Author: Money Mechanics

Cboe FX November Volume Report Cboe Japan Corporate Webpage to be permanently terminated effected from November 2025 November HighlightsIn November 2025, Cboe FX recorded a monthly Spot Average Daily Volume (ADV) of $49.6 billion, up from $47.7 billion, or 4.0%, from November 2024.Cboe SEF ADV1 topped $3.5 billion in November, a new high watermark, and an 89.1% increase from November 2024’s ADV of $1.9 billion.At $18.4 billion, Cboe FX ECN Firm ADV2 accounted for 52.9% of the Spot ECN total, highest share of Firm ADV recorded on Spot ECN, and a 14.8% increase from November 2024’s ADV of $16.0 billion.At…

Key Takeaways Inflation can erode your retirement savings, reduce your purchasing power, and increase your cost of living.To keep up with inflation, devise a budget to keep track of your expenses and review it regularly.Review your investments at regular intervals and meet with a financial professional if you feel like you’re falling off track.Diversify your holdings to include a mix of stocks, bonds, and alternative investments to help you spread out any inflationary risks.A consistent, disciplined approach can help you preserve your capital and grow your wealth. Inflation is the increase in prices of goods and services in the economy,…

(Image credit: Getty Images)If you were to type into a search engine, “Should I talk about politics with my financial adviser?” you would find a long list of articles by advisers, and for advisers, about how best to avoid politics when discussing financial plans with clients.I vehemently disagree with the notion that political conversations between financial advisers and clients should be sidestepped.In fact, I would go so far as to say it is impossible for an adviser to fulfill their fiduciary duty — a legal obligation to act in your best interest — without fully knowing you as a whole…

(Image credit: Getty Images)I swore I would never write another column specific to one piece of legislation because of its short shelf life in the ever-changing political landscape. However …There were enough changes in the planning strategies stemming from the One Big Beautiful Bill (expect a cosmetic name change before the midterms) that I thought it would be a disservice to leave my followers in the dark.We’ve done our year-end reviews early because most custodians have to execute transactions before the IRS deadline of December 31. Much of this work requires calculations that take some time. From just $107.88 $24.99…

Question: My grown child got laid off. How do I talk to them about it over the holidays without making them think I’m disappointed in them?Answer: The holidays are a great time for families to reconnect. And if you’re an empty nester with grown kids, you may be looking forward to seeing them this December.A recent survey found that 54% of empty nesters expect their grown children to come home for the holidays. And 69% say luring them home with the promise of their favorite foods is a tactic that’s long been successful. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal…

(Image credit: Getty Images)This is the time of year when Wall Street strategists look into their proverbial crystal balls to get a sense of what investors may face in the new year. This year, Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine spoke with Keith Lerner, the chief market strategist and chief investment officer for Truist Wealth.Lerner says the U.S. stock market will contend with “a carousel of concerns” but should come out ahead in 2026, thanks to strong fundamentals. Read on to see what’s behind Truist’s bullish view.Kiplinger: What do you see ahead for financial markets in 2026? Do you have a target…

Tired of feeling in a tight spot come tax time? You’re not alone. According to a recent Pew Research report, just over half of Americans believe they pay “more than their fair share” in taxes.Fortunately, you could have a say over how much the taxman takes if you’re willing to relocate. But you should consider a state’s overall tax landscape before making a move.For instance, some states make up for low income taxes with higher taxes in other areas, like sales and property tax rates — making you perhaps no better off than you were before relocating, tax-wise. From just…

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is pushing a new “No Taxes on Healthcare Act” that would let households deduct up to $25,000 in out‑of‑pocket medical costs, including health insurance premiums they pay themselves.This proposed deduction would be in addition to the standard deduction, which most taxpayers currently claim.The proposal comes on the heels of a massive 2025 Trump/GOP tax and spending bill that offers taxpayers several new deductions for car loan interest, overtime pay, and tip income. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4…

Key Takeaways The concept of “retirement” is evolving; 65 today looks and feels more like 55 a generation ago. For most young professionals, retirement planning really means planning for financial independence, and the freedom to choose how, when, and why they work.  Successful retirement planning is not about maximizing your wealth at 80, but rather balancing your current lifestyle preferences with your future financial security.  Ultimately, retirement planning is life planning, which can be defined as living how you want and structuring your finances in a way that supports your goals.  More Americans are turning 65 right now than at any other point…

(Image credit: Getty Images)Homeowners today are sitting on a historic amount of real estate wealth. Americans collectively hold about $17.3 trillion in home equity, a level not seen in decades.At the same time, borrowing costs tied to that equity have begun to ease. Many home-equity loans, HELOCs and cash-out refinances have recently dipped below 8%, after peaking much higher during the rate-hike cycle.With 2026 approaching, a year that could bring both lower interest rates and tax-law changes, many homeowners are weighing their options. Should they tap their equity now, or wait in hopes of better savings later? Here is how…