Author: Money Mechanics

When it comes to protecting your financial assets throughout your marriage, you may think a prenuptial agreement (prenup) is the only legally binding solution. However, there’s another increasingly popular option for those who said “I do” before locking down their assets: postnuptial agreements, or “postnups.”  Both types of agreements spell out how a couple will divide their assets and manage their debts in the event of divorce or death. However, you might encounter more difficulties enforcing an agreement that was signed after you entered your marriage since there are fewer legal precedents for postnups. Whether you’re contemplating a prenup before…

Key Takeaways Home values surged during the first few years of the pandemic, but they have dropped significantly in some regions. If you paid peak prices, a drop in home values may mean you now owe more on your mortgage than your home’s appraised value. Being underwater can limit financial flexibility, but there are ways to solve this challenge. During the pandemic, the real estate market boomed as record-low interest rates and lifestyle shifts created intense competition that helped drive housing prices to record highs across the United States. Now, however, home values are falling in some areas, which could…

The government officially shut down at 12:01 am Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday, October 1. The shutdown will likely spark short-term volatility in the equity market. But past shutdowns have had little to no long-term impact on stock returns.The more pressing issue for investors is the delay of economic data, which, depending on how long the shutdown wears on, could have a direct effect on the Federal Reserve’s rate-cutting plans.For those wondering, the next Fed meeting, slated for October 28-29, will still go on as scheduled even if the shutdown continues through the end of the month. The Fed is…

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – FEBRUARY 27: A Meals On Wheels driver loads meals into a van on February 27, 2013. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThe inability of Congress and President Trump to agree on a government funding bill, and the shutdown it caused, could have a severe impact on the well-being of older adults and younger people with disabilities.While Social Security and Medicare benefits appear safe, sufficient staff may not be available to issue or replace lost cards, or address eligibility issues. Funding for programs such as Meals on Wheels is at risk, as is subsidized housing for low-income…

Key Takeaways Crypto initial public offerings, exchange-traded funds, and digital asset treasuries have proliferated on major exchanges, giving investors more options than ever before to buy into digital assets. One of the themes of the moment is so-called DATCOs, which let investors buy stocks of companies that acquire coins—of which there are now hundreds. If you’re a crypto investor, you have more options than ever before. That doesn’t mean your choices are any simpler. Crypto is a fast-expanding market at a time when digital asset prices are under renewed pressure. Digital assets, from bitcoin (BTCUSD) to altcoins and big-name crypto…

Key Takeaways 57% say they are “optimistic” about the stock market now, a fifteen percentage point drop from September of last yearConcerns about bubbles in AI and megacap tech stocks have increased since AugustTariffs and inflation top their list of larger concernsGold rises as a top three asset they would buy with an extra $10,000Most approve of the Fed’s handling of monetary policy and want it to remain independent Call it a case of high anxiety for individual investors. This group is still bullish about their investments, but has increasing doubts about future returns as concerns about overvaluation, tariffs, inflation,…

Subscribe Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / PlayerFM  The stock market defied its historical odds by surging in September despite concerns about a slowing economy, overvaluation, and tariffs. So what, if anything, can stop investors’ relentless bid on the biggest stocks in the market and ultimately slow this bull market down? Kenny Polcari of SlateStone Wealth drops in with his perspective, predictions for a volatile fourth quarter and a delicious family-style recipe for the Fall. Plus, the labor market is back in the spotlight this week with the September payrolls report due Friday. Yet the threat of a government shutdown might mean we never see…

Key Takeaways Nike shares jumped Wednesday morning after the sports apparel and equipment maker posted surprise sales growth and topped Wall Street’s earnings expectations.Over the past month, the stock has traded lower within a falling wedge but looks set to break out from the pattern.Investors should watch important overhead areas on Nike’s chart around $80, $90 and $98, while also monitoring major support levels near $71 and $63. Nike (NKE) shares jumped in early trading Wednesday after the sports apparel and equipment maker posted surprise sales growth and topped Wall Street’s earnings expectations. The company said revenue grew 1% in…

Key Takeaways CEOs across the U.S. may finally get what they want: workers back in the office—but it will cost them.A new survey found that two-thirds of Americans would give up remote work, with 60% of that group needing a 10% or higher raise before stepping back in the office.A number of the biggest companies in the U.S. have tightened or abandoned their hybrid work policies in the last year, with some CEOs saying less work is done working remotely. Would you swap your pajama pants and couch for a suit and a cubicle if it meant more money? Remote…

UK retailers are to pass on most of the costs from the UK’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, the country’s principal retail trade body has said. According to a new survey from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which says the EPR is set to “cost industry billions”, more than 80% of costs from the new regulations are likely to be passed onto consumers. Under the EPR scheme, producers must report how much packaging they put into the market and pay associated rates per tonnage. The legislation necessary to enact EPR came into force on 1 January while the fees…