Author: Money Mechanics

“John” called me on a Tuesday. He had just accepted an offer on a strip center he had owned for 26 years. He was happy about the price and miserable about everything else.He did not want to find another building. He did not want to sign another lease, chase another tenant or fix another roof. What he wanted, in his words, was to never get another midnight phone call about a toilet.Somebody had told him about a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST). He did not know what it was. He only knew it was supposed to make his problem disappear. By…

Crude oil prices sank and interest rates were lower Monday on renewed hope for peace in the Middle East. But semiconductor stocks sold off as markets continue to wonder when escalating hyperscaler capex budgets will generate returns on investment.The front-month West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures contract was down 8.1% to $82.04 per barrel. The 2-year Treasury yield declined by nine basis points to 4.322%.Both are still much higher than they were before the war between the U.S. and Iran started on February 28. But the immediate reaction to the suspension of attacks in the U.S.-Iran war “implies further equity…

While markets data shows that the global market for dining out is projected to grow from $1.9 trillion now to more than $3 trillion by 2030, many individual chains that were popular in another era are struggling to survive amid changing consumer trends. U.S. chains like Smokey Bones, Peet’s Coffee, and Joe’s Crab Shack have collectively closed dozens of locations this year. Meanwhile, over in the United Kingdom, Leon and The Real Greek both nearly halved their store locations in 2026 despite once going through a period of rapid expansion that made them well-recognized chains in the country’s major cities. With…

Income investors are facing a new environment now that Kevin Warsh is at the helm of the Federal Reserve — which presents them with some compelling opportunities, BlackRock’s Rick Rieder told CNBC. He anticipates a higher-interest rate environment, but with less volatility for a longer period of time. “I think we’re going to see lower forward guidance from the Fed, which people define as more volatility. I actually don’t think that’s right at all,” said Rieder, BlackRock’s chief investment officer for global fixed income. He believes the central bank will use more policy tools and focus less on the volatility…

pros and cons Pros Sleek designAll-day batterySolid performance Cons Glossy touchscreenAverage webcamPricey options Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.At first glance, the 2026 HP OmniBook Ultra 14 might remind you of the MacBook Air, but it’s anything but a toned-down version of something more Pro. I recently tested the OmniBook Ultra 14, and it’s a high-end laptop in its own right — built for professionals seeking a refined product that doesn’t compromise on battery life or quality.Also: The best HP laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewedThe OmniBook Ultra stands as one of the more compelling premium ultrabooks…

Wealth Wise is Kiplinger’s advice column on navigating retirement-related dilemmas. Got a question? See below for how to send it to us.Dear Wealth Wise: At 49, I have more retirement savings than I ever imagined. My IRA is worth almost $2 million, and I inherited my house, so there’s no mortgage. It’s worth almost $1 million, so the taxes on it are high. I also have $300K in investments outside of my IRA and a 6-month emergency fund. I’m burned out and want to take a sabbatical, which my company will not support. I would have to quit and start…

2026-07-27T16:21:00.210Z Fed meeting schedule for 2026 The next Fed meeting, which runs from July 28 through July 29, marks the fifth gathering of 2026.”The committee meets eight times a year, or about once every six weeks,” writes Kiplinger contributor Dan Burrows in his feature, “When Is the Next Fed Meeting?”. The Federal Open Market Committee “is required to meet at least four times a year and may convene additional meetings if necessary,” Burrows adds, noting that “the convention of meeting eight times per year dates back to the market stresses of 1981.”Fed meetings last two days and wrap up with…

It usually is not a good idea to name a trust as beneficiary of an IRA, because heirs often are penalized with higher taxes.There are a few exceptions to the general rule. An IRS ruling gives an example, but the ruling also reveals potential pitfalls in the strategy.The general rule is that when an IRA beneficiary is an entity instead of an individual, the IRA must be distributed fully within five years after the original owner dies. Entities that trigger the five-year rule include trusts, estates, and all types of business entities. One exception is when a trust qualifies as…

Chances are, you’ve been with the same bank for years. After all, it’s easier to stick with the checking account you have now than to switch to a new one. But every once in a while, it’s worth looking at what else is out there. Even if you’re mostly satisfied with your current bank, you may find that a different one better fits your needs, whether with lower fees, higher interest rates, superior in-person services, or more-attractive premium account packages that layer on the perks as your wealth grows. Or you may choose to stick with your current institution for…

For many Americans, there’s a disconnect between what’s happening on Wall Street and how they’re feeling about their personal finances.The markets have remained resilient despite periods of volatility. But many people nearing retirement are worried about whether their money will last.Much of that anxiety stems from inflation, which, for the first time in three years, is now outpacing wages. 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…