Author: Money Mechanics

Oil prices, with WTI Crude near $65 and Brent Crude near $70, rose by over 1% early Wednesday due to ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The oil market is closely watching U.S.-Iran negotiations and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s meeting with President Trump, where he is expected to ask for limits on Iranian uranium enrichment and support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. The upward pressure on prices has persisted despite an estimated increase of 13.4 million barrels in U.S. crude oil inventories, with reports of the U.S. considering seizing sanctioned Iranian tankers also contributing to a larger…

From October 13–15 at San Francisco’s Moscone West, 10,000+ founders, investors, operators, and decision-makers converge at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. This isn’t just an event. It’s three days of concentrated deal flow. An exhibit table turns that energy into measurable business growth. Your startup doesn’t need more “awareness.” It needs customers, investors, and strategic partners. Book your Disrupt exhibit table today and explore the full program details. How exhibiting at Disrupt drives real growth Image Credits:Slava Blazer Photograpy Direct access to buyers and decision-makersThe Expo Hall is where founders and operators look for tools and partners. Capture leads instantly through the Disrupt app and start filling your Q4 pipeline…

Key Takeaways Employers added 130,000 jobs and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3% in January.Revisions to older data showed the labor market struggled more than previously thought in 2025. It turns out that 2025 was worse for job creation than previously thought, and 2026 got off to a better start than almost anyone expected.U.S. employers added 130,000 jobs in January, up from 48,000 in December, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Wednesday. That blew past forecaster expectations for a gain of 55,000 jobs, according to a survey of economists by Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. The unemployment…

Key Takeaways Warren Buffett calls self‑development “the best investment by far” because skills can’t be taxed or “inflated away.”The next‑best hedge is to own stock in companies whose products require little new capital but can raise prices at the rate of inflation or even higher.Firms built on royalty-like models or networks often convert revenue to cash without big reinvestments, giving them room to outpace rising costs. Inflation may ebb and flow, but legendary investor Warren Buffett’s two lessons for fighting it are timeless. Become so good at what you do that people will pay a premium for your skills.Own stock in…

Key Takeaways For many Americans, peak earning years are between the ages of 45 and 54, and nearly half of them worry about saving enough for retirement every day. In addition, 48% of 40-somethings and 44% of 50-somethings say they aren’t confident that they’ll have enough assets to last throughout their retirement or say they won’t be able to retire at all. The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more you can benefit from compound interest. Taking advantage of retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans, and individual retirement accounts is a way to build savings and ease retirement concerns.…

February 11, 2026 08:02 AM EST Revisions Could Renew Labor Market Optimism–Or Crush It FROM 5 minutes ago The report is also highly anticipated because of annual revisions to the backward-looking data.  The revisions are part of the BLS’s routine process, which updates its job market reports several times as it receives more comprehensive information on hiring and firing.  The bureau’s initial monthly reports come out in the early days of the following month and are based on surveys of 161,000 businesses. Those initial reports are revised twice in subsequent months as businesses turn in surveys late. Then, every year,…

(Image credit: Getty Images)With more than $4 trillion in assets and growing, the municipal bond market is the main engine of public finance, fueling infrastructure, education and essential services nationwide.Despite its scale and essentiality, the market remains fragmented and heavily influenced by retail investors, resulting in inefficiencies that present opportunities for active management.Recent market conditions have led to specific trades that appear to offer questionable value for investors compared to alternative options. 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…

(Image credit: Getty Images)As we approach mid-February, many of us might be feeling the pressure to start working on one of the goals we set for our new year: Getting estate plans done to better protect those they love.The urgency to get this accomplished can be especially difficult and forces us to ask tricky, fraught questions. This could include, “Is my spouse really the best person to manage the trusts I establish for our children?”Roles matterA trustee is a critical component to ensure your wishes are carried out as part of your estate plan. This person is named in trust…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Few couples relish the idea of getting divorced — especially as they’re nearing retirement.However, divorce rates among older Americans is a growing trend. Between 1990 and 2022, the number of Americans at least 65 years of age who were divorced increased from 5.2% to 15.2%.Regardless of age, getting divorced can bring major financial changes. But for those who are nearing retirement, the impacts can feel amplified — especially if proper guidance and planning are lacking. 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)”Can I use your American Express card to try to get Harry Styles tickets in the Amex presale?” is a question my older daughter knows the answer to. We’ve always been big on experiences, especially live music.”Of course,” I texted back (all in, but also looking forward to the day my Gen Z offspring and her millennial husband have their own Amex account so they can cut me out of the business part of their fun).Indeed, American Express (AXP) understands that people of all ages value experiences, and management has learned how to monetize what it knows…