Author: Money Mechanics

Key Takeaways If you’re shopping for a new travel rewards card, compare any sign-up bonuses they offer and what you have to do to earn them. Some cards have special bonus categories that reward certain types of spending at a higher rate, while others pay a higher flat bonus on all categories. Plan to put your purchases on whichever card offers the best reward for that particular transaction. When the time comes to redeem rewards, try to use them in a way that will give you the most value for your points or miles. Your rewards will often go further…

Key Takeaways Federal Reserve officials shared opposing viewpoints as to whether the Fed should cut its benchmark interest rate in December.Raphael Bostic argued inflation is a greater threat than unemployment, and said the Fed should keep rates higher longer to combat price increases.Stephen Miran predicted high inflation would subside as a result of falling housing costs, so the Fed should cut rates. Fed officials are divided on whether to cut its influential interest rate in December, as illustrated by policymaker remarks this week.Two members of the Federal Open Market Committee spoke publicly on Wednesday, but they each made very different…

Key Takeaways The House of Representatives passed a bill ending the 43-day-long shutdown of the federal government.Once President Donald Trump signs the bill, shuttered government agencies can reopen and employees can be given back pay. The longest and potentially most economically harmful government shutdown in American history is on its way to ending in its 43rd day.The House of Representatives voted to pass a bill on Wednesday, funding the government until Jan. 30. That vote sets the stage for the shutdown to end after President Donald Trump signs the funding bill into law. Representatives followed the lead of the Senate, which…

The 50-year Mortgage Idea Being FloatedOn November 8, 2025, President Trump on Truth Social posted a picture of himself with FDR proposing that he wants lenders (perhaps first Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) to offer 50-year mortgages, which would lower the required monthly payment on new loans. This is a classic (and legitimate) political strategy called “floating a balloon.” MIAMI, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 05: U.S. President Donald Trump gestures after delivering remarks during the America Business Forum at the Kaseya Center on November 05, 2025 in Miami, Florida. The forum brings together global leaders, cultural figures and innovators from various sectors…

Key Takeaways Disney is set to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings before the opening bell Thursday.Wall Street analysts said they’ll be particularly focused on growth in Disney’s streaming business. Walt Disney Co. is set to report its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings before the opening bell Thursday, with Wall Street analysts looking for growth from its streaming business and theme parks, as well as sports. Citi analysts, who recently raised their price target for Disney stock (DIS) to $145 from $140, said they expect investors to be particularly focused on updates to the firm’s streaming outlook through its direct-to-consumer segment, given a hike…

Your Health Savings Account (HSA) is more than just a medical fund — it’s a powerful investment vehicle for your financial future. But are you clear on the rules that protect its unique “triple tax advantage”? Navigating the rules for eligibility, contributions, and withdrawals is crucial to maximizing its benefits and avoiding penalties.Test your understanding of core HSA concepts, from eligibility to retirement-age withdrawals, with our 10-question true/false quiz. And don’t worry if you miss an answer; you can follow the links below the quiz to brush up on your knowledge.More on Social Security, from the Kiplinger team: From just…

Key Takeaways Households ages 45–54 earn a median income of $91,880—the highest of any group—reflecting peak career years, greater experience, and often two full-time earners.Income levels vary widely across groups, with homeowners and college graduates earning substantially more than renters and those without a college degree.Income is just one piece of the puzzle—tracking your net worth offers a fuller picture of long-term financial health and overall stability. Household income—and wealth—shift significantly with age. Data from the Federal Reserve’d (Fed’s) Survey of Consumer Finances show that families typically see earnings and assets rise through midlife—reaching a peak at ages 45–54. Understanding…

Optimism about a deal in Washington, D.C., to reopen the federal government provided an early boost on Wall Street Wednesday, though questions about valuations continue to dog mega-cap tech names. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, relatively light on tech exposure, added to its impressive run during the shutdown and closed at another new all-time high.The Dow is now up more than 6% over the trailing month. UnitedHealth Group (UNH, +3.6%) led the 30 Dow Jones stocks higher today after Chief Financial Officer Wayne DeVeydt reaffirmed management’s expectation that performance will improve in 2026 before new strategic initiatives begin to pay…

Key Takeaways Two California metros—San Jose and San Francisco—lead the list of areas offering the strongest odds of earning six-figure salaries.ScoutLogic compared nearly 40 U.S. metro areas to identify where high-paying jobs and reasonable costs best align for workers in 2025.Though Boston and Seattle have more six-figure jobs than some peers, they ranked below more affordable metros like Denver, Washington, D.C., and Portland. For many Americans, reaching a six-figure salary marks a significant career milestone—but in addition to your skills, education, and industry, where you live can make all the difference. In some metropolitan areas in the U.S., a $100,000-plus…

If you have a car, you’re probably getting flooded with calls, emails and letters telling you that your car needs an extended warranty. A lot of these are scams, but extended warranties themselves are real and sometimes useful.While you might be reluctant to pay the added cost, some of these sales materials can make it sound pretty scary to drive without one. But, if you don’t check the fine print and make sure to choose a reputable warranty underwriter, you could end up paying for coverage that doesn’t quite live up to your expectations.How do extended warranties work? Do you…