Author: Money Mechanics

If you plan to file a tax return on paper during the 2026 filing season and are expecting a refund, you’ll likely have to wait a while before you get your money. It will take the IRS four to six weeks to process your return, assuming there are no mistakes in your tax filing.If you plan to file electronically, as the overwhelming majority of individual taxpayers do, the IRS says your refund would be directly deposited into your bank account within 21 days.Notably, the tax agency had set a goal to speed up paper return processing in time for the…

Key Takeaways If you’ve received a large sum of money, it’s wise to deposit it in an FDIC-insured high yield savings account before making any moves.Paying off your credit card debt almost always beats chasing stock market returns, as the average credit card APR today is about 21%.Splitting your money across debt payoff, tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and a small reward for yourself tends to produce the best long-term outcome. If a large sum of money lands in your lap—say, from an inheritance—you might feel overwhelmed by what to do next. The smart thing to do, experts say, is slow down.…

Getting the maximum possible Social Security check isn’t just about having a high salary; it’s about mastering the timing and the specific rules of the Social Security Administration. With the maximum monthly benefit hitting $5,181 in 2026 for those claiming at age 70, the stakes for your retirement strategy have never been higher.Whether you’re navigating the earnings test while working or considering a strategic “pause” to earn an annual boost, understanding these concepts is the key to a secure financial future. Take this quiz to see if you have the expertise to claim your full share of the system.And don’t…

Key Takeaways Though a tax refund feels like a welcome bonus, it generally reflects money you could have received in paychecks throughout the year.Based on the average tax refund, adjusting your withholding could add about $250 a month to your budget for bills, saving, or spending.Changing your withholding isn’t permanent—you can modify it again if your situation changes or you decide you still want to receive a refund. Get personalized, AI-powered answers built on 27+ years of trusted expertise. In a typical year, over 100 million U.S. tax filers receive a refund—and the average amount is more than $3,000. But…

Key Takeaways Omak, Washington offers retirees a cost of living that’s lower than the national average, including its housing and food costs.There are dozens of health care establishments in the county, including multiple hospitals, helping retirees get quality medical care without too much travel.Omak’s proximity to rivers, lakes, and national forests makes it an ideal retirement destination for those who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.Despite its small size, Omak offers plenty of entertainment and community events, helping to foster an active and engaged retirement. The small town of Omak, Washington made our 2025 list of the best places for retirees. It’s…

The 2026 filing season is shaping up to be a year of “refund whiplash.” While the IRS reports an average federal tax refund of $2,548 (so far), state-level checks are moving at a snail’s pace in several parts of the country. For many households, these delayed funds are needed to cover essentials like groceries, rent, and other bills.Why the delays? Well, some state software and forms have to be updated to accommodate (or exclude) the new, temporary tax breaks introduced by the 2025 Trump tax and spending bill.For example, in South Carolina, taxpayers are being forced into a manual “add-back”…

It’s been only a few days since the United States Supreme Court struck down most of President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs. But businesses and lawmakers are already racing to figure out what happens next.Some in Congress are weighing potential legislation. Importers are exploring lawsuits. And amid the uncertainty, a key question looms: Will any of the tariff money be returned, and if so, to whom?This is important since millions of U.S. households have paid higher prices since Trump enacted broad tariffs, as many companies passed along the cost of the levies. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become…

When you’re short on cash, pawn loans can offer a quick solution. You can put an item you already own up as collateral with a pawn shop, and the shop will loan you cash based on the value of the item, without a waiting period or credit check. When you pay the shop back (with interest), you’ll get your item back. But, like many short-term lending options, a pawn loan comes with plenty of risks. Here’s what to know before you consider a pawn shop loan for extra cash, and alternatives that may better suit your goals. A pawn shop…

In-brief analysis February 24, 2026 Ten years ago, on February 24, 2016, the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo from the Sabine Pass Terminal was exported from the United States, marking the beginning of a new era in U.S. LNG exports. Today, the United States is the world’s largest LNG exporter, ahead of both Australia and Qatar. LNG exports surged from 0.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2016 to 15.0 Bcf/d in 2025, and in our February Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast U.S. LNG exports to exceed 18.1 Bcf/d in 2027. LNG exports…

Key PointsTexas is about to unseat Virginia as the world’s largest data market, according to a new report from JLL.Data center vacancies at the end of 2025 remained at a historic low of 1% for the second year in a row.The demand is now being driven by hyperscalers and AI, and headwinds to new development are keeping construction less robust than it could be.A version of this article first appeared in the CNBC Property Play newsletter with Diana Olick. Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family…