Author: Money Mechanics

(Investing) – HOUSTON – The oil supertanker Skipper that was seized by the U.S. near Venezuela this week as part of an increased pressure strategy against President Nicolas Maduro, is heading to Houston, two sources said on Friday. The Very Large Crude Carrier, which is carrying about 1.85 million barrels of Venezuela’s Merey heavy crude according to satellite images analyzed by TankerTrackers.com, is too large to enter the Houston port and will need to anchor nearby and offload the cargo to smaller ships, the sources added. The Houston-Galveston sector of the U.S. Coast Guard and Port Houston did not immediately reply…

 To start, let’s reflect upon this past year. In your Future Trends Volume 11 report, you identified several major trends that will have an impact on the markets, such as: AI, Cybersecurity, Warehouses, Renewables, Quantum Computing, and more. How have those trends played out over the course of the year?Our approach has always been long-term and multi-thematic, and we have consistently stated that as themes intersect and overlap, they should become mutually reinforcing. Clearly, AI has continued to dominate much of the investment narrative over 2025, but it has been pleasing to see investors incorporating a broader range of related…

Key Takeaways The Magnificent Seven make up roughly one-third of the S&P 500. If you own an index fund, you already have significant exposure. Market concentration isn’t new. A handful of winners have always driven the majority of returns. The question is whether today’s winners remain tomorrow’s. Historical episodes like the Nifty Fifty crash and dot-com bust remind us that even “can’t lose” stocks can falter when conditions change. Strategic options include broad index funds, equal-weight funds, individual stocks, or thematic ETFs. Each has a different risk/return profile. The right allocation depends on your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance—not…

Key Takeaways Getting laid off right before retirement can feel overwhelming, but you can still achieve a financially secure retirement. If you get laid off unexpectedly, take a breath, review your finances, and avoid rushed decisions. Avoid dipping into your 401(k) or claiming Social Security early, as those moves can cost you more in the long run. Reassess your retirement timeline and consider part-time or consulting work. If you’ve just been laid off and retirement is around the corner, it may be stressful, especially if you were looking to save more before leaving the workforce. While you may feel powerless…

Key Takeaways Retirees can turn their hobbies into money-making ventures.Starting a blog about your hobby and selling items you no longer use are two ways to make cash.Don’t be shy about promoting and selling your artwork if you’re an artist.Rent out what you no longer use such as a recreational vehicle, swimming pool, or yard.Sell your photography or the produce from your garden. Retirees are finding savvy ways to make money from the hobbies they love. “Turning that hobby or creative venture into something exciting and meaningful financially has so many benefits, from shoring up retirement savings to increasing quality…

Being named the executor of a family member’s or friend’s estate is often seen as a compliment. But the reality is that managing the final wishes of the deceased is a daunting task that comes with its fair share of headaches.”It’s a thankless job,” said Eric Bond, president of Octave Wealth Management in Long Beach, Calif. In addition to all the paperwork and interactions with the probate court, executors must also brace themselves for intense scrutiny from heirs and beneficiaries. “The beneficiaries,” said Bond, “always think they can do it better, even though they’ve never done it before.”No doubt, people…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Penny stocks are fraught with risk. So much so that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires brokers to provide investors with a formal risk statement before they’re permitted to trade in this category of investments.That warning notes, among other things, that it’s possible to lose the entirety of your initial investment in penny stocks.Despite these risks, interest in penny stocks remains strong. Indeed, many folks believe these small companies have the potential to deliver life-changing profits. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus…

Key Takeaways Broadcom shares sank Friday despite quarterly earnings that topped analysts’ estimates on strong AI demand.Other AI hardware stocks sank along with Broadcom, extending losses Thursday amid worries about an AI bubble. Broadcom (AVGO) led AI hardware stocks lower Friday, extending Thursday’s tech rout despite a stronger-than-expected earnings report from the chipmaker.  Shares of Broadcom were down nearly 9% in recent trading, leading decliners on the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. AI investor favorites Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Micron Technology (MU), and Palantir (PLTR) also lost ground, as worries about an AI bubble continued to weigh on exposed stocks in…

Each week, in our Ask the Editor series, Joy Taylor, The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor, answers questions on topics submitted by readers. This week she’s looking at eight questions on IRAs, 401(k)s and required minimum distributions. (Get a free issue of The Kiplinger Tax Letter or subscribe.)1. First RMDQuestion: I turned 73 earlier this year, and I am retired. I know I must start taking required minimum distributions (RMD) from my traditional IRA. Can you explain the rules to me? Joy Taylor: You are correct that people 73 and older must take annual RMDs from their traditional IRAs. (Note that…

Key Takeaways Child-free retirees often enjoy more flexibility but must proactively plan for long-term care and estate decisions. Without heirs, the focus shifts from legacy building to safe spending, optimal risk taking, and tax-smart asset drawdowns. Naming trustworthy proxies and setting up proper beneficiary structures is particularly important when kids aren’t in the picture. Not having kids might mean fewer financial obligations, but it doesn’t automatically make retirement planning easier. In fact, flying solo as you age comes with its own set of complexities, from health care costs to estate decisions. Here’s what child-free adults should know when planning for…