Author: Money Mechanics

Trade is the talk of the town this week. Investors will be watching for updates on trade policy ahead of a scheduled meeting between President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping, as well as a highly anticipated inflation reading, after a volatile week of trading marked by worries about bad loans at regional banks. Friday’s release of the Consumer Price Index for September, delayed by the government shutdown, is likely the last major piece of data the Federal Reserve will receive before its interest rate decision next week. Other government reports could remain delayed until there is a resolution to…

KEY TAKEAWAYS More Gen Z high school graduates are opting out of traditional four-year bachelor’s degrees and choosing shorter trade degrees or certificate programs.President Donald Trump’s administration is providing funding for students to attend trade schools and is planning to make it easier for states to create and administer programs. More young Americans are choosing to skip traditional university for a trade degree or certification, and the Department of Education has plans to support this shift. College enrollment numbers have declined since the onset of COVID-19, as university costs rise and become too expensive for some. Instead of college, many Gen Z…

Key Takeaways Investing $10,000 is a good way to begin saving for your retirement. You’ll have decades of compounding interest on your side. Choose tax-advantaged accounts for your investing, such as traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401(k) rollovers. Diversify your investment using low-cost index funds or ETFs. Hold steady with your investment during stock market gains and losses. Contribute additional monthly contributions whenever you can to bolster your investment. It may not seem like a lot to invest, but $10,000 is enough to jump-start your retirement savings. We connected with financial experts to understand how a $10,000 investment can yield…

St. Maximilian Church, Munich, Germany.getty According to the latest figures from the Census Bureau, 15.8 million people—some 6.1% of the adult American population—are Veterans. Almost half are aged 65 and over while many others are not yet of retirement age but are retired from the military. The Veteran’s Association (VA) states that, as a Veteran, you are entitled to the benefits and services you earned through your military service no matter where in the world you live. And when it comes to health care, a host of overseas destinations take TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and treat veterans through the Foreign Medical Program…

An often overlooked, but important, part of a successful retirement is nonfinancial considerations. Failure to plan for these parts of your life can lead to an unfulfilling retirement and a speedier physical and mental decline.As a financial adviser, I give advice about the money components of retirement planning.However, based on nearly two decades of experience, I find a meaningful percentage of my conversations also include discussions on the nonfinancial considerations. 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…

Many people planned their most recent vacation better than they’re planning for retirement. That’s because planning a vacation is fun. The numerous details involved in making sure you’re fully prepared for retirement can be tedious and boring.And if they have plenty of working years left, people think, What’s the hurry?Consequently, retirement planning is often a piecemeal process for those folks. Throughout their careers, they focus solely on the savings or investments aspect, leaving the other important parts of a plan for another day. From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance Be a smarter, better informed investor. CLICK FOR FREE…

Question: I have to take a $22,000 RMD by the end of the year, and I don’t need the money. What should I do with it?Answer: The nice thing about saving for retirement in a traditional IRA or 401(k) is getting to enjoy an immediate tax break on your contributions. And if you found yourself in a higher tax bracket during your career, a traditional retirement account probably made more sense for you than a Roth.But what if you’re older and are now regretting that decision because you’re on the hook for a $22,000 required minimum distribution (RMD) you don’t…

You don’t have to cross an ocean to feel like you’ve traveled the world. The United States is filled with places that capture the spirit, sights and flavors of international destinations without the customs line or currency exchange.Whether you’re craving turquoise waters, colonial charm or sun-soaked coastal drives, these destinations deliver an escape that feels foreign yet familiar. Enjoy the rhythms of the Caribbean in Puerto Rico, the Old Havana vibe of Key West or the Old World architecture of Santa Fe, all just a domestic flight away.Pack light and leave the paperwork and passport behind. These seven U.S. destinations…

Key Takeways More older adults are returning to work because Social Security and savings aren’t keeping pace with rising costs for health care, housing, and everyday essentials.One in five Americans over 65 is back in the workforce, and projections show that number climbing even higher. For older adults across the U.S., a return to work is becoming less of a lifestyle choice and more of an economic necessity. While some return to work because they find it meaningful, rising inflation, rapidly increasing medical costs, and soaring prescription drug bills are forcing many retirees back into the workforce—whether behind pharmacy counters,…

Key Takeaways: Legendary investor Charlie Munger called the first $100,000 difficult to earn but pointed out how compound growth makes all your future gains easier. It takes 9.5 years to save $100,000 if you’re putting away $650 per month at an average 7% annualized return. After that decade, it only takes just under two and a half more to become a millionaire, showing the speed of growth under compound interest once you save six figures. Legendary investor Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s longtime business partner at Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A, BRK.B), understood the psychology of wealth building better than most. “The…