Author: Money Mechanics

A government shutdown doesn’t stop the housing market—but it can definitely slow things down. From delaying closings to shaking buyer confidence, even a short shutdown causes ripple effects that can reach your front door.When Washington gridlocks, it doesn’t just stay in DC—it filters down to everyday buyers, sellers, and homeowners across the country.A shutdown begins when Congress fails to pass a funding bill, forcing many federal agencies to partially close. Some essential services continue—air traffic keeps moving—but critical housing programs slow way down or stop completely.Paperwork piles up. Closings get delayed and buyer confidence takes a hit.During the 2018–2019 shutdown,…

Key Takeaways These six towns show that retirees can enjoy comfort and quality of life without breaking the bank. In fact, in four of the six counties featured, median home values are under $130,000—offering significant value for those seeking a peaceful retirement. From Gregory’s hunting traditions and Tryon’s equestrian scene to Parker’s lively senior center, each town offers distinct avenues for retirees to stay engaged, active, and connected to the community. Research shows that many Americans dream of spending their golden years in a small town, favoring the tranquillity of a slower pace over the relentless energy of big cities…

Key Takeaways Bitcoin climbed back above the closely watched $110,000 level Monday as investors looked past the recent massive liquidation event in the crypto market and ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. The cryptocurrency has found buying interest near a confluence of support from the lower trendline of a three-month trading range and the rising 200-day moving average.Investors should watch major support levels on bitcoin’s chart around $100,000 and $93,000, while also monitoring important resistance levels near $117,000 and $123,000. Bitcoin (BTCUSD) climbed back above the closely watched $110,000 level Monday as investors looked past the recent massive liquidation event in the crypto market and…

Oil prices slipped in early Asian trade on Monday, as a combination of burgeoning supply concerns and escalating U.S.–China trade tensions weighed on sentiment. At the time of writing, Brent crude futures had dropped 0.29% to $61.11 while WTI was down 0.35% at $57.34. The continued drop comes on the heels of a third consecutive weekly decline for both benchmarks, with more than a 2% fall in each last week. Concerns about demand softening and a looming supply overhang are the key factors dragging prices lower, with easing geopolitical risk also weighing on oil. The International Energy Agency recently raised its…

As investor appetite continues to broaden beyond property catastrophe, Vantage Risk is building a “mosaic of capital providers,” matching different investors with different risks, from short-tail cat exposures to long-tail casualty and credit lines, according to Chris McKeown, Chief Executive, Reinsurance, ILS, and Innovation.Speaking with Artemis around the key reinsurance industry conference season, McKeown discussed Vantage Risk’s ongoing diversification strategy. When we last spoke to McKeown in June, he noted that Vantage’s Partnership Capital platform had been exploring expansion into marine, energy, aviation, and cyber lines, leveraging Vantage’s expertise We began by asking whether there had been any movement since…

The government may be in the middle of a shutdown, but that hasn’t stopped work at the White House—construction work.Demolition crews moved in on Monday to begin knocking down part of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Tearing down the East Wing marks the start of President Donald Trump’s $200 million ballroom project, but he originally claimed it wouldn’t “interfere” with the existing structure.Now, a portion of the East Wing has been demolished by heavy machinery brought in to start on the proposed ballroom. The backhoe ripped through the structure in which, according to the Washington Post, the “sounds of construction were audible on…

Key Takeaways Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said he could imagine a day where the company’s app is able to handle spoken order requests.The cafe chain is primarily using technology behind the scenes, while focusing on making stores social and inviting places to spend time, he said last week. Getting your morning caffeine fix may soon be as simple as grumbling into your phone about your need for coffee. AI could some day allow the Starbucks (SBUX) app to handle voice orders and do a better job of remembering customers’ preferences, CEO Brian Niccol said recently. He said the cafe chain…

(Oil Price) – Republican lawmakers on Monday moved to declare Coal Week, amplifying the Trump administration’s push to expand U.S. coal output and keep aging plants online, the Washington Times reported. The resolution coincides with new executive actions to “reinvigorate” coal, including directives signed in April to boost production and preserve baseload capacity, as outlined in a White House executive order. The message to miners and utilities is that federal support is rising for coal as part of an energy-security agenda centered on domestic supply. Administration officials in late September detailed plans to open 13 million acres of federal land for coal leasing and to direct…

Key Takeaways Without a 401(k), you should prioritize IRAs, HSAs, and then taxable brokerage accounts to build long-term wealth. If you’re self-employed, Solo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs can allow you to contribute far more than traditional IRAs. You can mimic an employer match by committing to invest a fixed percentage of your income every year. About 56 million U.S. workers have no access to a 401(k) through their jobs, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts. Without automatic payroll deductions or employer matches, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind on retirement goals. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build…

Key Takeaways Some Silicon Valley companies are embracing the “996” work culture—working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—as competition in artificial intelligence (AI) heats up.Both big tech CEOs and startup founders have publicly promoted the importance of working long hours to get ahead.Data from Ramp, a corporate credit card issuer, shows a spike in corporate card transactions on Saturdays in San Francisco, compared to 2024, which may reflect an increased number of 996 work schedules. In Silicon Valley, employees at tech companies may be facing longer work hours, as the “996” schedule takes hold. “996” refers to…