Wealth and Wisdom Week of July 3 2023

It’s been a little crazy around here lately.

My new book, Your Way to True Wealth, officially launched on June 27. I am overwhelmed by the positive response it’s receiving, becoming an Amazon bestseller on its first day. But even more gratifying have been the personal well-wishes and congratulations from our clients, friends, and other readers of Wealth and Wisdom

Your kind words and encouragement mean the world to me, and I thank you.

On the financial front, inflation is trending downward, stock prices are trending upward, and predictions of an imminent recession are, well, receding. Clearly, we’re not out of the woods yet, but there are encouraging signs that can’t be ignored, such as home prices falling year-over-year for the first time in 11 years.

$400 billion down the drain

You won’t need to read this entire article to get the gist: hundreds of billions of your tax dollars got stolen or wasted during the pandemic. (Reading time: 13 minutes)

Social Security’s incredible shrinking COLA

With inflation on a steady slide, Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment could drop below 3% next year. (Reading time: 2 minutes)

Social Security isn’t just for retirees

About four million children currently receive benefits from this government program based on their parents’ earnings. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

Don’t just do something; sit there

After a painful 2018, patient stock investors are now being reminded of one of the market’s greatest lessons. (Reading time: 4 minutes)

Technology dominates the S&P 500

This colorful graphic illustrates a point I made in a recent post: the S&P 500 index is becoming more concentrated. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

Debate rages over ‘4% rule’

Why can’t we all agree that this popular retirement spending guideline is nothing more than a rough rule of thumb? (Reading time: 4 minutes)

Would you rather be wealthy or rich?

One is measured in dollars – the other in how you spend them to enjoy life. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

Making college less expensive

Here are four solid strategies for getting a quality education for less money. (Reading time: 5 minutes)

A financial disaster plan

Don’t let a major weather event turn into a catastrophe – make a plan now to survive financially intact. (Reading time: 3 minutes)

Selling your stuff online

From unused gift cards to designer clothes – there are apps to help you move your unwanted merchandise and raise cash. (Reading time: 9 minutes)

Words to the Wise

“Let the Fourth of July always be a reminder that here in this land, for the first time, it was decided that man is born with certain God-given rights; that government is only a convenience created and managed by the people, with no powers of its own except those voluntarily granted to it by the people. We sometimes forget that trust, and we never should.”

-Ronal Reagan

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