Author: Money Mechanics

(Investing)– Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday as potential sales of Venezuelan crude seized by the United States were countered by heightened supply disruption fears after Ukrainian attacks on Russian vessels and piers. Brent crude futures rose 6 cents to $62.13 a barrel by 1221 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up 2 cents at $58.03. Prices had risen by more than 2% on Monday, with Brent registering its biggest daily gain in two months and WTI climbing the most since November 14. “The market appears to be wrestling between the oversupplied bearish factors and the latest supply concerns from…

If you’re a business owner, you already know how financial tasks can drain your time and resources, especially when you run a small business or startup. As a result, some professionals have turned to artificial intelligence (AI) for help. But is it effective? We spoke with professionals across three industries to learn how AI has helped them streamline workflows and reduce their outsourcing costs. Here are the financial tasks they stopped paying experts for after turning to ChatGPT. Dennis Vong, founder and owner of Inland Power Wash, said he used to pay a bookkeeper every quarter to organize the company’s…

Russia’s production this year will remain unchanged from the previous year at some 516 million tons, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said today, adding that in 2026, oil production should rise to 525 million tons, Interfax cited the official as saying. The 2025 total is equal to around 10.36 million barrels daily, to rise to 10.54 million barrels daily in 2036, based on a conversion ratio of 7.33 barrels in a ton. The 2026 increase is about 2% on this year and will be pursued “in accordance with the socio-economic development forecast,” Novak said. Over the next five years, crude…

2025 Data Now I don’t count the last two weeks of the year because all the weekly housing data gets impacted by the holidays and the first few days of the new year. However, with 2025 mostly in the books, here is what the purchase application data looked like: 23 positive readings 20 negative readings 6 flat prints 46 straight weeks of positive year-over-year data 33  consecutive weeks of double-digit growth year over year On the surface, the year-over-year data looks really good. However, we are working from record-low levels based on purchase application data from 2024, so the year-over-year…

Kerry Wan/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysSamsung’s hidden “Connectivity Labs” unlocks secret Wi-Fi tools.Features include Wi-Fi inspection, faster data switching, and more.Works on newer Samsung Galaxy phones with OneUI 6 or later.Did someone on Reddit just uncover one of the best-kept secrets of Samsung Galaxy phones? OneUI, the software launcher that powers Samsung phones, is best known for its abundance of features — so much so that you’ll either never use some of them because there’s simply too much or they’re just hidden from plain sight.Also: 5 bloatware apps you should uninstall from your…

Key Takeaways Many Asian countries offer beautiful landscapes, delicious food, rich history and culture, and a friendly atmosphere for retirees seeking destinations abroad.Monthly living costs in these countries range from under $300 to $600 (excluding rent)—up to four times cheaper than in the U.S. Your dollar can stretch three to four times farther in Asia than in the U.S. In India, you can live comfortably on about $270 a month, excluding rent. In Thailand, about $600 a month gets you beach access, excellent street food, and world-class health care. And in Vietnam, $350 covers your monthly expenses in a country…

However your trades performed in 2025, you can restart the clock in just a few days. Jobless claims, Fed meeting minutes and pending home sales data will highlight another holiday-shortened week as traders get a day off for the New Year’s Day holiday on Thursday. While bond markets will close early at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, stock markets are operating a normal schedule on New Year’s Eve. The first session of 2026 is on Friday, following a year where stocks turned around an April swoon to set major indexes on a path to close higher by double digits. History shows…

As the calendar flips to 2026, there’s no better time to supercharge your retirement savings. With the welcome increases to contribution limits — $24,500 for 401(k)s, 403(b)s and similar plans, and $7,500 for traditional and Roth IRAs — you now have more room than ever to build a hearty nest egg. Together with catch-up contributions for those 50 and older and super catch-ups for those 60-63, you’ve got a prime opportunity toward a secure, comfortable retirement.Whether you’re just starting out or closing in on your golden years, making 2026 your breakthrough year starts with taking proactive steps right from the…

Key Takeaways Many women expect to live to age 90, yet a significant percentage of older women are unprepared for retirement. 27% of Generation X women and 19% of baby boomer women have saved less than $25,000 for retirement. Persistent gender pay gaps, career interruptions for caregiving, and limited access to retirement plans contribute to women’s lower retirement savings. Women can strengthen their retirement security by saving early, working longer, and delaying Social Security to maximize benefits. Women are planning to live long lives: their median anticipated life expectancy is 90 years, according to a new survey from the Transamerica…

Key Takeaways Median bank account balances in the U.S. range from $5,400 for those under 35 to $13,400 for ages 65–74, according to Federal Reserve data. Couples—with and without kids—report higher median savings than single households. College-educated households have the highest bank balances. The data reflects median—not average—savings, offering a more accurate snapshot of what typical Americans hold in their bank accounts. To boost your savings faster, consider a top high-yield savings account, money market account, or CD. How Much Cash Americans Keep in the Bank—And Where You Stand Ever wonder how your bank balance compares to others? Federal Reserve…