Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways 93% of workers want 401(k) plans to offer lifetime income options, according to a study. Still, lifetime income can come from sources like Social Security, pensions, annuities, and thoughtfully planned withdrawal strategies using bonds, investments, or income-focused funds. A sustainable withdrawal strategy also involves thinking about spending needs and tax implications, as well as building a reliable income floor. You’ve spent decades building your nest egg, but how do you turn that lump sum into a paycheck that lasts? According to a 2025 Nuveen and TIAA Institute study, nearly all 401(k) participants (93%) say they want retirement plans…

Key Takeaways If you’ve worked hard to save $30,000 or more, it’s time to make that money work for you. A high-yield savings account can pay 13 times more than a traditional savings account, which often pays nearly 0% interest. By switching to an account that pays 4.50% APY (or better), you could earn hundreds of dollars more every year, helping to grow your savings faster. Consider high-yield savings accounts, high-yield checking accounts, and even money market accounts, which all pay high rates from 4.00% to 6.75%. For many, saving $30,000 can take years to achieve. In fact, the median…

Stay informed with free updatesSimply sign up to the UK banks myFT Digest — delivered directly to your inbox.British banks expect their capital requirements to be eased as a result of a landmark review to be published by the Bank of England next week.Pressure has been mounting on the central bank to give lenders some relief on capital, after calls by ministers and City of London executives for a more pro-growth approach to free up more lending and as the US waters down banking regulation.Chancellor Rachel Reeves this week wrote to BoE governor Andrew Bailey welcoming its review of capital…

With NVIDIA’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) released last week, we now have a clearer picture of the performance of the so-called Magnificent Seven and other major US stocks. The biggest disappointment came from , which missed earnings expectations and raised concerns about higher AI-related spending, causing its stock to drop more than 11% immediately after the announcement. Only at the start of this week has the stock shown signs of slowing the decline and attempting a partial recovery. Alphabet has been a clear winner in recent weeks, moving sharply higher. Amazon also delivered strong results, while continues its upward trend, benefiting from easing…

There are now attendees representing more than 110 organisations registered to join us in New York on February 6th 2026 for the tenth insurance-linked securities conference in the ILS NYC series. Early Bird tickets are running low for ILS NYC 2026, so to take advantage of what is the last discount available please register soon to attend.Our annual New York insurance-linked securities conference is our flagship ILS industry event of the year and among the biggest events in the world dedicated to the catastrophe bond and insurance-linked securities asset class. We expect to have more than 400 attendees join our…

Job seekers speak with recruiters during the SacJobs Career job fair in Sacramento, California, US, on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025.David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesThe Bureau of Labor Statistics on Thursday will release the September nonfarm payrolls number, ending a shutdown-induced blackout on official jobs data, albeit with a decidedly rear-window view.Due at 8:30 a.m. ET, the release is forecast to show a gain of 50,000 jobs in the public and private sectors, up from the initially reported 22,000 in August but still indicative of a soft labor market.Though the report will be backward-looking, it at least will…

When is Black Friday? Black Friday is an annual shopping event that takes place the day after Thanksgiving in the US. This year, it falls on Friday, Nov. 28. However, you can expect deals the week leading up to the day, as well as all weekend long.Are iPad deals really cheaper on Black Friday?Apple devices go on sale periodically throughout the year, but historically, you’ll see the biggest discounts during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend–especially when it comes to the newer models like the new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini. We expect to see deals of up to 20%…

Key Takeaways About 1 in 3 Americans want the housing market to crash, according to a new survey, and many renters believe that a crash will allow them to afford a home.Experts warn against trying to time the housing market because lost equity, rising prices, and a dash for homes could offset any potential gains from waiting.Instead, the best thing to do is buy a home when you can afford it. If you’re waiting for the housing market to crash, you’re not alone. According to a 2024 survey by Lending Tree, over a third (36%) of Americans actively want the…

Key Takeaways Borrowing or withdrawing from your 401(k) leads to missed potential market returns.A withdrawal or loan reduces your investment base, forfeiting decades of compounding growth.Recovery takes time—rebuilding your retirement nest egg after a withdrawal is more difficult than it seems. The rising cost of living is one of the biggest stressors for three out of four employees, according to recent data from Fidelity Investments. For some, this can lead to a withdrawal or a loan from their 401(k). While this can offer temporary relief, it often comes at a steep long-term cost. Even a modest early withdrawal can potentially…

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.Shiny metals are all the rage this year, with gold and silver on a tear. So it might be tempting to see platinum’s revival — the metal is up almost 80 per cent since January — as the result of spillover demand from investors seeking a hedge against currency debasement. But while platinum has in the past been viewed as a store of value, it is now best understood as a hedge against the slowing energy transition. That’s because the automotive sector currently…