Author: Money Mechanics

United Wholesale Mortgage at the NYSE, Jan. 22, 2021.Source: The New York Stock ExchangeShares in mortgage lenders jumped Friday after President Donald Trump instructed “representatives” to purchase mortgage bonds in an attempt to lower rates for homebuyers.Trump said in a social media post on Thursday that he was asking unnamed buyers — it wasn’t clear if that meant the Treasury, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or another agency — to buy $200 billion of mortgage bonds. This should bring down both rates and monthly payments, making home ownership more affordable, Trump said.Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte later posted that…

The nuclear industry is in the mist of a renaissance. Old plants are being refurbished, and investors are showering startups with cash. In the last several weeks of 2025 alone, nuclear startups raised $1.1 billion, largely on investor optimism that smaller nuclear reactors will succeed where the broader industry has recently stumbled. Traditional nuclear reactors are massive pieces of infrastructure. The newest reactors built in the U.S. — Vogtle 3 and 4 in Georgia — contain tens of thousands of tons of concrete, are powered by fuel assemblies 14 feet tall, and generate over 1 gigawatt of electricity each. But…

Big Bank earnings, inflation data, and corporate and economic reports highlight this week’s calendar. Many top financial institutions are scheduled to kick off earnings season in the days ahead, including JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs. Reports from Delta Air Lines and Taiwan Semiconductor will also be in the spotlight, showcasing the health of the consumer and the tech sector. Investors will also be watching December inflation data, along with reports on retail sales, new and existing home sales, and the U.S. budget deficit. Read to the bottom for our calendar of key events—and one more thing. JP…

Key Takeaways The average 401(k) balance for people in their 60s was $568,040 as June 2025. The median amount saved was much lower, at $188,792.How much you need to have saved for retirement will depend on your lifestyle and annual spending expectations. One rule of thumb is to save eight times your annual preretirement income by age 60. When you hit your 60s and retirement is right around the corner, you might find yourself thinking a lot about your 401(k). How does what you have saved compare to other people your age? And how much do you really need for…

Key Takeaways Two-thirds of financial advisors are changing their retirement investment advice for clients due to a volatile market and economic uncertainty, according to a new report from Alliance for Lifetime Income.Financial advisors are changing their recommendations based on inflation, Social Security and Medicare uncertainty, and cost-of-living concerns.Advisors recommend considering their withdrawal strategy and evaluating assets they may not have incorporated. A volatile market and economic uncertainty have led financial advisors to shift how they’re helping clients make decisions. Two-thirds of financial advisors are changing their retirement investment advice for clients, according to a report from Alliance for Lifetime Income…

Key Takeaways If you’re a retiree with an RV, consider checking out Rapid City, South Dakota. It has a balanced combination of outdoor recreation, arts, restaurants, and medical facilities.Located in southwestern South Dakota, Rapid City is near major destinations like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park.With about 80,000 people, Rapid City’s home values are slightly below the national average. Are you considering living the recreational vehicle (RV) life? No wonder—RVs appeal to many retirees seeking a close connection to nature while balancing freedom and flexibility alongside a lower cost of living. If you’re thinking about packing up and living out…

(Image credit: Getty Images)About once a week, I hold workshops on retirement planning and Social Security. During these workshops, I like to ask those attending a simple question: “What is your main concern?”Invariably, the most common answer is: Running out of money.This isn’t surprising. 64% of Americans worry more about running out of money than they do about dying, according to an Allianz Life survey. That’s some heavy worrying. 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…

(Image credit: Getty Images)As you approach retirement, certain ages come with their own planning rules, and 59½ is one of the most misunderstood.Many people see this age only as the point when withdrawals from retirement accounts no longer trigger a 10% penalty. But stopping there misses a much bigger opportunity.This age opens a valuable window, one that falls before Medicare begins at 65 and before required minimum distributions (RMDs) start later on, where smart tax, income and health care decisions can meaningfully shape your retirement trajectory. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor.…

Key Takeaways Thanks to low housing, food, and overall living costs, Natchez, Mississippi, earned a spot on Investopedia’s 2025 list of the 50 best cities to retire.Retirees receive tax-free Social Security benefits and retirement account withdrawals, as well as access to almost 200 local health care providers.The town offers rich cultural attractions, historic sites, and easy access to nearby cities, making it a lively yet affordable retirement spot. Deep in the heart of Southwest Mississippi lies Natchez, a town of fewer than 14,000 people. Natchez has good health care options, low taxes, and a rich cultural history that could make…

Question: My husband and I are retired and fight more than ever. I want to take a temporary break to save our marriage. Is this a good idea?Answer: The nice thing about being retired together with a spouse is that you have someone to share your days with. A December 2025 Transamerica survey found that 17% retirees feel isolated and lonely. If you’re married, you may be less inclined to experience those feelings.However, too much togetherness in retirement could backfire, leaving you and your spouse constantly fighting and getting on each other’s nerves. If that’s the situation you’re in, you…