Wealth and Wisdom: Week of June 19, 2023

We continue to get good news on inflation. In June, consumer prices were 4% higher than one year ago – that’s the lowest we’ve seen in two years. The inflation rate is now less than half what it was a year ago.

That gives the Fed sufficient reason to stop raising interest rates – at least for one month – to gauge its success at snuffing out inflation without stalling the economy. It’s worth noting that the rising cost of living has already pushed the eurozone into recession.

Stock investors are already looking beyond whatever economic downturn may await the U.S. After climbing more than 20% from its January 2022 lows, the S&P 500 is now technically in bull market territory (see item below).

I-bonds lose their luster

As inflation continues to cool, so does the return these Treasury investments offer -prompting savers to look for alternatives. (Reading time: 4 minutes)

Important deadline approaching

If you withdrew money from your retirement savings under the CARES Act, you’ll need to pay it back soon to reap the tax benefits. (Reading time: 4 minutes)

Can debt make you sick?

Yes, according to recent research – but it often depends on what kind of debt you’re dealing with. (Reading time: 7 minutes)

Surprising news about the student loan pause

You would think a three-year moratorium on federal student-loan repayments would be a great boost for borrowers – but new research says they’re actually worse off now. (Reading time: 2 minutes)

Paying for college, saving on taxes

College can be very expensive – but if you understand the rules, you can offset some of that cost with tax savings. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

Does your company have a lame 401(k) plan?

Poor fund choices, high costs, and/or no matching contributions might tempt you to ignore your employer plan. That could be a big mistake. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

Webinar: Life After Work

Join me as I help my clients understand their retirement income options – and build a spending plan to stand the test of time. (Running time: 60 minutes)

A new bull market is underway

The S&P 500 recently climbed more than 20% above its bear-market low, launching a new bull market. So why aren’t investors more excited? (Reading time: 3 minutes)

Wealth-building’s key ingredient

An idea so simple that it’s often overlooked. (Reading time: 4 minutes)

Should you buy long-term care insurance?

Buy an expensive policy, or self-insure? The right answer could be a little bit of both. (Reading time: 6 minutes)

Words to the Wise

“The big money comes from compounding uninterrupted over years and decades, when what you’ve done is not as important as how long you’ve been doing it for.”

-Morgan Housel

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