Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Tracking every purchase, even in a simple notebook, can reveal $100+ in monthly spending that’s easy to cut.Job switching typically delivers bigger pay bumps than staying put.Often, the hardest move is keeping your spending flat after each raise instead of boosting your lifestyle. A recent post on Reddit’s r/povertyfinance struck a nerve, highlighting issues many people face: Five years ago, I was living paycheck to paycheck, making $9/hour at a gas station. I had $200 to my name, was behind on rent, and lived off Dollar Store ramen and whatever was marked down at the grocery store. Credit…

(Investing) – WASHINGTON – The Trump administration on Tuesday proposed a rule revising Biden-era pollution protections for waterways, a move the Environmental Protection Agency said would speed permitting of energy and artificial intelligence infrastructure. The proposed rule concerns the 2023 finalization by the administration of former President Joe Biden of the 401 section of the Clean Water Act. That reversed a 2020 rule from President Donald Trump’s first term and gave authority to states and tribes to protect waterways in their reviews of projects requiring federal permits. Jess Kramer, the EPA assistant administrator for water, told reporters the 2023 revision was…

Key Takeaways Software stocks underperformed the broader market for a second straight year in 2025 as concerns about AI disruption weighed on investor sentiment.Analysts at Oppenheimer downgraded shares of Adobe, which exemplifies some of the major challenges facing the application software industry. Software was once the hottest industry on Wall Street. Not so in the AI era. S&P 500 software stocks lagged the broader index for the second consecutive year in 2025 as companies making the “picks and shovels” of the AI buildout—like semiconductors and memory devices—led the stock market higher. And analysts expect the challenges weighing on software stocks,…

Key Takeaways Inflation is still pushing everyday costs higher, but reviewing bills and subscriptions can cut the impact without big lifestyle changes.Some changes save real money without much pain—think generic brands, second-hand finds, and fewer meals out.When inflation sticks around, paying down high-interest debt and earning more on savings helps protect purchasing power. Inflation may no longer completely dominate headlines the way it once did following the pandemic, but it continues to show up in everyday expenses. Consumer prices rose 0.3% in December 2025, keeping annual inflation stuck at 2.7%, according to the latest Consumer Price Index. That’s still above…

Key Takeaways One way or another, Delta President Glen Hauenstein said, the prices of main cabin airfare are likely to rise because their low profit margins are putting pressure on carriers.Delta reported that revenue from “premium” tickets surpassed revenue from basic tickets in the fourth quarter. Basic airfares may not stay at current prices for long. The price of domestic, main cabin seats will likely increase as air carriers adjust to remain viable, Delta Air Line (DAL) President Glen Hauenstein said. Airlines, including Delta, are losing money on the act of transporting passengers, instead profiting from ancillary services, such as…

(Image credit: Getty Images)With the new year, many people are setting ambitious financial goals for themselves. From catching up on retirement savings to getting out of debt to saving up for their dream vacation, now is the time to reflect on your current financial situation and make a plan to achieve your goals for 2026.Before you start giving up on the things you enjoy to cut your budget and put more toward savings, make sure you’re not wasting your money on some of these common budget-drainers.By spotting these hidden sources of wasteful spending, you may be able to free up…

Key Takeaways The traditional retirement model at 65 is no longer the norm. Many workers today retire in stages, sometimes referred to as phased or micro-retirements. Working in retirement is increasingly common, whether through part-time jobs, consulting, or passion projects. There is no one “right” way to retire. Use tools like lifestyle audits, vision planning, financial modeling, and test driving to create the retirement of your dreams. Retirement is transitioning away from a one-size-fits-all milestone. As life expectancy increases, pensions dwindle, and an increasing number of Americans worry about outliving their savings, the concept of retirement is evolving away from…

For millions of Americans, the start of the year brings one urgent question: “When will I get my W-2?”While the legal mailing deadline for employers is typically January 31, that date falls on a Saturday in 2026. Consequently, the official IRS deadline for W-2 access has shifted to Monday, February 2, 2026.Beyond the calendar, the 2026 tax filing landscape has transformed. The IRS is entering this season with a 26% reduction in staff, causing uncertainty about taxpayer support and whether tax refunds will be delayed. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe…

Key Takeaways Intel and AMD shares surged Tuesday after KeyBanc analysts upgraded the stocks, pointing to signs of strong AI demand. The analysts said their checks suggest both chipmakers have nearly sold out of their expected 2026 capacity for server CPUs, and are considering raising prices. A pair of chipmakers were among the top performers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Tuesday after the stocks won fresh bullish calls on Wall Street. Shares of Intel (INTC) were up nearly 9%, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) surged over 6% in recent trading even as broader markets declined, after KeyBanc analysts upgraded the…

U.S. presidents are some of the most quotable Americans in history. This five-question quiz draws on their colorful advice on aging gracefully, retirement, and financial matters.Despite holding the highest office, many presidents impart relatable advice to older Americans. Can you match the president to the quote in our quiz, below?Read More 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 with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement,…