Author: Money Mechanics

KEY TAKEAWAYS The IRS Direct File program was eliminated for the 2026 tax filing season.However, several free tax preparation software options are available for those with 2025 income of $89,000 or less and for active military members. The IRS is now accepting 2025 tax returns, and those looking to file online for free may have a couple of options. Of note, this tax filing season, IRS Direct File, the free tax-filing software that allowed taxpayers in 25 states to file directly online with the IRS regardless of income, was discontinued before the 2026 tax filing season. Yet, there are still many…

Key Takeaways The best states for entry-level jobs combine high job availability, low competition, and a favorable salary-to-cost-of-living ratio.The worst states often have competitive job markets, high populations, and high living costs, making it harder for entry-level workers to get ahead.Considering relocation costs, including median home prices and rent, is important when choosing where to start your career. Where you launch your professional life can dramatically affect your ability to land a job, earn a competitive salary, and build savings. Entry-level roles typically pay less than positions held by seasoned professionals, making it especially important for those just starting out…

Cathie Wood is a famous name on Wall Street. She is the CEO of Ark Invest, an investment management firm that focuses on companies with disruptive potential to outperform the market. Wood’s track record is the subject of many debates, with critics claiming that some of her firm’s actively managed funds have eroded shareholder value over the long run. However, one thing is for sure: At least some of her stock picks are worth serious consideration for growth-oriented investors. Let’s consider two: Spotify Technology (NYSE: SPOT) and Pinterest (NYSE: PINS). Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just…

If you took your silver profits above $100, as I had indicated earlier – congratulations. You were likely one of the few that did. plunged in a clear way, and this doesn’t look like a correction. It looks like the beginning of the slide. Why? Three main reasons and several other ones. The size of the decline is not typical. It’s a 31% slide just today. SO FAR. Yes, silver had previously rallied substantially on a day-to-day basis, so a breather should also be volatile, but what we see today exceeds what one might expect in normal circumstances. The all-important $100…

Key Takeaways Smaller cities like Indianapolis, Columbus and Denver are attracting new residents, who are often searching for a lower cost-of-living, Bank of America said.The influx could put pressure on rent rates and housing prices if cities don’t add more housing to accommodate the growth, housing experts said. It may be tempting to pack up your life and head to a city with cheap rent. But first, it’s worth checking how many others are making the same move. Many Americans are moving in pursuit of a more affordable lifestyle, according to a Bank of America analysis of client addresses and…

Key Takeaways Redirecting all wealth above $100 million that the richest have could fund the many infrastructure upgrades the U.S. needs.But wealth extraction would forced asset sales across the economy, potentially depressing stocks and other markets and decreasing the value of regular Americans’ retirement accounts.Economists say infrastructure works best with steady, predictable funding—not one-time windfalls from massive wealth seizures. A recent AskReddit post posed the following question: If all personal wealth above $100 million was legally required to be redistributed into public infrastructure (schools, hospitals, roads), how would society change, and who would be the first to fight against it?…

Key Takeaways Benchmarking your contribution rate against others your age can help you see whether your current savings habits are on track.A J.P. Morgan report shows Gen Z workers contribute about 3.7% of their salary to workplace plans on average, while Millennials contribute 5.0%, Gen X 6.0%, and Boomers just over 7%. All are below the recommended contribution rate of 10% or more.A 1% annual bump to your contribution rate can substantially improve long-term outcomes, especially when done early in your career. Why Retirement Contribution Rates Matter More Than Most People Realize Most workers have only a rough sense of…

Key Takeaways Though Rehoboth Beach, Delaware has only about 1,390 residents, its plentiful amenities make it feel much larger.About 44% of Rehoboth Beach’s residents are age 65 or older.Home prices can be expensive, but tax rates are quite competitive relative to the rest of the country. When you’re strolling down the lively boardwalk or enjoying one of local beaches, it’s easy to think that Rehoboth Beach, Delaware has a bigger population than its roughly 1,390 residents. Despite its small-town feel, this coastal town has outsized offerings for both vacationers and retirees. The median age of Rehoboth Beach is about 63…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Editor’s note: In the first article of this two-part series, 2026 Marks a Seismic Shift in Tax Rules, and Investors Could Reap Millions in Rewards, we outlined the “perfect storm” of 2026. Now, we turn to what to do (and when) to reap those rewards.If my previous article was about understanding the unprecedented alignment of tax incentives in 2026, this one is about capitalizing on them before the window closes.While many investors are familiar with the standard opportunity zone benefits, a lesser-known provision in the new legislation has created a “super-charged” variant: The qualified rural opportunity fund.…

(Image credit: Getty Images)As people age into their 60s, they face a significant decision: When should they claim Social Security benefits and collect monthly payments?This is not a decision to take lightly. What you do can easily swing lifetime benefits by $200,000 to $300,000 or more.Yet, many people claim their benefits based not on a careful review of the numbers, but out of fear that Social Security will no longer be there when they’re ready to claim it — or on the advice of friends or coworkers — or on overly simple break-even calculations. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger…