Author: Money Mechanics

Please enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser or access the information through the links provided below. December 15, 2025 Agencies announce dollar thresholds for applicability of truth in lending and consumer leasing rules for consumer credit and lease transactions Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Consumer Financial Protection Bureau For release at 11:00 a.m. EST The Federal Reserve Board and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau today announced the dollar thresholds used to determine whether certain consumer credit and lease transactions in 2026 are subject to certain…

LGFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysLG has unveiled its new Micro RGB evo, a TV featuring micro-RGB LEDs with next-generation color accuracy.The TV is powered by a robust chipset with AI enhancements, providing the display with wide color gamut support and fine control over a thousand dimming zones.A release has not been given, but it will be available in three sizes.CES 2026 kicks off on January 6, and tech brands are already starting to preview their upcoming products. LG is one of the first out of the gate, unveiling its “first-ever flagship RGB TV” — the…

Key Takeaways Bank of America’s lead U.S. equity strategist predicted the S&P 500 would end next year around 7,100, just 4% above its level on Monday.Earnings growth is expected to remain strong, but softness in mega-cap tech stocks and less liquidity could be a drag on stocks. BofA’s forecast is among the most bearish on Wall Street. The stock market defied expectations again this year. One Wall Street analyst is telling investors not to expect it to happen in 2026. “Our year-end target is pretty lackluster,” said Savita Subramanian, Head of U.S. Equity and Quantitative Strategy at Bank of America,…

The Federal Reserve gave investors an early Christmas present by lowering interest rates by 25 basis points (i.e., 0.25%) marking its third rate cut this year. In the past, a change like this in the “long end” of the interest rate yield curve has triggered a predictable, investable pattern. Typically, this pattern would be bearish for finance stocks, particularly banks—investors would buy bank stocks when rates rose and sell them as rates fell. But in 2025, this pattern hasn’t held. Even after the Fed’s third cut of the year, 10-year Treasury yields remain stubbornly high, suggesting that financial investors need…

Key Takeaways December can be a great time to buy a used car, with slower traffic and year-end sales goals often giving shoppers more room to negotiate.Carfax shows some used-car segments eased last month, with hybrids and EVs dropping the most, followed by SUVs and pickup trucks.Comparing multiple listings, reviewing a car’s history, and staying open-minded can all help you spot the best values. Why December Can Be a Smart Time To Buy December is often one of the better times to shop for a used car, according to Carfax. The leading provider of vehicle history information and buying guidance…

Expected Stock Dispersion Falls to Near 1-Year Low Cboe Japan Corporate Webpage to be permanently terminated effected from November 2025 Mandy Xu ▬ December 15, 2025 Link to Report: Macro Volatility DigestWHAT STANDS OUT:The biggest mover in the cross-asset vol space last week was gold, with GLD 1M implied vol now trading in the 76th percentile high. As usual, the bid to vol came on the back of a rally in the underlying metal, with demand for calls increasing post Fed easing. GLD vol is expensive not only in absolute terms but also relative to realized vol, with the 1M…

Key Takeaways Micron Technology’s fiscal first-quarter results are due for release after the market closes Wednesday, with analysts expecting growing sales and profits.Options pricing suggests traders expect Micron’s stock could move up to 9% in either direction by the end of the week. Micron Technology is set to report earnings after the market closes Wednesday, with traders expecting a big move in the memory chip maker’s stock. Options pricing suggests traders expect Micron (MU) shares could swing up to 9% in either direction by the end of the week. At the high end, a move of that size from Monday’s…

Age Median 401(k) Savings Goal Gap 40s $162,143 $1,428,571 $1,266,428 50s $251,758 $1,428,571 $1,176,813 For early retirees, these aren’t finish lines, they’re starting points. Planning conservatively and saving above the benchmarks can mean the difference between running out of money and retiring with peace of mind. Accessing Your 401(k) Before 59½ It’s important to know that you can’t access your 401(k) funds without a 10% penalty until 59½, aside from limited exceptions. That means anyone retiring before 59½ will need a plan to cover expenses until those funds are accessible. Taxable brokerage accounts, Roth IRA contributions (which can be withdrawn…

Key Takeaways Side hustles are getting more popular because they help people make extra money and fit easily around their busy schedules.With ChatGPT, people can make some extra income without advanced skills or significant investment.ChatGPT opens the door to a wide range of beginner-friendly income opportunities, including tutoring, virtual assistance, content writing, and social media management. Working a side hustle to earn extra income has never been more common and accessible than it is now. As the cost of living continues to rise, more people are turning to tools like ChatGPT to work smarter, streamline everyday tasks, and generate extra…

Key Takeaways Paris’s low cost of living can help retirees stretch their savings, with median monthly housing costs that are less than half the national median. Despite its small size, health care is surprisingly accessible in Paris, which contains one of Henry County’s two major hospitals. Bordering an 841-acre forest and a 160,000-acre lake, Paris offers easy access to nature and outdoor recreation. Paris’s welcoming community, creative spirit, and long-standing local traditions provide plenty of opportunities to feel connected. It may not be the pride of France, but Paris, Tennessee, is still a worthwhile destination—at least for retirement. Nestled in…