Author: Money Mechanics

Please enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser or access the information through the links provided below. December 18, 2025 Federal Reserve Board publishes first of several staff manuals for the supervision of the largest and most complex banks For release at 9:00 a.m. EST The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday published the first of several staff manuals for the supervision of the largest and most complex banks. This will provide more transparency to the public about the supervision of these banks. The Board expects to release several other staff…

Inflation fell to its lowest in years in November, according to one important measure.Consumer prices rose 2.7% over the 12 months through November, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Thursday. That was down from a 3% annual increase in September and lower than the 3.1% increase forecasters had expected, according to a survey of economists by Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. “Core” inflation, which excludes volatile prices for food and energy, rose 2.6% over the year, down from a 3% annual increase in September and hitting its lowest since 2021.The reduction in core inflation was especially notable…

Key Takeaways Settling in an affordable state can help you stretch pension, Social Security, and retirement account dollars. Mississippi ranks as a top state for retirees, given its combined monthly housing, food, and transportation costs.Virginia, meanwhile, offers a low monthly cost of living with high average annual retirement incomes.Other top states for stretching retirement dollars include New Mexico, Arizona, Georgia, and Texas. Many retirees struggle with financial instability. In fact, nearly half (45%) of households headed by those 60 and older don’t make enough income to cover basic living expenses, and 80% couldn’t weather a serious financial emergency “without falling into…

Stock futures pointed higher ahead of delayed Consumer Price Index data Thursday, with the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average and benchmark S&P 500 aiming to end four-session losing streaks.  Futures associated with the tech-heavy Nasdaq, S&P 500, and Dow were up 0.8%, 0.5%, and 0.2%, respectively. Yesterday, they closed down a respective 1.8%, 1.2%, and 0.5%, as AI bubble concerns resumed. The belated inflation report at 8:30 a.m. ET is expected to show the Consumer Price Index rose 3.1% over the year in November, according to a survey of economists by Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. That would be up from 3% in…

(Image credit: Getty Images)One of the great privileges of retirement is being able to give back.After years of saving, working and providing for family, many people find generosity becomes one of life’s most meaningful pursuits.Whether you’re supporting your church, backing medical research or helping your community thrive, giving brings joy and purpose. 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 up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes,…

(Image credit: Getty Images)The stock market is hitting record highs again.Nvidia recently crossed $5 trillion. OpenAI is eyeing a $1 trillion IPO (although going public doesn’t appear to be its biggest priority). In 2025, AI and semiconductor ETFs exploded — a classic late-stage sign of market fever.But on the ground, the real economy isn’t giving people that same lift in their everyday lives. Inflation may have slowed overall, but the cost of essentials — food, housing and especially health care — is still climbing, and consumers feel it every day. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a…

Question: I’m 73, retired, and dreading winter, but I can’t afford to be a snowbird. Help!Answer: If you find yourself getting a little down as winter approaches, you’re not alone. A good 41% of Americans say their mood declines in the winter, according to a new poll from the American Psychiatric Association. Alongside that, 27% report feeling depressed, while 28% say they feel fatigued.If you’re retired, winter can be an especially difficult and isolating time. And for many retirees, the solution is adopting a snowbird lifestyle, where you own a second home in a warmer climate or rent one during…

(Image credit: Getty Images)You worked hard all year and were awarded an amazing bonus. It’s time to go on a shopping spree and treat yourself — because you only live once, so why not live it up?Let me stop you there: Don’t spend it all in one place. Of course it’s important to treat yourself, but within reason.There are most likely buckets that need to be filled to help set you up for success with your end-of-year and 2026 financial goals. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99,…

Key Takeaways Warren Buffett’s 90/10 strategy involves allocating 90% of assets to a low-cost S&P 500 index fund and 10% to short-term government bonds.The 90/10 rule offers simplicity, lower fees, and the potential for higher returns.The strategy is based on historical returns for the S&P 500, as well as Buffett’s skepticism about the performance of the average fund manager.Critics say such a high allocation to equities isn’t suitable for all investors, particularly those nearing retirement or already retired. The 90/10 rule comes from legendary Warren Buffett’s advice for average investors. Put 90% of your money into a low-cost S&P 500…

Find out which banks are offering the best MMA rates right now. As interest rates continue to fall following the Fed’s recent rate cuts, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re earning a competitive rate on your savings. One option you may want to consider is a money market account (MMA). Wondering where the top money market account rates can be found today? Here’s what you need to know. From a historical perspective, money market account interest rates have been quite high. The national average interest rate for money market accounts is just 0.58%, according to the FDIC, but…