Author: Money Mechanics

(Image credit: Getty Images)After almost 20 years working with financial advisers, I have learned a few things about what works and what loses clients.When choosing a financial adviser, many investors are swayed by their friends’ and family’s idea of what makes a good adviser, such as big firm names, high returns or a long list of professional credentials.While all of those can be nice, my big question is: Why does any of that matter?Article continues below 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…

Key Takeaways The S&P Global Broad Market Index (BMI) is a capitalization-weighted index from S&P that reflects global equity market performance.The index spans over 50 countries and includes around 11,000 companies, capturing both developed and emerging markets.It serves as a comprehensive measure for investors looking to gauge the performance of global stock markets, including U.S. equities.The S&P Global BMI can aid in broad portfolio diversification due to its extensive market coverage.Understanding this index helps in analyzing global market trends and making informed investment decisions. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. What Is the S&P Global…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Costco has earned its reputation as the go-to store for great deals on quality groceries and household essentials. In fact, members of the warehouse club get such a good deal on what they’re buying that a recent Consumer Reports analysis found that Costco has the cheapest groceries out of dozens of major chains nationwide – to the tune of over 20% lower prices compared to Walmart.But many of the best deals found in the store are on bulk buys. For a big family, working your way through a case of 60 eggs before they expire might be…

In the United States, taxes on real property are the primary funding source for education, local governments, and local infrastructure. But in recent years, debates between stakeholders over property taxes have grown heated.Home values are directly tied to assessed values because assessed values are calculated using home values. That’s why steep increases in home values tend to translate into steep rises in assessed values.For example, between 2019 and 2024, home values grew an average of 45-55% nationwide. The rapid market appreciation translated into large jumps in assessed values during that same period.Article continues below From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger…

Turning 65 can come with meaningful tax advantages.From a larger standard deduction to lesser-known breaks tied to retirement income or age, several provisions can help older adults lower their federal tax bill.To get you started, here are five ways to save on taxes if you’re over 65 that can help you keep more of your money this year.Article continues below 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…

Loan Type Refinance New Purchase 30-Year Fixed 6.48% 6.33% FHA 30-Year Fixed 6.60% 6.60% VA 30-Year Fixed 5.76% 5.82% 20-Year Fixed 6.52% 6.34% 15-Year Fixed 5.47% 5.50% FHA 15-Year Fixed 5.55% 5.01% 10-Year Fixed 5.80% 5.50% 7/6 ARM 6.58% 6.40% 5/6 ARM 6.72% 6.56% Jumbo 30-Year Fixed 6.49% 6.31% Jumbo 15-Year Fixed 6.33% 6.11% Jumbo 7/6 ARM 6.33% 6.43% Jumbo 5/6 ARM 6.28% 6.22% A mortgage refinance can help you save money with a lower interest rate, a lower monthly payment, or both. Other benefits include lifting private mortgage insurance (PMI), paying off your mortgage sooner, and withdrawing equity (in…

Key Takeaways Credit unions often offer lower interest rates on auto loans compared to banks.Membership criteria at credit unions can limit access for some borrowers.Credit unions provide pre-approval options to aid in negotiating car deals.An auto loan’s effect on your credit score depends on timely repayments.Refinancing your auto loan with a credit union is possible if approved. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. Credit unions are an appealing option for auto loans because their member-focused model often results in lower interest rates than banks or dealerships. They do come with downsides, such as membership requirements…

The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $54.5 billion in January, down $18.4 billion from $72.9 billion in December, revised.U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services DeficitDeficit:$54.5 Billion–25.3%°Exports:$302.1 Billion+5.5%°Imports:$356.6 Billion–0.7%°Next release: Thursday, April 2, 2026(°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changesSource: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, March 12, 2026Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)January exports were $302.1 billion, $15.8 billion more than December exports. January imports were…

The share of homeowners who are “in the money” for a refinance has hit its highest level in over four years as mortgage rates dip to around 6%.  But less than 1 in 10 eligible homeowners have refinanced, even though they stand to save money. One in five (19.8%) U.S. homeowners with a mortgage could save money by refinancing to a lower rate, the highest share in over four years and up from just 7% a year ago.  That’s based on a 6.08% mortgage rate, the average so far this year. A homeowner is “in the money”–meaning they could save…

Electric vehicle drivers and smartphone power users have been salivating over the prospect of silicon anode batteries, which promise to dramatically boost energy density and lower charging times. Several companies have been working on silicon anodes over the last decade or so, and the tech has started creeping into consumer electronics. Wearable maker Whoop, for example, uses materials from Sila, while Group14‘s batteries can be found in a range of smartphones. But the real prize is the EV market, which dwarfs consumer electronics by an order of magnitude, according to Benchmark Minerals. To break into this space, however, startups need…