Author: Money Mechanics

KEY TAKEAWAYS A proposed bill would increase Social Security benefits by an extra $200 for the first six months of 2026.Lawmakers say this tax-free boost would help beneficiaries afford rising costs for essential expenses, such as medication and groceries. Your Social Security check could be a couple of hundred dollars bigger in the first half of 2026, if a proposed Congressional bill passes. Several Democratic lawmakers introduced a bill to the Senate at the end of October that would raise monthly Social Security payments by $200 starting in January and ending on June 30. They say these additional benefits would help…

Key Takeaways If your rent increases, you may think buying is the way to save, but interest rates and housing costs are critical factors.Staying in one place for at least five to seven years often makes homeownership more advantageous.If both renting and buying feel unaffordable, strategies like shared housing, relocating, or negotiating your salary can help. With average rent prices climbing nearly 28% over the past five years, many renters across the country are wondering if homeownership might be the smarter financial move. The answer isn’t exactly straightforward, according to Kirk Reagan, owner of High Flight Financial. “There are too…

Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for freeYour guide to what Trump’s second term means for Washington, business and the worldThe Federal Trade Commission is probing proxy advisory firms Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis for possible antitrust violations over how they influence shareholder votes, said people briefed on the matter.The move comes as US President Donald Trump was considering an executive order to curb the power of the two proxy advisers as well as that of asset managers with big passive investing businesses such as BlackRock and Vanguard, which control vast stakes across corporate America, these people said.Trump had…

October CPI and Jobs Data Likely Never to Be Released – Extremely Explosive for Precious Metals A seismic shift is unfolding in the global financial landscape. The U.S. government’s data blackout—triggered by the prolonged shutdown—has left both October CPI () and  in limbo, with senior officials confirming that these critical releases may never see daylight. For the first time in modern history, the markets are flying blind on both inflation and employment. The implications are staggering. Monetary policy, risk models, and algorithmic strategies that depend on these metrics are suddenly data-deficient, and that vacuum of truth is lighting a fuse…

Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic said Wednesday he will be leaving his position when his term expires in February.Bostic has been in his current role since June 2017 and is the first Black and openly gay regional president. His term, which also was marked by issues relating to personal investments he made, runs until Feb. 28.”I’m proud of what we accomplished during my tenure to turn the lofty goal of an economy that works for everyone into more of a reality, and I look forward to discovering new ways to advance that bold vision in my next chapter,” Bostic…

As generative AI content starts to fill our social apps, a project to bring back Vine’s six-second looping videos is launching with Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey’s backing. On Thursday, a new app called diVine will give access to more than 100,000 archived Vine videos, restored from an older backup that was created before Vine’s shutdown. The app won’t just exist as a walk down memory lane; it will also allow users to create profiles and upload their own new Vine videos. However, unlike on traditional social media, where AI content is often haphazardly labeled, diVine will flag suspected generative AI…

Key Takeaways Adams County’s low cost of living stretches retirement savings further than Florida.Affordable home prices and rentals make housing highly budget-friendly.Healthcare access is decent locally, with specialized care a short drive away.Rich culture, history, and natural beauty add lifestyle value.Mississippi’s retiree-friendly tax policies keep more money in your pocket. When you picture retirement, the warm, sandy Florida beaches may come to mind first. But rising costs in the Sunshine State are pushing many retirees to explore alternatives—such as Adams County, Mississippi. Located along the Mississippi River and anchored by historic Natchez, the county offers affordability that can stretch savings…

Key Takeaways If you’re shopping for a new travel rewards card, compare any sign-up bonuses they offer and what you have to do to earn them. Some cards have special bonus categories that reward certain types of spending at a higher rate, while others pay a higher flat bonus on all categories. Plan to put your purchases on whichever card offers the best reward for that particular transaction. When the time comes to redeem rewards, try to use them in a way that will give you the most value for your points or miles. Your rewards will often go further…

Key Takeaways Federal Reserve officials shared opposing viewpoints as to whether the Fed should cut its benchmark interest rate in December.Raphael Bostic argued inflation is a greater threat than unemployment, and said the Fed should keep rates higher longer to combat price increases.Stephen Miran predicted high inflation would subside as a result of falling housing costs, so the Fed should cut rates. Fed officials are divided on whether to cut its influential interest rate in December, as illustrated by policymaker remarks this week.Two members of the Federal Open Market Committee spoke publicly on Wednesday, but they each made very different…

Key Takeaways The House of Representatives passed a bill ending the 43-day-long shutdown of the federal government.Once President Donald Trump signs the bill, shuttered government agencies can reopen and employees can be given back pay. The longest and potentially most economically harmful government shutdown in American history is on its way to ending in its 43rd day.The House of Representatives voted to pass a bill on Wednesday, funding the government until Jan. 30. That vote sets the stage for the shutdown to end after President Donald Trump signs the funding bill into law. Representatives followed the lead of the Senate, which…