Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Rewards cards can help build credit if used responsibly. Applying for new cards may trigger hard inquiries and lower your average credit age. High balances can spike utilization and lower your score. Earning rewards shouldn’t come at the cost of interest charges or missed payments. Managing multiple rewards cards can be beneficial if you’re organized and pay on time. Rewards credit cards offer cash back, points, or miles on your everyday purchases, but they also play a significant role in your credit health. Depending on how you manage your account, these cards can either strengthen your credit over…

Key Takeaways Choosing a travel rewards card starts with understanding how you travel and spend money.Premium cards may offer better perks—but only if you’ll use them.It’s important to compare both earnings and redemption options when considering cards.The best card for one traveler may not suit another, so compare multiple cards against your spending habits and travel plans.  Using the right travel rewards credit card can make your trips more affordable, but with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an occasional vacationer, or someone who’s just getting into maximizing travel perks, it’s important…

First Advantage Debt Relief (www.FirstAdvantageDebtRelief.com) is a for-profit Debt Relief company that specializes in debt settlement for consumers struggling with unsecured credit card debt. Their Certified Debt Specialists negotiate with creditors to settle debts for less than you owe, but as with all settlement programs, it’s important to understand that this type of relief is not for everyone. Let’s take a closer look and see how it compares to New Era Debt Solutions, our top-rated company of 2025. #1 Rated Debt Relief Company in 2025? Looking for the #1 rated debt relief & settlement company in America this year? Check…

A version of this article first appeared in the CNBC Property Play newsletter with Diana Olick. Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family offices, institutional investors and large public companies. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox.Commercial real estate dealmaking is having a rough 2025, after gaining significant momentum coming out of the pandemic. Transactions are still happening, but they have stalled at well below pre-Covid levels. The overall dollar value of deals has grown just 5% from last year as of the third quarter, according…

When is Black Friday? In 2025, Black Friday is set for Friday, November 28. It’s one of the best times of the year to score deep discounts on Nintendo Switch consoles, games, and accessories from major retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon. We expect many of these sales to carry over until Cyber Monday, December 1. Is the PlayStation 5 really cheaper during Black Friday? Absolutely! Sony’s PlayStation 5 always sees significant discounts during Cyber Week. Retailers often cut prices on console bundles, controllers, and popular games, with price drops usually exceeding $100. This shopping event is one of the best times…

Key Takeaways It is possible to gift a contribution to another person’s IRA, but the recipient will remain subject to the earned income requirement as if they made contributions of their own.  IRAs have an annual overall contribution limit (as well as an additional “catch-up” limit for those age 50 or older); the total of any gifts plus account holder contributions must remain under that limit. It is possible to contribute above the annual limit, but all excess IRA contributions are taxed at a penalty of 6% per year until both the excess and all income earned on it are…

Key Takeaways The median household income for ages 35–44 was $86,473, according to the latest Federal Reserve data. That’s just behind 45–54-year-olds.Income varies widely across groups, with homeowners and college graduates earning more than renters and those without a degree.Income is only part of the equation—tracking net worth provides a clearer view of your financial health and long-term stability. Household income—and wealth—shift significantly with age. Data from the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances show that families typically see earnings and assets rise through midlife. For households ages 35–44, this is a key stage for building financial strength. Understanding how…

Key Takeaways Cash-back credit cards return a percentage of your spending as a reward.  Some cards offer flat-rate cash-back while others reward specific categories. Redemption is usually straightforward and flexible, unlike travel-focused cards. They work best when you pay your balance in full to avoid interest. What Is a Cash-Back Rewards Card? A cash-back rewards card is a type of credit card designed to incentivize consumer spending by offering a portion of the purchase amount back to the user in the form of cash or equivalent rewards. For example, a card offering 2% cash-back would return $2 for every $100…

Capital One Kids Savings Account Key Features APY Range 2.50% Minimum Balance to Earn Highest APY No minimum requirement Minimum Deposit $0 Withdrawal Limit 6 per statement cycle (currently not enforced) Monthly Service Fee $0 The Capital One Kids Savings Account is a parent-controlled savings option for young children. It has no minimum balance requirement or monthly fees, making it a useful starter account for kids.  Children under the age of 18 are eligible for the Kids Savings Account. There is no minimum age requirement, so you can open an account for a new baby and start saving on their…

Margaret Wright and Bradley Martin.Courtesy of MartinWright Advisory Atlanta’s newest RIA firm, MartinWright Advisory, launched Monday with seven employees and a clear mission: Bringing institutional-caliber investment management to complex families—and building an advisor-led ownership model designed to last. The firm’s founders, Margaret Wright and Bradley Martin, are both in their 40s and are well-known in the city’s wealth management circles. Between them, they previously managed more than $4.5 billion in cumulative client assets at Truist and Balentine, respectively. Now, they’re betting their combined experience can anchor a new independent firm—one focused on deep customization, next-generation technology and clearly mapped advisor…