Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways More than half of Americans say they worry about their ability to pay emergency expenses this year, according to a recent survey by PYMNTS Intelligence and Splitit.The concern is more widespread among parents, those earning less than $50,000 a year, and younger generations.The research also highlighted how consumers are using installment payment plans to handle unexpected expenses. More than half of Americans say they worry about their ability to pay emergency expenses that could pop up this year, according to a recent survey. Fifty-three percent of respondents said they were at least somewhat concerned about covering an emergency…

Key Takeaways A growing share of young adults are staying in their parents’ homes, which could be due to financial reasons. As more young adults live at home, this trend could weigh on consumer spending as those who live at home may spend less compared to those who don’t. In the past, life for a young adult might have followed a familiar trajectory to that of one’s parents: go to college (or don’t), move out, get a job, marry, and purchase a home. However, some young Americans haven’t moved out of mom and dad’s house just yet. In 2005, 11%…

Key Takeaways President Donald Trump could reportedly issue an executive order to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance as soon as Monday.The news sent shares of companies in the marijuana industry skyrocketing Friday. Cannabis stocks surged Friday following reports President Donald Trump could soon reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous substance. Tilray Brands (TLRY) was up close to 30% in recent trading, while Canopy Growth (CGC) shares jumped nearly 40%. (Read our daily markets coverage here.)  President Trump could be set to issue an executive order changing the classification of marijuana from a Schedule I drug such as heroin to…

Key Takeaways Shares of chip designer Broadcom tumbled on Friday as Wall Street focused in on margin pressure from its fast-growing AI business.Investors have scrutinized tech earnings more intensively in recent months amid concerns Silicon Valley is overspending on AI. Broadcom’s custom AI chip business is growing rapidly. Wall Street, however, is wary about how much upside that growth suggests. Broadcom (AVGO) on Thursday predicted its AI-related revenue will double year-over-year to $8.2 billion in the current quarter. That would be an acceleration from the most recent quarter, when it grew 74% to $6.5 billion. But the forecast came with…

Key Takeaways Many brands will run sales for a bit longer than they did last year, but may not offer as generous of markdowns, e-commerce experts said.Some stores, including Target and Lowe’s, are looking to attract those still shopping with reassurances about having time to consider discounts and purchases. Don’t stress, last-minute holiday shoppers: Sales are still in season. A swath of goods, including sports gear and books, are likely to remain discounted through Christmas, e-commerce experts said, as retailers and merchants try to attract consumers who have grown more price-sensitive while dealing with tariffs and rising costs. Many are…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Question: My teen crashed his car and now our car insurance has tripled. What can we do to cut our insurance bill?Answer: Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix to undo the financial damage of a teen driver getting into an accident. Whether your car was totaled or it was a minor fender bender, a teen driver getting into an accident is likely to result in a steep premium increase. Some tips and tricks can help counteract the rate hike, but nothing (aside from time and eventually removing them from your policy) is likely to completely erase it.With that…

Key Takeaways You can subtract up to $25,000 of the tips you earned from your 2025 taxable income, which lowers your tax burden.However, you’ll have to calculate the deduction yourself. Workers who received gratuities in 2025 should begin collecting the records now to ensure they can take full advantage of a new tax break. The new tax deduction on tips is part of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Act. Workers can subtract up to $25,000 of the tips they earned in 2025 from their taxable income with this break. This means they will pay less in taxes when they file…

Key Takeaways Your 401(k) passes to the person you name on a beneficiary form—not through your will.Spouses and non-spouses face different rules and tax implications when inheriting a 401(k).Forgetting to update your beneficiary or leaving it blank can lead to probate and unintended recipients. Your 401(k) could be one of your biggest assets. But what happens to it after you die? Unlike other parts of your estate, a 401(k) doesn’t get handled through your will. It follows a different path—and if you haven’t paid attention, that path might lead somewhere you didn’t intend. Below, we break down what happens to…

History offers few better examples of someone preparing for a major life transition than Marcus Aurelius.Chosen at a young age to one day “assume the purple,” he spent his youth not chasing power but studying philosophy — reading, writing and thinking about what it meant to live well and rule wisely.When he finally took the throne, Marcus faced nonstop crises: war along the northern front, a devastating plague, political betrayals and financial strain. Yet through it all, he remained disciplined, steady and unusually unpretentious for a man with absolute authority. His private writings reveal why. He relied on an ancient…

entered December with sharp swings, slipped in the early days as investors moved away from risk, then bounced from the $85,000, and is now trying to settle in the $91,000 to $95,000 range. Even though risk appetite improved after the Fed’s December 10 meeting, Bitcoin shows steady and cautious moves instead of a fast rally. This brings up two key questions. Is the macro and liquidity backdrop truly supportive, or has the market already priced it in? And from a technical view, is this bounce turning into a real trend change, or is it only a pause in the broader…