Author: Money Mechanics

Historically, homeownership has been viewed as a staple of the American dream. While many of us have probably rented at some point in our lives, it’s often thought of as a starting point or a temporary solution.But the landscape is changing, and recent data suggests more retirees are viewing renting as an attractive option in retirement.The number of renters 65 and older grew by nearly 30% from 2013 to 2023, according to a survey from Point2Homes. 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…

Before I became editor of Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, I spent many years writing about credit card rewards, and it was one of my favorite topics to cover. I enjoyed tracking the newest offers from issuers and gauging whether various cards were worthy of consideration.My time on the credit card beat also informed my own strategy as a rewards card user. I charge most purchases on a card that has no annual fee and offers 2% cash back on all spending. (And, practicing what we at Kiplinger preach, I don’t charge more on it than I can afford to pay…

It’s nice to be in a strong relationship — not just in your personal life, but in your financial life, too.Some banks and credit unions offer extra benefits on their credit cards to customers who have a broader banking or investment relationship with the institution. In some cases, you could earn hundreds of dollars in additional rewards each year.Here’s how it works: Most credit card issuers also offer deposit accounts, and they may have investment accounts, too. Some of these institutions grant additional rewards or fee waivers on their credit cards to customers who also hold investment or deposit accounts.…

Welcome to Kiplinger’s My First $1 Million series, in which we hear from people who have made $1 million. They’re sharing how they did it and what they’re doing with it. This time, we hear from a married 40-year-old owner of a waste hauling and recycling business in a small town in Wyoming. As he puts it, “Our company has never embraced job titles, so typically I claim to just be the janitor.” See our earlier profiles, including a writer in New England, a literacy interventionist in Colorado, a semiretired entrepreneur in Nashville and an events industry CEO in Northern…

Planning an amazing vacation without wanting to break the bank doesn’t mean sacrificing convenience, comfort, or your sense of adventure, especially if you’re retired and seeking the best vacation getaways. In 2026, if the US dollar remains strong and the travel market keeps its competitive edge, it should be easier than ever to explore both domestic and international destinations without draining your savings.So, if you’re ready to explore, we’ve compiled a list of 10 great vacation spots in 2026 that won’t break the bank — 5 in the U.S. and 5 abroad.Five great U.S. vacation destinations for retirees in 2026The…

Key Takeaways JPMorgan analysts this week suggested a long list of ideas for bets that some stocks will fall.The suggestions covered companies ranging from restaurants to airlines, dating apps and tech. With stocks not far from their recent highs, are you looking to bet on which ones might fall?  Some investors look to profit from share prices they consider elevated by making short bets, borrowing shares to sell that they then seek to repurchase when they’re less expensive, pocketing the difference. Earlier this week, JPMorgan asked its analysts to pick their favorite short ideas headed into the start of the…

As your retirement savings in a traditional 401(k) grow over decades of working, you may feel an increasing sense of financial security. And that is good.You’re doing what you’ve been told to do: Save as much as possible, ideally in your 401(k) so you can defer tax.After all, shouldn’t you save on taxes today while you’re making a bunch of money, and pay it later in retirement while you’re in a lower tax bracket? That’s what you’re told. 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…

Key Takeaways Applied Digital reported much stronger-than-expected revenue on growing demand for its artificial intelligence data center services.The company also extended its lease deal with CoreWeave to provide more power at its North Dakota facility.Applied Digital shares have skyrocketed in 2025. Shares of Applied Digital (APLD) soared more than 20% Friday morning after the artificial intelligence (AI) data center service provider posted better-than-expected sales on rising demand. Applied Digital reported its first-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue skyrocketed 84% to $64.2 million, $9.6 million more than analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha were looking for. Adjusted loss of $0.03 per share was in…

Key Takeaways Qualcomm’s acquisition of Israel-based auto-safety chipmaker Autotalks is said to be under investigation by Chinese regulators.Shares of the Qualcomm were down more than 4% in midday trading. Qualcomm (QCOM) shares declined Friday following news Chinese regulators have opened an antitrust investigation of the chipmaker’s June purchase of Israel-based car safety semiconductor manufacturer Autotalks. China’s State Administration for Market Regulation wrote in a statement seen by news organizations that it would be looking into whether Qualcomm unlawfully withheld certain details about the acquisition. Why This Matters to Investors China’s antitrust investigation into Qualcomm’s acquisition of Autotalks puts a spotlight…

After nearly half a century of waiting, has finally done it. The metal has broken above its long-standing resistance zone, a range between roughly $36 and $49 that has capped every major rally since the 1980s. This isn’t just another short-term price move; it’s a structural breakout that could signal the beginning of a new era for one of the most undervalued assets in the market. For decades, silver has been the “almost” metal: almost breaking out, almost keeping pace with , almost living up to its reputation as an inflation hedge. Each time it approached the $50 level, sellers…