Author: Money Mechanics

The Social Security Administration follows a general schedule for mailing out checks to its more than 74 million beneficiaries. Most beneficiaries are paid according to their birth date and typically receive their payments on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month. Those who began receiving retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits before May 1997 will typically receive their payments on the third of every month. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program that provides additional income for people with disabilities and adults aged 65 and older with limited or no income, is distributed separately from Social Security benefits on the…

Key Takeaways Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s leadership term will expire in 2026, providing an opportunity for President Donald Trump to nominate a candidate who would be more favorable to interest rate cuts.The rotation of regional bank president voters isn’t seen as meaningfully changing the Fed’s path on interest rates. Significant changes are anticipated for the Federal Reserve in 2026—but they’re not guaranteed to change the path of interest rates. Jerome Powell’s term as the chair of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors is set to expire in May 2026 and President Donald Trump is already looking for a new…

Key Takeaways Pre-retirees heavily invested in AI stocks may be taking on more risk than intended and should consider rebalancing their portfolios to maintain diversification, according to personal finance expert Jean Chatzky. For those concerned about a recession, keeping a few years’ worth of expenses in cash or fixed income in retirement can help you avoid selling longer-term assets during market downturns. A lot has happened in the world of personal finance in 2025—from the passage of new tax legislation to the AI boom that has lifted the stock market to record highs. For individuals planning to retire in the…

Key Takeaways Only 14% of participants contributed the annual maximum in Vanguard-run defined contribution retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, in 2024. High-income earners are more likely to max out their 401(k)s, but even if you have a modest income, you can reach this goal. The power of compounding returns means you have a strong incentive to save as much as possible, as soon as possible. The reality of the U.S. retirement system is that most workers chronically under-save. Just over one-third of non-retirees said they thought their retirement savings plan was on track in 2023, according to a Federal Reserve…

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) is one of the 13 Best Fast Food Stocks to Buy. On December 19, Evercore ISI reiterated its Outperform rating on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG) with a $45 price target. Evercore ISI noted a modest improvement in quarter-to-date sales trends in recent weeks and increased its Q4 2025 same-store sales forecast from -4% to -3%. The research firm also raised its Q4 2025 EPS forecast from $0.23 to $0.24. This improvement is attributed mainly to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.’s (NYSE:CMG) Buy One Get One promotions. For fiscal year 2026, Evercore ISI lifted its EPS…

On an unadjusted basis, the index decreased 6% compared with the previous week. The refinance index decreased 6% from the previous week and was 110% higher than the same week one year ago. The refinance share of mortgage activity increased to 59.1% of total applications from 59.0% the previous week. The seasonally adjusted purchase index decreased 4% from one week earlier. The unadjusted purchase index decreased 6% compared with the previous week and was 16%5 higher than the same week one year ago. “Overall mortgage application volume fell last week, despite the slight decline in mortgage rates,” said Mike Fratantoni,…

There was a time when most Americans had little to no knowledge about their local data center. Long the invisible but critical backbone of the internet, server farms have rarely been a point of interest for folks outside of the tech industry, let alone an issue of particularly captivating political resonance. Well, as of 2025, it would appear those days are officially over. Over the past 12 months, data centers have inspired protests in dozens of states, as regional activists have sought to combat America’s ever-increasing compute buildup. Data Center Watch, an organization tracking anti-data center activism, writes that there…

Key Takeaways Retiring in a state that doesn’t tax 401(k), IRA, or Social Security withdrawals lets you keep more of your income and stretch your savings further. Of the top 50 U.S. cities to retire, 18 are located in states with no state tax on retirement income. From low housing costs to access to health care, arts, and entertainment, these tax-friendly cities provide a balance of financial security and quality of life. When you’re on a fixed retirement income, every dollar counts. That’s why it pays to live in a state that won’t tax your 401(k), IRA, or Social Security…

(Oil Price)– Sweden’s power giant Vattenfall announced on Tuesday it is applying for state aid for an investment in small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of a plan by industrial giants to bet on new nuclear power in the country. Last month Sweden’s biggest industrial firms signed an agreement with Vattenfall to become shareholders in the power giant’s new company, Videberg Kraft AB, which plans to build SMRs in the country. One of Europe’s top electric utilities, Vattenfall, created Videberg Kraft AB in April this year as a separate entity to be able to apply for government support. Now the company and the…

Key Takeaways The average retired household spends around $5,000 per month ($60,000 per year), with housing, healthcare, and food being the largest expense categories.With a median 401(k) balance of $210,724 for individuals ages 60 to 69, the average retiree relying on the 4% withdrawal rule and Social Security benefits will face a shortfall—that is, they won’t have enough to cover their monthly costs.Retirees can bridge the gap by boosting savings, delaying retirement, cutting discretionary expenses, or exploring additional income sources like part-time work or rental properties. One of the most pressing questions you’ll face as a retiree is: How much…