Author: Money Mechanics

 For more information please see:  Information available on ORATS.com is available to all subscribers. ORATS does not make recommendations as to particular securities or derivative instruments, and does not advocate the purchase or sale of any security or investment by you or any other individual. ORATS does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the Information. By using the Services of ORATS.com, including any applications or content available through us, you agree that use of the Services is entirely at your own risk. You understand and acknowledge that there is a very high degree of risk involved in trading…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Late dip-buying pulled technology and consumer discretionary into positive territory with energy, but all the other stock market sectors were down after crude oil prices surged to 52-week highs on reports Iran attacked a tanker in the Persian Gulf. Investors, traders and speculators will now look forward to Jobs Friday and what the employment situation says about interest rates amid persistent inflation anxiety.The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) spiked as high as 25.84 from 21.15 on Wednesday as a volatile week on Wall Street continues. A normal range for the stock market’s “fear index” is between 12 and…

Key Takeaways Lloyd Blankfein, who led Goldman Sachs through the 2008 financial crisis, expressed concern in several recent interviews that hidden risks within private credit may put the U.S. on track for another financial crisis. Blankfein is one of several Wall Street veterans warning of impending losses in private credit right as the industry and White House push to make private assets part of the average American’s retirement portfolio. The man who led Goldman Sachs through the 2008 financial crisis is sounding the alarm on private credit, joining a chorus of Wall Street veterans expressing concern at a pivotal time…

(Image credit: Getty Images)From “9-to-5” to a “Coat of Many Colors,” Dolly Parton — the Queen of Country — has spent decades teaching us how to grow old with grace. Through her lyrics and life story, Parton has distilled big ideas like purpose, generosity, and resilience into lines you can’t help but hum all day.Retirement is its own kind of reinvention, and Parton knows that better than anyone. Whether she’s singing about the grind or the value of family, her wisdom is a perfect soundtrack for a chapter that isn’t always smooth sailing. To get inspired for your own golden…

Key Takeaways Through a process of elimination, we can move through the periodic table to find out why most elements were never suited to hold value.Gases, reactive or radioactive elements, and metals that are too common or too rare all fall away when tested as stores of wealth.Gold stands apart by clearing every hurdle, while close rivals like silver and platinum are undone by small but critical limits. Gold’s Long History as Money, Jewelry, and a Store of Value For thousands of years, gold has played an outsized role in how societies store value. It has been minted into coins,…

Many California retirees may feel like they’re living the dream: Mild, sunny weather, access to high-quality healthcare, and endless cultural activities. Though for most, high taxes remain a pain point.Not only does the Golden State tax pension income, individual retirement account (IRA) distributions, and even some retirement military pay, but high housing costs and sales taxes may make retiring in California feel less affordable.Yet California shields Social Security income from getting taxed and offers property tax breaks that some “low-tax” states don’t have. Plus, items like groceries and prescriptions remain sales tax-free. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance…

Key Takeaways Nearly one-third of middle-class Americans aged 50 to 85 feel less confident about retirement compared to last year.Inflation, fears of outliving savings, and potential Social Security cuts are their top concerns.Strategies like diversification, catch-up contributions, and delaying Social Security can help mitigate some retirement risks. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. For many middle-class Americans, a year of tariffs, tax policy shifts and economic uncertainty has led them to reassess their retirement outlook. A survey of 500 people conducted in late October 2025 and published last month by insurance and financial services provider…

Key Takeaways Berkshire Hathaway is resuming share buybacks for the first time in nearly two years.CEO Greg Abel, who stepped into the role after Warren Buffett retired at the end of 2025, also moved to buy $15 million worth of shares. Berkshire Hathaway’s new CEO has the company buying back its own stock for the first time in two years. He’s also buying up the shares, in a show of confidence in their future gains. Greg Abel, who took the helm of Berkshire (BRK.A, BRK.B) at the start of the year, told CNBC in a televised interview Thursday the buybacks follow…

Although having children can be a source of great joy, paying for their care while you work is less than blissful. In 2024, the typical parent spent at least $9,600 on child care, with 22% of their household income going toward the costs, according to a study from Care.com, an online marketplace that connects families with caregivers. One-third of parents dipped into their savings to cover care expenses.How big a bite child care takes from your own budget depends on several factors, including who provides the care, the cost of living in your area, and whether you’re eligible for programs…

With different coverage limits, add-ons, and exclusions, travel insurance policies vary widely, so it’s essential to compare plans and align coverage with your biggest concerns and risks. A careful review of your options can lead you to policies that both meet your needs and keep your wallet intact. Learn more: Travel insurance: What it covers, costs, and how to choose the right policy Step 1: Understand what coverage you need Step 2: Compare the core coverage categories Step 3: Look closely at exclusions Step 4: Compare add-ons and upgrades Step 5: Evaluate costs the right way Step 6: Check the…