Author: Money Mechanics

Stock futures rose Thursday, a day after major equities indexes rebounded as President Donald Trump reduced tensions with European allies by backing off his threat of imposing new tariffs over Greenland. Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were up a respective 0.8%, 0.5%, and 0.3%. Traders are awaiting the delayed Personal Consumption Expenditures price index figures for October and November, set to be released at 10 a.m. ET today, as well as weekly jobless claims and revised third-quarter U.S. GDP data. The PCE is the Federal Reserve’s favorite measure of inflation, and their next meeting is January…

Key Takeaways The cost of living in Pierre, South Dakota, is lower than the national average, with median home values and rents significantly less than those in other states.South Dakota has no state income tax, making the state capital a great place to stretch your retirement dollars.From hiking and hunting to museums and heritage centers, Pierre offers something for every retiree. Pierre, South Dakota, lies in the center of the state, and is among Investopedia’s top places for retirees for 2026. Pronounced “peer,” Pierre is the second-smallest state capital in the United States. This small city is located in Hughes…

(BOE Report) – Canadian oil producer Cenovus Energy is considering a sale of conventional oil and gas assets in the Deep Basin of Alberta as it looks to cut debt after the recent takeover of oil sands rival MEG Energy, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. Cenovus has reached out to potential buyers in recent weeks to gauge interest in the assets, which could fetch around C$3 billion ($2.17 billion), the sources said. They cautioned the plans are still at an early stage, and Cenovus could ultimately decide to retain the assets. The sources requested anonymity to discuss confidential details. Cenovus did…

KEY TAKEAWAYS Social Security beneficiaries may have their benefits reduced if they have missed child support payments, have unpaid taxes or government debt, or have received an overpayment.The Social Security benefits will continue to be offset until the full amount due is paid, but there are some ways to delay or lower the garnishment. Missing child support payments, unpaid taxes, or debt to the government could prevent you from getting the full amount of your next Social Security check. Wage garnishment, or when a person’s earnings are withheld, typically occurs when someone owes debt or is not making required payments.…

Key Takeaways Median bank account balances in the U.S. range from $5,400 for those under 35 to $13,400 for ages 65–74, according to Federal Reserve data. Couples—with and without kids—report higher median savings than single households. College-educated households have the highest bank balances. The data reflects median—not average—savings, offering a more accurate snapshot of what typical Americans hold in their bank accounts. To boost your savings faster, consider a top high-yield savings account, money market account, or CD. How Much Cash Americans Keep in the Bank—And Where You Stand Ever wonder how your bank balance compares to others? Federal Reserve…

Key Takeaways The 60/40 portfolio no longer reflects modern market dynamics, according to José Minaya of BNY.A better model is a 50/30/20 portfolio that balances equities, bonds, and alternatives, he says.AI-powered investing may help investors manage complexity and improve performance. For decades, the 60/40 portfolio—60% stocks and 40% bonds—was considered the gold standard for balanced investing. It aims to combine the long-term growth potential of equities with the general stability of bonds. But according to José Minaya, global head of investments and wealth at BNY, that approach may no longer fit today’s complex markets. Today’s markets are shaped by higher…

KEY TAKEAWAYS The 2026 tax brackets increased by about 2.3% compared with the year prior, so if your wages don’t increase by more than that percentage this year, you should be taxed at the same rate.The increased tax breaks from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act lower taxes for many Americans and could allow you to lower your withholding amount for your paycheck in 2026. Tax rules are changing for 2026, potentially affecting how much of your paycheck you keep. The IRS has raised this year’s tax brackets by about 2.3% and expanded several deductions and credits under this year’s…

Key Takeaways While the Department of Education paused wage garnishments on student loan borrowers in default, borrowers can use this time to get back into good standing before collections resume.Borrowers can consolidate their student loans or apply for loan rehabilitation, which will help them exit default and restore their loans to good standing. More than 5.5 million borrowers are in default on their student loans. These borrowers face damaging credit report entries, loss of eligibility for future federal aid, and the possibility of having up to 15% of their after-tax income garnished. While the Department of Education temporarily paused wage…

Key Takeaways Wall Street strategists, optimistic about the outlook for stocks, are approaching the recent turmoil over President Trump’s efforts to acquire Greenland as a buying opportunity. Jonathan Curtis, CIO of Franklin Equity, said he expects the AI boom to continue to support tech mega-caps, but that the AI rally was likely to broaden out to other segments of the stock market this year. Small cap indexes and the equal-weight S&P 500 have outperformed mega-cap tech indexes since the start of the year, but some experts warn the first weeks of the year rarely reflect sustainable trends. Yesterday’s sell-off struck…

Key Takeaways Kraft Heinz shares fell Wednesday, after Berkshire Hathaway warned it could look to sell its stake.Warren Buffett, who stepped down as CEO of Berkshire at the end of the year, reportedly said he was “disappointed” in Kraft Heinz’s planned split. Warren Buffett was “disappointed” Kraft Heinz (KHC) planned to split into two. His successor as Berkshire Hathaway CEO may exit the stock entirely. Kraft Heinz shares were down 6% in afternoon trading Wednesday, a day after the food giant revealed in a regulatory filing that Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) may sell “up to an aggregate of 325,442,152 shares of the Company’s…