Author: Money Mechanics

AI-driven search is upending traditional information pathways and putting the heat on businesses and organizations facing a web traffic free-fall.Survival instincts have companies scrambling to shift their web strategies — perhaps ending the days of the open internet as we know it.After decades of pursuing web-optimization strategies that encouraged high-volume content generation, many businesses are now feeling that their content-marketing strategies might be backfiring. 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 of expert advice on investing, taxes,…

“Arthur” asked one of the most frequent questions I hear from readers about one of the biggest frustrations in estate planning:”Is there some way to prevent a financially irresponsible child from squandering his inheritance and winding up on the street or from others trying to take those funds to satisfy debts?”Kiplinger’s Adviser Intel, formerly known as Building Wealth, is a curated network of trusted financial professionals who share expert insights on wealth building and preservation. Contributors, including fiduciary financial planners, wealth managers, CEOs and attorneys, provide actionable advice about retirement planning, estate planning, tax strategies and more. Experts are invited…

The author is a professor of responsible and sustainable business at Oregon State UniversityShould agricultural giants challenge the farm subsidies destroying biodiversity or work within the system?That’s the question facing companies such as Singapore’s Olam, which sources and processes ingredients and commodities — from cocoa to coffee to rice — across more than 60 countries.The stakes are high. Biodiversity loss threatens supply security, corporate legitimacy, and long-term value creation. It is a particular problem for businesses such as Olam which has cultivated a reputation as a sustainability leader through its regenerative practices and transparent sourcing. Its Living Landscapes Policy for…

Chen ZhaoChen Zhao is the head of economics research, where she produces research on the housing market for public and internal audiences. Previously, she was an executive director leading housing finance and financial markets research at the JPMorgan Chase Institute. Prior to joining JPMCI, Chen was an economics consultant at Analysis Group, Inc., where she worked on financial litigation cases and led teams conducting health economics and outcomes research on behalf of pharmaceutical companies. While in graduate school, Chen was with the Center for Economic Studies and the Social Economic and Housing Statistics Division at the US Census Bureau, where…

Don’t forget credit/ZDNETDuring Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, Asus’ ROG Strix G16 gaming laptop is heavily discounted, down to $1,199 — that’s $300 off the regular price. The ROG Strix G16 is absolutely one of the best value 16-inch gaming laptops of 2025, with a competitive stack of hardware, sweet display, and that thin and sleek form factor the lineup is known for. If you’re looking to cop a good deal on a gaming laptop before tariffs impact prices, this is one of the first machines I’d recommend. Also: Amazon Prime Day is October 7-8: Everything you need to know about October…

(Oil and Gas 360) – Energy Advisors recently released its latest edition of its MarketMonitor  series, Letter From Dallas, highlighting key themes driving A&D.  Market conditions remain favorable to sellers with strong buyer demand from private equity firms, family offices, institutional investors, hedge funds, and well-capitalized public companies. Valuation for producing (PDP) assets is strong, while competition across the minerals and NonOp markets is described by some as “fierce” How were the 3Q25 A&D Markets? Deal activity rebounded sharply in the third quarter, with 22 notable transactions recorded—up from 12 in 2Q and closely aligning with the 23-deal quarterly average…

Life is unpredictable—job changes, medical issues, family needs, or emergencies can happen without warning. Curveballs like these don’t have to be stressful if you and your partner can work together and plan as a team. Here’s how to build a strong financial foundation that can weather nearly any storm without sacrificing your long-term goals. Key Takeaways Communicating openly and working as a team are the cornerstones of financial resilience for couples.  A strong financial safety net is built on a fully-funded emergency fund, appropriate insurance policies, and a flexible budget.  Financial plans are not set in stone and require regular…

Equity investors enjoyed another month of meaningful gains in September 2025 — the fifth consecutive monthly advance — with the S&P 500® Index (SPX) rising 3.5% to 6,688 and the Russell 2000® Index (RUT) up nearly 3% to 2,436. Both benchmarks ended the month near all-time highs, supported by the long-anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate cut and a relatively stable geopolitical backdrop.Realized volatility edged higher for a second straight month, with the Cboe Volatility Index (the VIX® Index) gaining about one point to 16.28. Even so, volatility remains contained, sitting roughly in the 40th percentile of its 52-week range (12.77…

Navigating marriage laws and finances gets complicated when your family doesn’t fit the traditional mold. A decade after same-sex marriage became legal nationwide, LGBTQ+ couples still face unique challenges—from lagging retirement savings to higher legal and family planning costs. Unmarried partners and blended families are in the same boat, often facing inheritance rights, custody arrangements, and legal issues under laws that weren’t originally designed for their family structures. Without the right planning, these gaps can bite you. An outdated will, misfiled tax document, or estate planning oversights can put your family’s financial security at risk. Understanding the legal and tax…

Arguments about money are one of the most common sources of conflict in relationships. Disagreements over spending, saving, and financial priorities can create lasting tension, and secretive behaviors known as financial infidelity can erode trust even further.  According to a 2025 Bankrate survey, 2 in 5 Americans with joint finances admit to hiding purchases, accounts, or debt. Whether it’s one partner hiding credit card debt or avoiding conversations about bills, unresolved money issues often spill into other areas of the relationship. Money fights don’t just strain finances; they can also damage trust and intimacy if left unresolved. The good news…