Author: Money Mechanics

What Millennials Have Saved in Defined Contribution Accounts    Average  Median  25-34  $42,640  $16,255  35-44  $103,552  $39,958 Source: Vanguard’s How America Saves 2025 report How Much the Median Millennial Could Have Saved by 2055 We’re going to do two calculations based on the two age groups above (25–34 and 35–44) for the median millennial. We’ll choose an age roughly in the middle of each of these groups: 30 (roughly the middle of the 25–34 age group) and 40 (roughly the middle of the 35–44 age group). This is how much the median 30-year-old millennial today could have saved by age…

Key Takeaways For people in their 60s, retirement accounts typically hold more than $300,000 in stocks on average—but the median balance is closer to about $100,000.Taxable brokerage accounts vary widely, but industry data show engaged near-retirees often hold low- to mid-six-figure balances. As retirement nears, many wonder if their investment portfolios will provide the income they’ll need. For most Americans, the bulk of these investments is in qualified retirement accounts, such as 401(k) plans and IRAs. Indeed, while more than 80% of Americans in their 60s are invested in retirement plans, only about 35% have brokerage accounts. That leaves us…

Conversations about money with loved ones can be downright awkward, especially around the holiday season. While it might seem easier to avoid the topic, being honest and transparent with loved ones might actually be better for your relationships. Investopedia spoke with Gerika Espinosa, a certified financial planner (CFP) and certified financial therapist at DMBA Financial Planning, to discuss how to can establish boundaries with family members, have tough conversations, and mentally prepare for spending big on Black Friday. The key, Espinosa said, is to be “extra intentional” in the face of pressure to spend big around the holidays to make…

Key Takeaways America’s Southwest offers retirees a blend of natural beauty, endless opportunities for adventure, and a rich cultural history. Each city on our list doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, and several are in counties boasting median monthly property taxes below $100. Beyond favorable taxes and affordable housing, each city offers strong value through affordable amenities, abundant free outdoor activities, and access to quality healthcare. Filled with red-rock canyons, arid desert landscapes, and deep cultural roots, the Southwest’s beauty draws retirees craving wide-open spaces, adventure, and a slower pace of life. While certain cities in the region command a steep cost of…

Key Takeaways Cape Coral is a travel-friendly retirement destination close to Southwest Florida International Airport, which serves 71 destinations globally. The city has over 400 miles of navigable canals, making water travel and recreation highly accessible. In addition to its travel appeal, Lee County is home to 440 art centers and 1,816 health care establishments. The area has an affordable cost of living, especially in the food and tax categories, where costs are well below typical for the U.S. It’s still best to visit Cape Coral before relocating, particularly given its relatively high FEMA climate risk and rapidly growing population.…

Vanguard’s finally climbing its way up the ladder. The world’s second-largest issuer filed this week to launch 10 corporate bond ladder ETFs, years after products from top competition like BlackRock and Invesco. The new defined-maturity funds package bonds with similar face values and end dates into a single product and give advisors a way to plan for major life events, like paying for college or funding retirement. The Vanguard funds have maturity dates between 2027 and 2036 and will look to undercut the competition on price at just 8 basis points, according to a filing with the SEC. It’s the…

have steadied in the last couple of days following Tuesday’s news-driven drop when reports of a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia hit the wires. The recovery comes despite a larger-than-expected build in US oil inventories. Price action, therefore, suggests that most of the bearish news might already be factored in. But so long as there is no compelling reason for prices to rally, the longer-term outlook on oil remains negative. Indeed, a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia—whenever that arrives – could mean more supplies hitting a market already saturated. Negotiations are trundling along between Kyiv, Moscow, and…

A “For Sale” sign in front of a home in Crockett, California, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesMortgage rates have hovered around the same range for roughly two months, giving current borrowers nor potential homebuyers little incentive to get into the market. Total mortgage application volume was essentially flat last week, up just 0.2% from the prior week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances $806,500 or less increased to 6.40% from 6.37%, with points decreasing to…

Key Takeaways A market for alcohol-free beer, wine and spirits shops has opened up as more Americans moderate their drinking.Fewer adults drink, and those who do consume less than in years past, according to Gallup.Many are more aware of and concerned about the health risks of drinking, including young adults, research shows. When the booze-free bottle shop Spirited Away opened in Manhattan five years ago, its proprietor found about a dozen options with which to stock the shelves. Now, according to co-owner Alex Highsmith, the store stocks about 300 brands. Business, meanwhile, is increasing annually by double-digit rates. Customers, she…

KEY TAKEAWAYS Most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs remain in place, and these trade duties on imports have partially increased costs.As an example, Investopedia found that the price of grape tomatoes at three popular retailers is higher than it was when tariffs were not in effect. Trade policies are filtering down to household budgets, and tomatoes may be an indicator of just how quickly prices are rising. Tariffs were a primary focus of the Trump administration at the beginning of the year. The reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries have been in place for more than three months. Several other trade…