is significant, it’s not the sole factor determining how markets will react. Markets respond to a combination of factors: How global events influence earnings, the current economic climate and investor expectations.Recent history demonstrates how resilient the markets can be. Despite prolonged conflicts in the Middle East and in Eastern Europe, including the war between Russia and Ukraine,…

(Image credit: Getty Images)”Can I borrow money?”It’s not an uncommon question. But when it comes from a parent, it can stop you in your tracks.Growing up, money typically flows one way: parents help kids. So when the direction flips, even for understandable reasons, it can feel disorienting. It’s like a bad version of opposite day. 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 Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice…

The FIFA World Cup is just months away, and while fans are busy studying brackets, savvy bettors are already eyeing a different kind of scoreboard: their income tax liability.For the first time in World Cup history, a new federal “loss cap” on wins means that even a break-even tournament could leave you with a significant bill from the IRS.And with a record $150 billion expected to be wagered on the 2026 World Cup — much of it by first-time bettors — betting lines could shift rapidly. So seasoned bettors might have to work harder to find the value needed to…

A major shake-up in Colorado’s alcohol distribution industry will leave over 500 workers without jobs, after a major beer and alcohol distributor announced the shutdown of all operations in the state. For decades, Eagle Rock Distributing Company has been the engine behind Colorado’s social scene, delivering beers, wines, and spirits to the local retailers. But following a major acquisition by industry giant Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Eagle Rock’s Colorado business is coming to a permanent halt. In a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filed on April 3, the company confirmed that it will shut down all Colorado operations…

WireGuard, the major software project and VPN that underpins popular security software including Mullvad and others, has found itself locked out of a key part of its Microsoft developer’s account and unable to ship software updates to Windows users. Jason Donenfeld, the creator of the open source WireGuard VPN software, told TechCrunch that he has been locked out of his Microsoft developer account, and as a result cannot sign drivers or ship updates for WireGuard for Windows users, which are critical for its software to run. Donenfeld said in a post on X on Wednesday that the account termination stopped…

Key Takeaways An economic cycle includes expansion, peak, contraction, and trough stages.The average U.S. economic cycle lasts about five and a half years.Key factors include GDP, consumer spending, interest rates, and inflation.The NBER determines the length of economic cycles.Causes of economic cycles are debated among economic schools of thought. What Is the Economic Cycle? The economic cycle is the fluctuation of economic activity between periods of expansion and contraction. The stages of the cycle are predictable, but their timing is not. Factors such as gross domestic product (GDP), interest rates, total employment, and consumer spending are analyzed to help determine what stage…

Key Takeaways Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) are state-owned investment vehicles with diverse sources and uses.The Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. is the largest state-owned investment fund in the U.S.Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global is the largest sovereign wealth fund worldwide, with over $2.1 trillion in assets.SWFs invest in various assets, including equities, debt, and real estate.These funds can aim to boost the host country’s economy through strategic investments. Sovereign wealth funds can be derived from a variety of sources and used for a variety of purposes. Julie Bang / Investopedia What Is a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF)? A sovereign wealth fund…

Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for freeYour guide to what Trump’s second term means for Washington, business and the worldUS crude exports are projected to hit a record high in April as Asian customers hunt for supplies to replace Middle Eastern oil lost because of the Iran war.Oil research group Kpler estimates exports will jump by almost a third to 5.2mn barrels per day this month, up from 3.9mn b/d in March. Demand from Asian customers will rise by 82 per cent to 2.5mn b/d.There are currently 68 empty tankers on their way to the US, according to Kpler,…