Author: Money Mechanics

In-brief analysis November 24, 2025 Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power MonthlyNote: Coal represents less than 1% each year. Although natural gas generation still provides more electricity than any other source in California, electricity generation from natural gas has decreased over the past several years while generation from solar has increased. According to data from our Electric Power Monthly, electricity generation from January through August 2025 (the latest data in our October release) was 140.9 billion kilowatthours (BkWh), 8% more than the same period in 2020. The generation growth in…

Oil prices have gone into hibernation, and the diesel crack spread has come back down as peace hopes and LNG exports from the US to Europe are rising. US Energy policy is playing a part in the peace process and raising hopes that parts of Europe won/t freeze this winter.  There has been a modest shift toward risk off mode in oil, gold, and silver markets following reports that US and Ukrainian negotiators have developed an “updated and refined peace framework.” The parties announced on Sunday their intention to continue advancing the peace plan in the coming days. According to…

Key Takeaways A 1-point drop in mortgage rates can translate into hundreds of dollars in monthly savings.You can put extra money toward household bills, investing, or paying down debt faster.Closing costs can cut into your equity, so compare the fees to your monthly savings to determine how long it will take to break even and whether the refinancing is truly worth it.Restarting a 30-year term may reduce your monthly payment but could extend the life of your mortgage, so it’s important to calculate whether the long-term tradeoff is worth the immediate savings. Over the last few years, mortgage rates have…

Key Takeaways Novo Nordisk’s U.S.-listed shares are falling sharply Monday after the drugmaker said its latest drug trial was not effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s.The company was testing whether semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, could slow the cognitive decline of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Novo Nordisk (NVO) shares tumbled Monday morning after the Danish drugmaker posted the latest results from a drug trial. The company had been looking to determine whether semaglutide, the active ingredient in weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, could also slow the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The trial’s goal…

(Investing) – Oil prices edged marginally higher Monday, steadying after last week’s sharp losses as markets weighed the prospects of a potential peace deal in Ukraine. At 07:50 ET (12:50 GMT),  expiring in January edged up 0.2% to $62.08 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 0.7% to $58.20 per barrel. Both contracts recorded losses of nearly 3% last week. The U.S. and Ukraine have agreed on an “updated and refined” peace framework for the conflict with Russia. Under the revised plan, Kyiv and Washington accepted changes to an earlier 28-point draft, which had been criticised by Ukraine and its…

Key Takeaways Among the most common financial mistakes, a scattered portfolio, old accounts, and overlooked documents can quietly drain wealth.Tax inefficiency and outdated beneficiaries often go unnoticed until it’s too late.If you want to prevent costly mistakes, make sure you have a clear financial plan that you regularly revisit and adjust as necessary. Many people assume their finances are in decent shape—until a closer look reveals gaps that can cost them money, time, and peace of mind. Carolyn McClanahan, founder of Life Planning Partners, says new clients often arrive with portfolios and plans that don’t line up with their goals—or…

Key Takeaways Social Security recipients will see a 2.8% COLA increase in 2026, but some of that boost is to be offset by rising Medicare Part B premiums. The monthly Medicare Part B premium will rise almost 10% to $202.90 per month, cutting into the 2026 COLA announced last month. That extra cash landing in your Social Security check next year? Don’t spend it just yet. Medicare just announced its 2026 premiums, and they’re about to take a bite out of your cost-of-living raise. For the average retiree, what looked like a $57 monthly boost will shrink to just $39…

A growing number of women inheriting wealth are redefining philanthropy.Rather than focusing on luxury or one-time donations, many are channeling their resources into lasting, purpose-driven movements that can shape communities for generations.One powerful example is Alice L. Walton, the richest woman in the world, who recently opened her own medical school and is covering tuition for its first five graduating classes, as reported by Time magazine. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on…

It’s the time of year when everyone returns home to the nest. Between meals, travel plans and old traditions, there are usually a few quiet moments when parents and young adult children can truly connect.As many parents know, these moments can be fleeting once young adults are out in the world, but when they do occur, they can be a great time to check in on how things are going — including with money.Whether your child is on break from college, in the midst of job hunting or settling into their first job, the holidays provide an ideal opportunity to…

Key Takeaways Warren Buffett, chair and CEO of holding company Berkshire Hathaway, says stock splits often increase transaction costs, invite short-termism, and detach price from business value. Berkshire created low-denomination Class B shares in 1996, and later split them 50-for-1 in 2010 as a targeted exception to the rule, not as a reversal of principle. Buffett’s philosophy aims to attract “business-owner” investors. Warren Buffett has long argued against stock splits, as he believes they increase trading churn, invite short-term speculators, and detach the share price from underlying business value. Splits were one step Berkshire Hathaway would never take in Buffett’s view,…