Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Taxes, market risk, longevity, and long-term care costs are key threats to retirement savings, according to one expert. Contributing to a Roth IRAs or doing a Roth conversion, if you’re not eligible, can help reduce tax burdens in retirement. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. Some retirees may be in for a rude awakening when they start taking distributions from retirement accounts like traditional 401(k)s or IRAs and incur large tax bills. Investopedia spoke with Stephen Dissette, an investment advisor representative at Horter Investment Management, to discuss the steps people should take now…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Estate planning can be a complex process during which professionals collaborate to achieve their clients’ goals.Financial advisers and wealth managers sit at this table, working with lawyers, tax accountants, trust officers, insurance specialists and real estate professionals, among others.However, financial advisers can get more involved in estate plan preparation and analysis — providing more value to clients, forging a deeper relationship with them and increasing revenue — with the help of modern estate planning tools. 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…

Pricey medical bills can be overwhelming, forcing people to cut spending in other areas of their lives or to rely more heavily on high-interest debt. A survey of more than 2,000 people by the Employee Benefits Research Institute found 40% reported dealing with increased out-of-pocket health care costs in the past year. Of those who did, 55% said they reduced their discretionary spending as a result, while more than one-third (35%) said they increased their credit card debt. However, there are ways to ease the burden of medical bills without having to lean on credit cards, which often have sky-high…

Key Takeaways Gas prices have risen about 11% over the past week, as the surge in oil prices sparked by the escalating conflict in the Middle East quickly feeds through to the costs that consumers face at the pump. An extended conflict that disrupts the global supply of oil could continue to push fuel prices higher, which would have an impact on overall inflation levels and weigh on economic activity. Drivers will likely experience more pain at the pump after a big jump in gas prices this week sparked by developments in the Middle East. The average cost of a…

(Image credit: Getty Images)When most people think about Social Security, they picture a retired worker collecting a monthly check based on their own earnings record.But today’s families don’t always fit that traditional mold and can vary in several ways from the traditional family structure of the past.It is increasingly common for retirees to have younger spouses, minor children, adult children with disabilities or even grandchildren in their care. 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…

Key Takeaways Gas prices have risen across the U.S. this week as oil prices have jumped amid a widening Middle East conflict that threatens supplies.The national average now stands at $3.32, with Kansas and Oklahoma the cheapest and California, Washington, and Hawaii in the mid- to upper-$4 range.After falling below $3 in December for the first time since 2021, the national average stayed there for about 13 weeks before surging this week. U.S. Gas Prices Climbed Quickly This Week, Rising Above $3.30 Oil prices have climbed steeply as the Iran war fuels fears of supply disruptions, and the impact has…

If any pet insurance companies advertise “free” coverage, that label is usually very misleading. While no pet insurance is actually “free”, there are other options to help lower your coverage costs. Here’s a breakdown of what’s usually misunderstood, what’s actually available, and ways to make pet care more affordable. Learn more: How much does pet insurance cost? The short answer is no, free pet insurance doesn’t really exist. What may look like “free” coverage at first glance is usually the result of short-term promotions, employer-sponsored plan access, or limited wellness benefits rather than no-cost, full-coverage pet insurance. When pet parents…

Oil prices are surging after Qatar’s Energy Minister has issued dire warnings that is sending shockwaves through global energy markets. In an interview with the Financial Times, Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi warned that Gulf countries could be compelled to stop energy exports within weeks, causing major disruptions to global supply chains. Kaabi stated that he anticipates all Gulf energy producers will halt exports soon, which could push oil prices up to $150 per barrel. “We expect everyone who hasn’t yet declared force majeure will do so in the coming days if this situation persists. All Gulf region exporters will…

Cimmerian/iStock / Getty Images PlusFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysThe regulatory landscape is evolving and creating new demands.Business leaders can use compliance to guide AI innovations.Internal and external partners can help organizations deliver results.The AI gold rush has put new pressure on governments and other public agencies. As enterprises look to gain a competitive advantage from emerging technologies, governing bodies are eager to implement rules and regulations that protect individuals and their data.The most high-profile AI legislation is the EU’s AI Act. However, global law firm Bird & Bird has developed an AI Horizon Tracker that…

Key Takeaways The dividend aristocrats, a subset of dividend-paying S&P 500 stocks, have outperformed the broader index in 2026.Rising geopolitical tensions and worries about AI-driven disruption have pushed many investors into stocks perceived as safer plays to start this year. Are dividend stocks back in vogue? They seem to be having a moment. As geopolitical tensions and worries about AI-driven disruption have rattled markets to start the year, many investors are piling into stocks perceived as safer, AI-proof plays. That includes stocks that pay dividends. The dividend aristocrats, a subset of S&P 500 companies that have raised their dividends annually for at least…