Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways JPMorgan stock analysts set a target of 7500 for the end of 2026, which points toward the possibility of another year of double-digit gains for stocks. The Federal Open Market Committee would have to deliver more than a half a percentage cut to rates to move the benchmark stock index meaningfully higher, the bank’s analysts said. What will it take to get the S&P 500 above 8000 next year? More than the two interest-rate cuts JP Morgan expects. The bank’s analysts broadly expect the benchmark index to finish 2026 at 7500, implying a 10% rise from recent levels;…

(Image credit: Getty Images)The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed a modest uptick in inflation, but the data on price growth are muddied considering October figures were not collected due to the record-long government shutdown.According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, headline CPI was up 0.2% from September to November, slower than the 0.3% month-over-month rise seen in September and matching economists’ expectations.The CPI was 2.7% higher year over year, below September’s 3.0% rise and the 3.0% increase economists anticipated. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99,…

Wherever you live, how large a tax increase would you tolerate before you would consider leaving for another state?That’s where things stand for some people right now in New York.Starting in 2026, the state’s top 5% income earners will be subject to a temporary personal income tax on top of the state’s general income tax. It’s hefty, too — the tax is 10.9% for incomes over $25 million. The measure will sunset in 2032. 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…

Estate tax planning may be key for many retirees, yet it’s anything but easy. Between the complexities of federal estate rules and the patchwork of states imposing their own inheritance and estate taxes, the colloquially named “death tax” continues to haunt wealth transfer strategies to this day.But if you can master the IRS rules governing estate taxes, you may find powerful ways to save more money for your heirs. Use this quiz to test your knowledge of 2026 federal estate tax rules, with a bonus question at the end on estate taxes for states.(Remember, always consult with a qualified tax…

Key Takeaways If you have income from work, your employer should provide you with either a W-2 or 1099-NEC form showing both your income and any withholding. Your investment income and income from other sources will be reflected on other 1099 forms. Some of these documents will be available during the course of the year, and you should expect most of them no later than Jan. 31 of the new year.  By starting to gather this year’s tax documents now, you’ll not only avoid a last-minute scramble next April but possibly discover some ways to cut your taxes while there…

Property taxes. All homeowners pay them, but no one enjoys writing the check. That annoyance might change soon, however. Retirees in seven lucky states could see new property tax relief take effect in 2026, offering a very real chance of significantly lowering their annual tax bill.To find these opportunities, Kiplinger searched for recently proposed or new property tax relief taking effect next year, focusing exclusively on states with significant legislation that included homeowners aged 55 and older.Here are the seven states offering new or proposed property tax relief for retirement-aged adults in 2026. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal…

Key Takeaways If you think you saw protein popping up everywhere this year, you’re not wrong. Food and beverage companies have been adding it to products from snacks to drinks for much of 2025.Some menu changes at Chipotle, announced today, suggest that the trend still has legs heading into next year. Everybody seemed to want, and to want to sell, more protein this year. Now Chipotle is carrying the torch into 2026. Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG), the burrito chain where diners are known to use ordering “hacks” in hopes of landing more meat and other favored ingredients—one long-running theory is…

’Tis the season for phone upgrades. Holiday deals on smartphones and wireless plans make this a natural time to reassess what you’re paying each month and whether switching providers could save you money or add value.One option catching attention right now is T-Mobile’s prepaid lineup, thanks to a mix of flexibility, no annual contracts and some other valuable perks. For baseball fans in particular, the inclusion of MLB.TV on select plans makes this offer hard to ignore.But perks alone don’t make a phone plan a smart financial move. If you’re considering switching your cell phone provider or just want to…

Key Takeaways The Federal Trade Commission is reportedly investigating Instacart after a study found the grocery delivery giant used AI tools to charge shoppers different prices for the same items.Consumer Reports, Groundwork Collaborative, and More Perfect Union estimated the variations in pricing could add up to about $1,200 per year in additional costs for the typical household shopping on Instacart. Instacart’s use of AI-driven pricing is drawing attention from federal regulators.  The Federal Trade Commission, a consumer protection agency, is looking into the grocery delivery giant’s use of AI pricing tools after an investigation found it was charging customers substantially…

(Image credit: Getty Images)If you’ve been considering changing your home internet provider, Verizon is offering a limited-time deal with a nice perk. New customers who switch to Verizon home internet can choose a free Nintendo Switch, a Samsung TV or a Samsung Galaxy Tab with select plans.A free device can make switching providers feel like an easy decision, especially if you were already thinking about upgrading your internet service. Offers like this are meant to add immediate value, but they don’t always tell the full financial story.Before making the switch, it’s worth taking a closer look at the plan requirements,…