Wealth and Wisdom: Week of April 5, 2021

Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about three issues right now: higher taxes, higher inflation, and meaningfully higher interest rates. I’m addressing all three in this week’s Wealth and Wisdom. While none of these has happened – at least not yet – it’s a safe bet that we’ll be talking about them for the foreseeable future.

One thing is for certain: it’s officially baseball season! The Cardinals’ home opener is this Thursday, and Major League Baseball is hoping for a full 162-game season. That means I’ll only be on KMOX sporadically until the boys bring home the World Series trophy this October. I’m glad we have this weekly email to help us stay in touch.

Have a great week – and Go Cards!

Are tax hikes a sure thing?

With budget deficits at a record high and climbing, big tax increase are starting to seem inevitable. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

7 things you might not know about taxes

For example, did you know the odds of getting audited by the IRS are currently less than one in 100? (Reading time: 10 minutes)

How Roth 401(k)s work

I talked about these on the radio recently – a great way to save for retirement that too many people ignore. (Reading time: 10 minutes)

Should we be worried about inflation?

With $6 trillion in new government spending now flooding the U.S. economy, many people believe higher prices will follow. (Reading time: 6 minutes)

Interest rates are climbing, too

But my firm believes they will likely stay at reasonable levels for the next couple of years at least. (Reading time: 4 minutes)

Socially-responsible investing: fact or fad?

Socially-conscious investment firms say you can make money and help the world at the same time – but some may not live up to their hype. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

How Warren Buffett would spend his stimulus check

He’s not getting one, of course. But if he did, he wouldn’t invest it. (Reading time: 4 minutes)

The truth about credit scores

How they’re calculated, how they affect your life – and how to make yours better. (Reading time: 9 minutes)

De-clutter, downsize, de-stress

Many of us plan to emerge from the pandemic with a more streamlined existence. Here’s how to do it. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

Mike’s Pro Tip of the Week

If you’re having trouble saving money, maybe you should challenge yourself – and other people you know – to a friendly competition. Here are 21 ideas to help you get started.

Words to the Wise

“People ask me what I do in winter when there’s no baseball. I’ll tell them what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.”

– Rogers Hornsby

Neither The Mike Brown Financial Group nor its employees provide tax and legal advice. Please consult your tax and legal advisors regarding your personal circumstances.

Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.  Mike Brown Financial Group is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.