Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways Average retirement savings rates in workplace plans run about 11%–12% for workers in their 40s; try to move toward a 15%–20% total contribution rate to close the gap quickly. Median 401(k) account balances rise sharply from early 40s to late 40s. Data suggest the “typical” saver in their 40s has plenty of room to accelerate savings. You hit your 40s and suddenly face a panic: Did I just blow my chance to build a retirement nest egg? It’s possible if you’re stretched thin by mortgage payments, kids’ activities (plus college expenses, if they’re close), and if you’re feeling…

Key Takeaways Charlie Munger advocated for avoiding losses rather than chasing gains. The idea is that just one catastrophic loss can erase years of gains. Munger’s principle of inversion, coupled with competence and patience, was his recipe for long-term success. While Warren Buffett is well-known for making significant investments that have paid off in multiples, his business partner at Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A, BRK.B) and right-hand man, Charlie Munger, took a more subdued approach. Instead of swinging for the fences, Munger advocated for a bit of caution: avoid those big mistakes that can wipe you out entirely. As he famously quipped, “Avoiding…

Key Takeaways Paris’s low cost of living can help retirees stretch their savings, with median monthly housing costs that are less than half the national median. Despite its small size, health care is surprisingly accessible in Paris, which contains one of Henry County’s two major hospitals. Bordering an 841-acre forest and a 160,000-acre lake, Paris offers easy access to nature and outdoor recreation. Paris’s welcoming community, creative spirit, and long-standing local traditions provide plenty of opportunities to feel connected. It may not be the pride of France, but Paris, Tennessee, is still a worthwhile destination—at least for retirement. Nestled in…

Knowing where things head can help you plan where to store your money. The Federal Reserve cut rates at its September meeting, and the smart bet is they will again when they meet later this month.Why are they cutting rates? The jobs reports indicate a significant cooldown in hiring, with only 27,000 jobs added in the last four months. And one way to stimulate employment is with rate cuts, since it lowers borrowing costs for companies.Meanwhile, savers must navigate a future with lower returns. Thankfully, if you have significant cash (think $10,000 or more) to store somewhere safe, there are…

390742 05: A protester demonstrates against a Bush administration plan to add private investment accounts to Social Security, June 18, 2001 in New York City moments after U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O”Neill addressed a luncheon given by the Coalition for American Financial Security. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe U.S. government shutdown has begun to affect an area many Americans take for granted: Social Security benefits. Yesterday, the government failed to release a critical report—the Consumer Price Index (CPI)—which determines the final cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security in 2026. With a reduced Social Security workforce, approximately 75 million retirees,…

Key Takeaways Walmart shares soared this week after it announced a commerce partnership with OpenAI that will allow ChatGPT users to buy Walmart merchandise directly through the chatbot.OpenAI deals have fueled the latest stretch of the AI rally, but have also raised eyebrows on Wall Street, where an increasing share of investors worry AI is in or approaching a bubble.The OpenAI-Walmart partnership could allay some investor fears by boosting OpenAI’s revenue, reducing its debt burden and demonstrating AI can deliver tangible returns on investment. The OpenAI fairy dust that has boosted tech stocks this year is spreading to new sectors.…

Key Takeaways Nestle on Thursday offered the latest example of a big employer looking to save money by streamlining its white-collar workforce.The company didn’t specify how many of the cuts it planned over the next two years would come in the U.S., which recently accounted for 15% of its total headcount. White-collar employment is taking another hit. Global food giant Nestle on Thursday said that, as part of a cost-savings push, it would cut about 12,000 white-collar positions.The company in a press release said the cuts would be “across functions and geographies.” It reported 277,000 employees worldwide in its last…

The federal estate tax exemption increased again for 2026. Yet, the higher, IRS-inflation-adjusted number may not come as a surprise to most who have been watching the news.Enacted on July 4, 2025, the Trump/GOP spending bill, sometimes referred to as the “big beautiful bill” (BBB), permanently extended several temporary federal tax provisions. Among these changes is an increase in the estate exemption amount to a higher base threshold.And with next year’s higher exemption amount, heirs may receive a potentially lower federal tax bill. But there may be an increase in taxes for some high-income earners. From just $107.88 $24.99 for…

BlackRock is going all-in on stablecoins.  The Wall Street giant said Thursday it will retool one of its money market funds to cater explicitly  to U.S. stablecoin issuers, by making the fund an approved reserve asset for such tokens under the recently passed GENIUS Act. The BlackRock Select Treasury Based Liquidity Fund (BSTBL) will remove agency investments, shorten the maturity of its investments in U.S. Treasuries, and add overnight repurchase agreements as an eligible asset, in a bid to make the fund both compliant with GENIUS and maximally liquid for stablecoin issuers. Jon Steel, global head of product for BlackRock’s…

In-brief analysis October 16, 2025 Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Liquefaction Capacity File, and trade pressNote: Export capacity shown is project’s baseload capacity. Online dates of LNG export projects under construction are estimates based on trade press and do not reflect expectations for projects ramping to full production following initial shipment. LNG=liquefied natural gas; FLNG=floating liquefied natural gas Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporters in the United States have announced plans to more than double U.S. liquefaction capacity, adding an estimated 13.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) between 2025 and…