Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Advanced Micro Devices hosted its first analyst day yesterday, where the chipmaker unveiled rosy new targets fueled by booming AI demand.AMD said it now believes its total addressable AI market could be over $1 trillion by 2030, up from a previous target of $500 billion by 2028. Advanced Micro Devices shares are getting a boost from its outlook. The stock was up about 10% in early trading Wednesday, leading gains on the S&P 500 after the chipmaker yesterday unveiled ambitious new targets at its first analyst day. (Read our daily markets coverage here.) Chip stocks were broadly rising, too, with…

Key Takeways Debt in retirement can quickly erode your fixed income, limiting how much you can spend on essentials like healthcare and everyday living. Paying off high-interest debt like credit cards first can help you save more since the interest you’re charged often outweighs investment returns. Balance transfer cards can offer temporary relief from a high APR, but only if you pay off the balance before the 0% APR introductory period ends. Depending on what type of debt and how much of it you have, debt can hamper you financially in retirement, eroding your fixed income. A recent study from…

In this episode, Mark Longo provides a comprehensive recap of the volatile trading day on November 6th. Run your own reports and get more free options data at: TheHotOptionsReport.com The market experienced a significant downturn marked by a VIX spike above 20 and unusually heavy volume in major index products like SPY (11.4M contracts) and QQQ (6.65M contracts), signaling strong bearish sentiment. The action was dominated by a Tech Takedown, with Nvidia (NVDA), Meta (META), and AMD all facing heavy selling and driving massive options volume, primarily in downside put contracts. Other notable trades included a significant put position in…

Key Takeaways Palantir Technologies Inc.’s (PLTR) new fellowship offers high school graduates a paid pathway toward working at the company, along with training and courses on topics like Western Civilization. CEO Alex Karp said the initiative is meant to challenge traditional higher education. The fellowship comes amid a tough job market for recent college grads. Palantir Technologies, whose share price has more than tripled in the past year, is paying 22 high school graduates about $5,400 a month this fall to forgo college, with several turning down Ivy League offers to do it. The data analytics giant’s “Meritocracy Fellowship” promises…

Here’s a startling truth: Two retirees with identical portfolios and withdrawal rates could experience the same average annual return and end up with vastly different outcomes.In the worst-case scenario, one might run out of money, while the other sails through retirement comfortably.This isn’t a coincidence; it’s a critical retirement threat known as sequence of returns risk. 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 to…

As 2025 winds down, many affluent families are taking stock, not just of markets and account balances, but of what those numbers really mean.For years, financial success has been measured by numbers, such as beating market benchmarks and increasing net worth.But with tax laws now clarified under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), inflation still weighing down portfolios and family priorities evolving, people are asking a different question: Do our financial plans support the lives we want to live? From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. CLICK FOR FREE ISSUE Sign up…

Question: I’m 58, divorced, and dating again, but women just seem to care about the size of my bank account. How should I approach dating differently now?Answer: Reentering the dating world can be daunting when you’ve been off the market for quite some time. But you may reach a point when you’re ready to get back out there — perhaps once your grown kids are settled into lives of their own, or once you find yourself inching closer to retirement and wanting companionship.The good news is that you have several tools at your disposal for finding a partner — dating…

Stock futures pointed higher Wednesday on optimism that the 43-day U.S. government shutdown would soon come to an end.  Futures associated with the tech-heavy tech-heavy Nasdaq, benchmark S&P 500, and blue-chip Dow Jones Industrial Average were up a respective 0.5%, 0.3%, and 0.1%. The three major stock indexes ended mixed yesterday, with the Dow jumping 1.2%, or about 560 points, to close at a record high for the first time in two weeks. The S&P 500 added 0.2% but the Nasdaq shed 0.3%.  The Senate approved legislation to fund the government until Jan. 30 and end the shutdown late Monday. Following the Veterans Day…

Choosing the right savings account can be the difference between maximizing your potential and missing out on hundreds of dollars in earned interest. That’s why once a year, I’ll shop around to ensure my savings account continues to meet my needs, and there isn’t one that might be better suited for my situation.Now is an important time for savers to shop around. The Federal Reserve cut rates twice, and it may cut them again when it meets in December. As such, choosing the right account can help you stay on course for achieving your savings goals even with diminishing returns.With…

key takeaways Texas offers retirees the absence of a state income tax, plus lower living costs.Jefferson County provides coastal living at an affordable price.Maverick County offers small-town charm with an authentic Mexican feel.Gregg County blends East Texas culture with strong health care options. If you’re starting to think about where you might like to retire, Texas should be on your list of possible landing spots. With no state income tax, a lower cost of living, and plenty of sunshine, it’s a retirement destination that balances affordability with lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to fishing along the coast, enjoying the slower pace…