Author: Money Mechanics

Investors purchase roughly 2 in 5 lots that sell in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Malibu areas; many of these lots once held homes destroyed in the January fires. Residents are grappling with a tough decision: Rebuild in the neighborhood they love, or sell to an investor in hopes of recouping some of their investment. Despite investor activity, many people trying to sell lots are struggling to find buyers due to oversupply; the Altadena area had 225 lots for sale in the past three months, up from just two a year earlier. Real estate investors are buying roughly 40% of…

Key Takeaways “The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient,” Warren Buffett has said.Buffett’s track record shows that conviction beats chasing trends.A patient, long-term approach benefits from compounding. In today’s investing world, headlines flash, apps buzz with notifications, and social media pushes trading ideas at dizzying speeds. It’s hard to not react impulsively, chasing hot stocks out of FOMO or panic-selling at the first sign of trouble.  As tempting as active trading is, one of the world’s most prolific investors, Warren Buffett, reminds us that wealth usually transfers in the opposite direction—from the…

Key Takeaways Inflation predictions from prominent forecasters vary widely, with some seeing inflation heating up while others expect it to cool relatively quickly.Tariffs are pushing up prices, but housing cost increases are simmering down, reducing a significant source of inflation.Estimates for core PCE inflation in 2026 range from 2.2% to 2.8%, compared to the most recent rate of 2.8% in September. We’re still waiting for consumer price increases to simmer down to the levels we got used to in the pre-pandemic years. And if 2026 forecasts are correct, we may have to keep waiting. Prior to 2021, prices as measured…

Key Takeaways Greece has been named the world’s best retirement destination by International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index.Western Greece offers some of the country’s best scenery, coastlines, and amenities, yet it’s less crowded and less costly than other parts of the country.U.S. retirees can live in Greece by buying property for at least €250,000 (about $293,000) or having a steady, monthly income of at least €3,500 (about $4,100). International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index named Greece the world’s best retirement destination, with judges citing its affordable lifestyle, accessible visa options, excellent private health care, and more than 300 days of…

Key Takeaways Warren Buffett’s “one rule” is simple but powerful: never confuse a stock’s price with its value. In downturns like 1966 and 2008, that principle helped Buffett beat the market and even make billions while others lost fortunes. His patience is the secret weapon: if prices don’t fall below value, he simply waits—no matter how long it takes. Buffett opened his 2008 letter to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A, BRK.B) shareholders with a quote he credits to his teacher, Benjamin Graham: “Price is what you pay; value is what you get.”​ That’s the rule, but 2008 was a brutal year…

Key Takeaways Spa towns can stretch a fixed income by pairing below-average living costs with everyday access to hot springs, trails, and wellness activities.Before you move, it pays to test-drive a spa town in different seasons and check taxes, healthcare, and services for older adults up close. If your dream retirement involves soaking in hot mineral pools instead of battling traffic, a spa town might be your sweet spot. Many of these places combine old-school bathhouse culture, walkable downtowns, and the scenery of national parks with costs that are far lower than coastal cities and luxury resort hubs. Below are…

(Image credit: Getty Images)The retirement rules of the past might not apply to today’s economic climate.As life expectancy increases, health care costs continue to grow and market volatility becomes the norm, the outdated idea that funneling 10% of income into a retirement account is sufficient simply doesn’t cut it anymore.Today, it’s important to consider that there’s more to preparing for retirement than numbers. The game has changed. 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…

(Image credit: Getty Images)I’ve been a professional financial adviser for 18 years. Nearly two decades in the industry have taught me what it takes to successfully build wealth and achieve ambitious financial goals. If you follow the advice here, you’ll give yourself a better shot at meeting your financial goals and retiring rich.Pick the right investment strategy (and risk level) for your goalsWhen you’re not wealthy yet, it can feel tempting to swing for the fences with your money in order to make more of it quickly. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Happy New Year! Retirement is a time to reinvent yourself and embrace newfound freedoms. But just as important as deciding what to do is learning what not to do.Letting go — of old habits, relationships and commitments that no longer serve you — is a powerful step toward building the life you want.Think of it like decluttering your kitchen: You wouldn’t keep a dull knife or mismatched frying pan lid if it only gets in the way. Or like a coach revamping the team’s playbook — sometimes you need to drop the plays that no longer work…

In a shift that could spur broader adoption of Roth retirement accounts by both employers and workers, higher-income employees who make catch-up contributions to a workplace plan in 2026 will see a big difference in how those extra dollars are taxed.Under new SECURE 2.0 Act rules taking effect on January 1, employees age 50 and older who earned more than $150,000 in 2025 are now required to use a Roth 401(k), 403(b) or 457(b) account for catch-up deposits instead of a traditional savings plan funded with pretax dollars. “That means they’ll pay taxes on those contributions now but will be…