Author: Money Mechanics

As a retiree, any extra income probably feels welcome. But unfortunately for some, a seemingly minor increase in reported income can ripple through your finances, affecting not just your tax return but also your Medicare premiums.If you’re on Medicare, the Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) means that crossing an income threshold by even one dollar can trigger higher Medicare Part B and Part D premiums.Understanding how IRMAA works is essential — especially when a single dollar can make a difference. So, here’s more of what you need to know about structuring retirement income to avoid unnecessary costs and taxes.…

Redmile Group disclosed a buy of 1,316,390 shares of Scholar Rock Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:SRRK) in a February 17, 2026, SEC filing, with the estimated transaction value at $49.37 million based on quarterly average pricing. According to a SEC filing dated February 17, 2026, Redmile Group, LLC increased its position in Scholar Rock Holding Corporation by 1,316,390 shares during the fourth quarter. The estimated trade size was $49.37 million based on the average share price for the quarter. The quarter-end value of the position increased by $84.58 million, which reflects both the additional shares acquired and the impact of market price…

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during a press briefing at the White House, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that Trump had exceeded his authority when he imposed tariffs, in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 20, 2026. Kevin Lamarque | ReutersThe Supreme Court’s decision Friday to throw out a large number of tariffs that President Donald Trump imposed on imports was widely expected. What’s far less certain is the longer-run impacts as the economy and markets again adjust to a changed landscape.Trump and other White House officials have promised to employ other authorities to implement the tariffs, with the…

Key Takeaways Pella, Iowa, was named one of Investopedia’s top 100 places to retire in America.Home ownership costs in Pella are moderate, while the overall cost of living is lower than national averages.Pella’s population of only 11,000 gives it a small-town feel.The walkable downtown and many local parks will appeal to retirees who enjoy spending time outside. Pella, Iowa, one of Investopedia’s top 100 places in the U.S. to retire, was selected for its affordable cost of living. It’s a picturesque town known for its Dutch heritage and culture, small-town charm, and strong community values. With a walkable downtown and…

Key Takeaways A bachelor’s degree can still lead to a six-figure job. An aerospace engineering degree, for example, can lead to a high-paying career. What’s more, graduates with this degree are rarely unemployed. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. If you’re looking to get a high-paying job with security, you may need to look to the sky when considering what to major in. Aerospace engineering graduates earn a median of $125,000 mid-career and face only a 1.4% unemployment rate. A degree in aerospace engineering has a starting salary of around $76,000, which is in line…

Key Takeaways Venezuela’s collapse in oil production stems from nationalizations that drove out technical expertise, sanctions that blocked investment and buyers, and having a heavy crude that’s expensive to extract.Rebuilding the industry would require a decade of work and $80 billion to $100 billion in investments, according to analysts—and that assumes political stability. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves: 303 billion barrels, about 17% of the global total and more than Saudi Arabia’s 267 billion. Yet Venezuela produces fewer than 1 million barrels per day, less than 1% of global output. That’s less than a third of what…

Key Takeaways Americans in their 40s and 50s are in peak earning years, making this a pivotal time to build—or shore up—retirement savings.Competing priorities, from education costs to caregiving, often collide with long-term retirement saving goals during this stage of life.Even with less time left to save, strategic moves in your 40s and early 50s can still meaningfully strengthen your retirement outlook. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. How Many Americans Ages 45–54 Have Any Retirement Savings at All Households led by people ages 45–54 are often in their highest-earning years, with income and net…

KEY TAKEAWAYS Are you one of the three in 10 Americans who hold a high school diploma as their highest level of education? There are hundreds of jobs available to you.Home health and personal care aides top the list of jobs with the most openings for high school graduates.Among the jobs with the most expected openings, first-line office supervisors and administrative support workers will typically earn the most. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. Home health and personal care aides will have the most openings for workers with a high school diploma or GED over…

(Image credit: Getty Images)There’s a growing myth that AI is some kind of digital executive or financial adviser. A calm, all-knowing chief of staff who can think through ambiguity, weigh tradeoffs and make wise decisions. It’s not. At least not yet.AI is currently a specialist, and a wildly capable one. It’s lightning-fast and encyclopedic, and it works tirelessly. But it’s a specialist. AI has the technical chops of a PhD and the judgment of a 12-year-old.If you don’t understand the difference, you’ll mistake fluent output for sound thinking, which will leave you with expensive noise instead of actionable insight. From…

(Image credit: Getty Images)It’s no secret that many new retirees feel anxious about the future. Perhaps you’re one of them.After decades of earning a steady paycheck, you’re preparing to step out of the workforce and venture into the unknown. You think you have everything in order, but you’re not sure.Even savvy folks can become overwhelmed by retirement decisions. Some of the most common worries I hear include: 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…