Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Thousands of federal workers furloughed or working without pay during the government shutdown will receive back pay in a matter of days.An estimated 730,000 working without pay and 670,000 on furlough missed about $14.6 billion in collective pay.The law requires the back pay to go out as soon as possible. Finally, millions of missing paychecks are about to hit the bank accounts of federal workers as the government reopens from its 43-day shutdown.With the government now re-opened, federal workers are on track to get back pay they’re owed in a matter of days. Furloughed workers as well as…

Key Takeaways Michael Burry is an investor who profited from the subprime mortgage crisis by shorting the 2007 mortgage bond market, making $100 million for himself and $700 million for his investors.Burry shut down his hedge fund, Scion Capital, in 2008. In 2013 his private investment firm, Scion Asset Management, was incorporated.Burry deregistered his firm Scion Asset Management in November 2025, which means he’s no longer required to file reports with the state and regulators, according to CNBC.Burry holds an M.D. and is licensed to practice medicine in California but does not. Who Is Michael Burry? Michael James Burry is…

Alternative investment strategies, including those in the private markets, have long been a component of sophisticated portfolio construction.But there is a notable new trend in the financial advice industry: Retail investors are asking about them.As product innovation lowers entry points and broadens distribution, individual investors want to access the strategies once reserved for institutions and the ultrawealthy. 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 investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more – straight…

Retirement account contribution numbers are going up in 2026.gettyThe IRS has announced that the amount of tax-favored funds that you can sock away for retirement is increasing. In 2026, the amount most individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans will tick up $1,000 to $24,500—it was $23,500 for 2025. The announcement is tied to cost‑of‑living adjustments for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2026 (those adjustments are required by law). Here’s a look at some of the most common plans and what will be different next year: 401(k) and Similar PlansThe amount individuals can contribute to their…

Key Takeaways The Dow posted its 17th record close of the year yesterday, ending a session above 48000 for the first time ever.The 30-name index of blue-chip stocks has outpaced the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 over the past two trading sessions—and over the past month. Long live the Dow: The oldest of the three major stock-market barometers—and, usually, the least ostentatious—is popping wheelies these days. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied above the 48000 level for the first time on Wednesday, posting its 17th record close of the year. And though its rise has lagged the S&P 500 and…

In the next two decades, the largest intergenerational wealth shift in history will unfold.Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation are transferring assets at a pace never before seen. Cerulli Associates estimates that about $84 trillion will change hands in the U.S. through 2045, with $72 trillion flowing to heirs and nearly $12 trillion going to charity.Numbers this large can dominate the headlines, but the real story is about preparation and protection. Families who believe they’ve completed their estate plans once the technicalities, such as documents, valuations and tax strategies are in place, might be overlooking critical risks. From just $107.88…

Key Takeaways Oppenheimer analysts raised their price target for Nvidia’s stock to $265 from $225, saying they believe the chipmaker “remains best positioned to win in AI.”The stock has climbed close to 40% in 2025 as demand for the company’s AI chips surged, though the shares have pulled back recently amid worries about an AI bubble.Nvidia is set to report its latest quarterly results next Wednesday. One Nvidia bull just got more bullish. Analysts at Oppenheimer boosted their target for the chipmaker’s stock to $265 from $225, telling clients yesterday they believe Nvidia “remains best positioned to win in AI”…

Key Takeaways Wholesale turkey prices have surged about 40% because of avian flu, but retailers are still offering deep discounts on turkeys. Despite the rise in turkey prices, overall Thanksgiving meal costs are expected to be 2% to 3% lower than last year, especially for shoppers who choose store brands. This Thanksgiving, you might have to splurge a bit more on the turkey, but you can still buy the rest of your meal on a budget. A recent analysis from the American Farm Bureau Federation, an agricultural industry group, found that wholesale turkey prices have increased about 40% from last…

Much of the attention surrounding the recent November 4 elections centered on key races in states including New York, New Jersey, and Virginia.However, Texas voters made a move of their own, approving Proposition 2. That amendment to their state constitution will solidify a ban on Texas capital gains taxes, including those on unrealized gains.But wait: isn’t Texas already a state with no income tax? Why would voters need to prevent a tax on capital gains that has never been imposed? As you might expect, answers to these questions involve economic and political considerations. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal…

With the giving season officially underway, December 31 marks your critical tax deadline for charitable giving. About 30% of annual gifts occur before year-end, making this the prime time for taxpayers to maximize their 2025 itemized charitable donations tax deduction.And for high-income earners, charitable giving in 2025 is particularly vital. Tax legislation in 2026 will cap the maximum federal tax benefit at 35%, effectively making contributions this year far more valuable. Plus, a new rule next year might further reduce the allowable charitable deductions for donors with complex gifting strategies.Here’s what you need to know. From just $107.88 $24.99 for…