Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways An affordable home means you’re not living paycheck to paycheck. Your home shouldn’t strain your finances.There are two popular housing affordability rules: the 30% rule and the 28/36 rule. You can also check whether your housing payment passes the cash-flow test, the shock test, and the stress test. Are you wondering whether you can actually afford your home? Well, you aren’t alone. Maybe you can pay your mortgage or rent and cover basic expenses—but that’s it. Saving feels impossible. Plus, if you don’t have an emergency fund, one unexpected expense could derail your finances. A recent New York Times/Siena…

Key Takeaways Meta is scheduled to report its quarterly results after the closing bell Wednesday, with Wall Street analysts expecting growing profits and revenues on gains in its ad business.Options pricing suggests traders expect Meta’s stock could move about 6% in either direction in the days after its results. Meta is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter results after the closing bell Wednesday. Traders anticipate a big move in the social media giant’s stock. Options pricing suggests traders expect Meta Platforms (META) stock could move close to 6% in either direction by the end of this week. A shift of that size from…

As we settle into the new year and look ahead to what’s next, we’re excited to welcome the agents who joined Redfin in December. Their experience, energy, and drive are already making an impact and helping us build momentum for the months ahead. We’re proud to have them on board as we gear up for a strong 2026 and the next chapter of the housing market. Redfin agent Brad Dunevitz Brad Dunevitz is joining our Denver team with 20 years of real estate experience. Licensed since 2005, Brad is a fourth-generation Colorado native who previously owned and operated his own…

Key Takeaways Shares of coffee chain Starbucks have outpaced the S&P 500 this year, rising as investors are signaling some hope that the company’s turnaround plan is working. Two events this week—quarterly financial results and an investor day—could help extend that run. Starbucks stock has been percolating all year. You might even say it’s finally hot. Coffee quips aside, shares of Starbucks (SBUX) are showing sustained signs of life for the first time since the aftermath of the hiring of CEO Brian Niccol in late summer 2024. While they’re still off those post-hire highs, they’ve risen about 14% so far…

KEY TAKEAWAYS Tax filing season has started, and to get a refund quickly, taxpayers need to submit their 2025 tax returns accurately, and typically, electronically.The “One Big Beautiful Bill” made changes to the tax code that will give many taxpayers larger refunds.These changes, along with major layoffs that affected the IRS in 2025, may delay some taxpayers’ returns. The 2026 tax filing season officially started Tuesday, and you’ll want to submit your tax return as soon as possible, without mistakes, to avoid delays in your refund. The IRS began processing 2025 tax returns on Tuesday. Experts say the earlier and…

John (Jack) Bogle, founder of Vanguard, one of the largest investment management firms in the world, was known for his practical personal finance advice for everyday investors. As the creator of the index fund in the 1970s, Bogle was a strong advocate of low-cost index investing and warned against what he considered speculative investments, such as gold and bitcoin. Bogle, who died in 2019, still has a legion of fans known as Bogleheads who promote and adhere to his investment philosophy. The principles that Bogle articulated decades ago remain relevant today. These are just three of his timeless principles. 1.…

Key Takeaways Defining what “enough” means to you helps keep your financial decisions aligned with your values—not outside pressure.Creating a life vision before focusing on numbers allows money to serve your goals, not drive them.Your strategy should reflect where you are today, whether that means making short-term adjustments, accelerating progress, or using excess wealth to create impact. As a financial planner for over two decades, I’ve noticed one thing that separates happy clients from unhappy ones: the concept of “enough.” Those who are fulfilled have a clear direction and excel at achieving goals. Social media and society often promote excess,…

Key Takeaways The Federal Reserve will conclude its first meeting of 2026 on Wednesday and is expected to hold interest rates steady.Investors and economists alike will be listening for any updates from Chair Jerome Powell on President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to intimidate the central bank to slash interest rates. The Federal Reserve will likely pause its interest rate cuts on Wednesday, but analysts are watching for any hints that it will resume later this year. The Fed, which kicked off its two-day meeting on Tuesday, lowered interest rates three times in late 2025 to boost a weakening job market.…

Making smart choices for retiree health insurance can save you money and keep you healthy and alive.gettyAre you a retiree or pre-retiree who’s worried about health care costs in retirement? You’re not alone. According to a recent survey by the Nationwide Retirement Institute, almost two out of three (62%) boomer respondents reported that expensive health care costs is a top retirement fear. And more than two-thirds (68%) of all respondents worried that a single large health care issue could ruin their finances for years to come.However, “worry” is not a strategy! The best way to deal with this concern is…

Key Takeaways Investors have become more obssessed with silver than the artificial intelligence trade, according to Vanda.Citi commodities analysts have boosted their price target on the metal, calling it “gold on steroids.” Silver is hardly a runner-up prize these days. Unease caused by international tensions and perceived risks in the U.S.—such as another government shutdown—have driven investors to hard assets and boosted their prices to record highs. Spot gold’s breaching of the $5,000 level topped the podium yesterday, silver has rallied even more furiously than the precious yellow metal. Spot silver prices are up almost 50% so far this year,…