Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Medical school can cost $300,000 to $400,000, and parents often consider tapping their retirement funds to help.Experts strongly discourage this because large withdrawals trigger heavy taxes and penalties. Four years of medical school cost a median of $297,745 at public schools and $408,150 at private institutions, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. For parents who want to help, those sums can make retirement accounts, often their largest asset, look like the obvious solution. However, experts strongly advise against raiding 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts for your child’s education. “Every situation is different, but in general, you…

(Image credit: Getty Images)While all eyes have been on the runaway U.S. bull market, emerging markets stocks have delivered impressive results. The MSCI Emerging Markets stock index returned 29.7% in 2025 through November, far ahead of the S&P 500’s 17.8% gain.Emerging-markets fans say the rally is just the beginning of a long-term trend, supported by an evolving world order focused on deglobalization that will accelerate earnings growth and favorable currency swings in emerging markets over a period of several years.”The U.S. market and the U.S. dollar have been kings for 15 years,” says Arjun Jayaraman, a portfolio manager and head…

Retail investors are sticking with a stock that has printed them money over the past several years, despite a lukewarm start to the year. That stock is none other than AI chip darling Nvidia (NVDA). Nvidia has seen $706 million in net retail inflows over the past five days, according to new data from Vanda Research. The inflows suggest retail investors continue to view Nvidia as a core holding in their portfolio. “Nvidia remains the undisputed retail king,” Vanda Research opined. Shares of the “Magnificent Seven” member are down 1.7% year to date, lagging the slight gain for the benchmark…

US President Donald Trump is stepping back from his aggressive stance on Greenland after announcing that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte have formed a “framework of a future deal” regarding the autonomous Danish territory. Trump has now ruled out using military force to take control of the island and has dropped his threatened tariffs against European nations. The shift marks a significant de-escalation after weeks of tension with European allies. Trump had previously threatened 10% tariffs on eight European countries starting February 1, which would have risen to 25% by June. While Trump and Rutte announced this apparent…

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…