Author: Money Mechanics

(Image credit: Getty Images)As we near this summer’s 250th anniversary of America’s creation, the independent spirit is strong. It’s certainly creating more millionaires, a number that has doubled since 2020.The next-level wealth is out there, too, with Forbes reporting that $1.17 million to $2.7 million in net worth puts someone in the nation’s top 5%.For independent advisers seeking more of these HNW clients, the opportunity — and challenge — is clear: How do you stand out in a landscape crowded by banks, major wire houses and other independents?There’s a reason you became an independent adviser, and that needs to show;…

(Image credit: Getty Images)In recent years, portfolio construction conversations often centered on where returns might come from next.For the remainder of 2026, the starting point is shifting back toward a different question of how portfolios may behave if markets don’t move as expected.That change reflects a broader reassessment of diversification and downside management, particularly after recent market shifts challenged long-standing assumptions. 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 for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters Profit and prosper…

(Image credit: Getty Images)As retirement approaches, you may be considering a move to a college or university town. Whether you want to retire near your old alma mater or are considering a different college town, you know the allure. These areas often have a high quality of life, with good walkability, attractive architecture, great restaurants and of course, access to a vibrant community.Buying a home in a college town you love could work out well if you can swing it based on current property values. Your analysis will need to go beyond home values, however, as property taxes, access to…

Over the past five or so years, the global electric vehicle (EV) market has been rapidly transforming from a niche segment into a mainstream industry thanks to plunging battery costs, aggressive emissions standards and an influx of affordable models from major manufacturing hubs, most notably, China. Back in 2022, the EV sector achieved an important milestone after global sales crossed 10 million for the first time ever. But now, the sector has crossed another milestone, with the International Energy Agency (IEA) reporting that 20.7 million EVs were sold worldwide in 2025, good for a healthy 20% Y/Y growth. EV sales…

Key Takeaways Silver remains under tactical pressure as markets prepare for US PCE and GDP data Real yields and USD stabilization continue shaping participation across precious and industrial metals Copper leadership and resilient shipping conditions still support the broader industrial layer The active silver structure is now centered around the 72.20–75.00 participation corridor enters the May 28 session with markets increasingly focused on today’s  US release and preliminary data, while positioning across metals continues reorganizing around real yields, stability and moderating growth expectations. The macro environment has become more sensitive over the last several sessions because investors are now trying…

French global reinsurance company SCOR has highlighted its pleasure with the investor support received for its recently priced $75 million Atlas Capital DAC (Series 2026-1) catastrophe bond and the fact the issuance structure has now been reused for a fourth issuance, delivering efficiency gains.As we’d been reporting, SCOR returned to the catastrophe bond market earlier this month, with an initial target to secure $75 million of fully-collateralized catastrophe retrocession through sponsorship of what now becomes its twenty-first cat bond. The reinsurer successfully secured the targeted coverage at attractive pricing, with the notes finalised to pay a spread at the low-end of initial…

By now readers will be well aware of USDi, the cryptocurrency whose price represents how many of today’s dollars you would need to buy a December 2024 dollar. (The answer at the time of this writing, according to https://usdicoin.com, is $1.044755). That construction means that USDi is inflation-proof, since as the price level increases so does its price. It is a ‘real’ dollar, always buying what a December 2024 dollar bought. Now, I have recently pointed out that since recent NSA CPI prints were extremely high, USDi is accruing at a 12.6% rate in May and will accrue at a…

An “enchanting” and one-of-a-kind compound in Key West, FL, is offering up an opportunity to not only own one of the few remaining properties in the area with a highly sought-after transient license, but also the chance to become the next steward of a “house-made” Key lime pie recipe that has been passed down for more than 30 years.Known as Atlantis House, the property—which is on the market for $3.4 million—is made up of three structures: a three-bedroom primary residence and two one-bedroom guesthouses. The property is perched on a prime corner lot just across the street from the ocean.If…

Luxury smartphone brand Vertu on Thursday unveiled a foldable phone powered by an AI agent that connects with enterprise software and coordinates workflows. The company is targeting executives who manage business operations and communications on the move. Called the Alphafold, the foldable smartphone starts at $6,880 for the calfskin version. Higher-end models feature bespoke finishes including alligator leather, 18K gold, and natural diamond accents, along with customized detailing. This continues Vertu’s long-standing strategy of positioning its phones as luxury status symbols aimed at affluent buyers. The company told TechCrunch that its highest-end standard model is currently priced at $46,800, with…

(By Oil & Gas 360) Part I – For decades, the oilfield was built on horsepower, steel, and geology. Now it is increasingly being built on algorithms. Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are rapidly transforming how oil and gas companies drill wells, complete reservoirs, manage production, and reduce operational costs. What was once considered one of the world’s most traditional industries is quietly becoming one of its most data-intensive. And the financial impact could be enormous. The modern oilfield generates massive amounts of data every second, drilling metrics, pressure readings, seismic imaging, flow rates, equipment performance, frac designs, logistics movements,…