Author: Money Mechanics

ZDNET’s key takeaways The UAG Metropolis Wallet is a MagSafe wallet and stand made of vegan leather for $45.It holds up to five cards and cash, has a kickstand, is RFID blocking, and features pockets.It’s only available in Black. more buying choices Now until Jan. 1, get 25% off with the code FINAL25 at checkout on UAG’s direct website. This drops the Metropolis wallet down to $34. As ZDNET’s MagSafe expert, I’ve tried many magnetic accessories, from wallets, grips, and stands to notebooks, battery packs, and beyond. That’s why when one catches my eye or edges out something else I’ve tried, I’m…

Key Takeaways Greece has leapt to the top spot among global retirement destinations, according to International Living’s 2026 Annual Global Retirement Index. The country’s improving economy, affordability, health care system, climate, and culture are all appealing factors for retirees. Greece’s extensive network of islands and coastlines, health-promoting Mediterranean diet, and the Golden Visa available to those buying property also make the country a top destination. With its Mediterranean climate, delicious food, and stunning island settings, it’s no wonder that Greece consistently ranks among the top tourist and honeymoon destinations globally. Long a top draw for vacationers, Greece is also emerging…

Key Takeaways For those keen on retiring in the Midwest, cities in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and South Dakota are on our list of top picks. One of biggest draws of retiring in the Midwest is affordability: it’s possible to get a spacious three-bedroom house for what you’d pay for a tiny apartment in a coastal city. Daily expenses, from groceries to utilities, typically cost less, too.  This isn’t just about saving money, though—it’s about having the freedom to actually enjoy retirement.  The Midwest offers a pretty neat retirement package when it comes to stretching your dollars. In many…

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.February 19: PM Starmer prepared to raise defence spending© BanxKeir Starmer vows to ‘spend more’ on UK defence but other areas face cutsApril 24: Putin seeks sovereignty over Ukraine land taken by force in Trump peace plan© BanxVladimir Putin offers to halt Ukraine invasion along current front lineMay 8: Conclave begins to choose next pope© BanxBlack smoke signals no Vatican consensus on a new popeMay 21: Neutrino detectors in US and Japan race to discover secrets of the universe© Banx‘You look troubled…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Stocks were choppy in the second-to-last trading day of 2025 as market participants took in the final economic reports of the year. The main indexes eventually finished lower for a third straight day, which spells trouble for this year’s Santa Claus Rally.At the close, the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average was 0.2% lower at 48,367 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite was down 0.2% at 23,419. The broader S&P 500 was off 0.1% at 6,896.With today’s loss, the S&P 500 is now down 0.2% since the December 23 close – the official start of the Santa Claus Rally.…

Key Takeaways While Fed policy committee members remained divided over whether to cut interest rates, minutes from their December meeting showed that most would support rate cuts if inflation continues to decline.Fed officials saw fewer risks that tariffs would drive up inflation, and more saw risks that the labor market could begin to deteriorate if rates remained too high.But a rate cut in January remains far from certain, as several members said that the central bank must make sure inflation doesn’t move higher before moving to cut again. The Federal Reserve could move forward on more interest rate cuts if…

Please enable JavaScript if it is disabled in your browser or access the information through the links provided below. December 30, 2025 Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee, December 9–10, 2025 For release at 2:00 p.m. EST The Federal Reserve on Tuesday released the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee meeting that was held on December 9–10, 2025. The minutes for each regularly scheduled meeting of the Committee are generally published three weeks after the day of the policy decision. The descriptions of economic and financial conditions contained in these…

In 2025, a handful of small-cap growth stocks saw massive rebounds as consumer spending held up and select tech-enabled retailers outperformed. U.S. e‑commerce holiday sales are expected to rise 7% to 9% this year, reflecting resilient demand. Within this environment, discount and resale platforms have thrived. One of the most surprising winners in 2025 has been ThredUp (TDUP), a secondhand apparel platform that has quietly transformed itself from a cash-burning niche retailer into a fast-improving resale infrastructure business. Shares of ThredUp have surged roughly 340% this year as investors reassessed its improving revenue trends, expanding margins, and path toward profitability.…

Selling a business in Washington State can be a life-changing win, but it’s also one of those projects where being “kind of prepared” usually costs you money. Buyers pay more when your numbers are clean, your operations are documented, and the deal feels low-risk.Below is a practical, friendly plan you can follow, plus Washington-specific places you can go for help (state filings, tax and licensing resources, mentoring, and directories for CPAs and attorneys). I’ll also cover Washington’s biggest cities and what tends to matter most in each local market. Selling a $1M+ revenue business in Washington? Start with a free…

The state alleges that Hometap’s flagship home equity investment (HEI) product is an “illegal, deceptive, oppressive and unconscionable mortgage that violates the criminal usury statute.” Squires-Lee’s ruling means that Hometap cannot argue that earlier interactions with state regulators — including meetings in which the company says it described its product and was not told to stop — prevent the AG from pursuing the case. The case itself is continuing, with the court allowing limited discovery related to what Hometap was told by regulators — but it will not grant access to internal government deliberations. State alleges predatory practices The litigation,…