Author: Money Mechanics

(Image credit: Getty Images)When should you start taking Social Security benefits? For many retirees, that can seem like a no-win choice.While delaying taking benefits gives you a higher benefit amount, many retirees can’t afford to or don’t want to delay receiving benefits until age 70.But there is a proven, safe way to boost income while waiting for your benefits to begin: buying an income annuity that guarantees monthly income for either a set number of years or your lifetime. 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…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Retirement should be a time to be present and savor life’s best moments — new experiences, passion pursuits and cherished family time.Yet today’s economic uncertainty and rising cost of living can make even the most carefully crafted retirement plans feel shaky. If you’re feeling anxious about how far your savings will go, you’re not alone.A recent survey found that around half of Gen Xers (54%) and Boomers (48%) fear another market crash could be on the horizon, putting a damper on their golden years. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed…

When it comes to investing, retirees know the drill: maintain a balanced portfolio of stocks and bonds — not too risky, not too conservative. After all, it has to last twenty or even thirty years.But some retirees can afford to put their money to work beyond that and may be looking for a way to invest ‘outside the box.’ If so, options abound.There are several out-of-the-ordinary ways to invest in retirement. Some require little capital, some require a lot. None are slam dunks, and you’re more likely to lose money than to make it without the guidance of a professional.…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Artificial intelligence is quietly becoming one of the most powerful forces in live-event ticketing. For years, buying tickets meant juggling multiple resale platforms, decoding pricing options and hoping you weren’t overpaying by $50 (or more) because of hidden fees.Now, a new class of AI-powered shopping tools is stepping in and scanning hundreds of listings at once. AI tools can now calculate true all-in prices and alert you when a better deal becomes available. Industry insiders say these tools could reshape how Americans spend on concerts, sports and entertainment, especially as major platforms battle for transparency and consumer…

Key Takeaways Fed rate cuts would likely lower credit card and savings rates first, while auto loans and especially fixed-rate mortgages may stay high or even rise.How much consumers benefit will depend on credit risk, economic conditions, and long-term inflation expectations—not just Fed policy. The Federal Reserve is leaning toward cutting interest rates again in 2026, but that doesn’t mean that all consumer borrowing costs would fall equally. Credit cards and high-yield savings accounts are more closely tied to Fed policy, as the Fed has a heavier influence over short-term interest rates. Others are tied to how interest rates will…

(Image credit: Getty Images)The stock market draws a lot of investor attention, but bonds deserve some love, too. Over the 12 months ending October 31, the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index climbed 6.2%. On a calendar-year basis, the index is on track to post its best return since 2020, thanks in part to relatively high starting yields and solid returns from corporate and securitized debt, particularly mortgage-backed bonds.Dodge & Cox Income (DODIX), a member of the Kiplinger 25, our favorite no-load mutual funds, has done even better. Over the past 12 months, the intermediate core-plus bond fund returned 7.0%, beating…

Key Takeaways A steep price drop in a company’s stock can signal both a buying prospect and a potential red flag. Cheap stocks can be risky stocks, as companies with very low share prices often have worse finances, making it harder for them to bounce back. Warren Buffett is famous for saying that risk isn’t always volatility—it’s the possibility of permanent loss. In a letter to shareholders, he offered a compelling corollary: when a stock’s price has dropped sharply, it doesn’t always signal a value—it may also indicate the stock has become riskier than before. His observation flips a common…

Key Takeaways Most Americans ages 35–44 have retirement accounts, but the Fed’s latest survey shows the median balance for this age group has declined.Among those with a retirement account, the median balance is $45,000 for those in their late 30s and early 40s.This time of life often brings higher pay but rising costs, making this period a challenging but crucial window to build meaningful savings. How Many People Ages 35-44 Have Any Retirement Savings? It’s no surprise that age impacts a household’s income, wealth, and ability to save for retirement. Families tend to see earnings and assets increase through midlife,…

Stocks are ending a positive year on a negative note. A day after major equities indexes closed down for a third straight session, stock futures are pointing lower Wednesday ahead of the final trading day of 2025. Stock markets will operate a normal schedule and close at 4 p.m. ET today, but bond markets will close at 2 p.m. ET for New Year’s Eve. Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were down a respective 0.3%, 0.2%, and 0.1%. Yesterday, the indexes finished slightly down for a third consecutive session following a five-session winning streak through Christmas…

This year proved volatile for the stock market. The S&P 500 index swooned in March and April but gained 17.9% through Dec. 24. Of course, no one knows what 2026 will bring, but there have been some signs of economic weakness, particularly in the labor market. Buying the stocks of reliable dividend-paying companies is one way to mitigate the volatility of stock prices. After all, these companies have strong histories of making payouts during various economic climates, which provides a stable source of return. Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and Target (NYSE: TGT) top my list of dividend stocks to buy right…