Insights

What's Inside: Boomer Homeownership and Retirement; Three Ways to Help Build Financial Resilience; FAFSA for 2026-2027 School Year Opens on October 1; Planning for a Pricey Pet; How Has SECURE 2.0 Affected 401(k) Plans?; and Unpacking the Real Limits on Unlimited PTO

The Federal Reserve has resumed rate cuts. As expected, the central bank lowered the benchmark rate by 0.25% in this month’s meeting, and the updated dot plot points to two additional rate cuts by year-end. Inflation remains sticky, but the Fed’s bigger worry is the labor market, which has clearly weakened and now demands attention.

What's Inside: Cost Is a Key Factor in College Selection; Home Appliance Economics; Staycations Are About More Than Saving Money; Navigating Financial Conversations with Aging Parents; Consider Munis for Tax-Free Income; Avoiding Probate with a TOD Deed and TOD Account

Every August, we “Chart the Course” with a series of charts that highlight key current and historical trends in the economy and markets. We hope you find them both insightful and useful. Our regular commentary will resume in September.

What's Inside: Travel Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Levels; The Lock-in Effect Is Easing, But Oh So Slowly; Have You Set a Retirement Savings Goal?; Buying a Condo? Focus on the Financials; Family Fun for Less: Tips to Help Cut Costs on Your Next Vacation; Tips to Help Preserve Your Inheritance

The newly signed tax bill passed by Congress and the President the first week of July delivers front-loaded stimulus aimed at boosting near-term growth while cushioning tariff impacts. Despite longer-term deficit concerns, it’s a net positive for the economy in the short run.

What's Inside: State and Local Sales Tax Across the Map; Social Security Wage Base for 2025 Is Highest Yet; Will You Pay a Medicare Surcharge?; Peer-to-Peer Payments Are Popular, but Be Careful; Golf is Back, but Good Luck Getting a Tee Time; and Fine-Tuning with Sector Funds

Geopolitical tensions flared last week as Israel and Iran exchanged strikes, sparking a swift market response—stocks dipped and oil surged. While the headlines are serious, historical context and energy dynamics suggest a short-term shock, not a lasting shift.