Wealth and Wisdom: Week of August 21, 2023
If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that we don’t know hardly anything for sure – at least as it relates to what’s ahead for the markets and the economy – and this week’s selection of articles provides a good illustration.
For example, have we dodged a recession? The economy is still chugging along nicely, and for every American worker looking for a job, there are two jobs looking for a worker. Unemployment is low, inflation is easing, and interest rates could be peaking soon if not already.
At the same time, corporate profits are falling, the yield curve remains inverted, and the Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index has been flashing recession warning signs for three straight months. Stock prices seem to have stalled for the time being, but that probably has more to do with China’s economic problems than our own – and they seem much worse altogether.
They say the best time to buy stocks is when everyone agrees that things can’t get any worse, and the time to sell is when conditions seem perfect. We are somewhere in between right now (as in fact we are most of the time), and that makes it tougher to invest with conviction.
Has your bank been downgraded?
Moody’s recently lowered its credit rating on a number of regional banks – and a prominent Missouri name is on the list. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Consumers are getting tapped out
A new study says much of the wealth U.S. households accumulated during the pandemic has dissipated – and a spending slowdown may follow. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Economy’s growing; why aren’t we happier?
Inflation has tapered off and the job market is red hot – but Americans are skeptical about the future. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Could they really cut Social Security?
Congress has less than 10 years to fix Social Security and avoid cutting benefits. Here’s what’s on the table. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Only 10% wait until age 70 to file
Most Americans seem willing to pass up some generous potential raises in order to claim Social Security early. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Understanding dollar-cost averaging
It is perhaps the oldest most commonly used investment strategy of all – yet many investors don’t understand its pros and cons. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
What you should know about money before age 30
The younger you learn these lessons, the more you are likely to benefit from them. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
How to move 529 money into a Roth IRA
If you’ve over-saved for college, there’s now a way to use the extra money as the foundation for a prosperous retirement. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Is the lottery a scam?
It’s been said that state-sponsored lotteries are a tax on people who can ill-afford to pay it. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
How ABLE accounts work
These tax-free accounts allow individuals with disabilities to work and save without jeopardizing what they receive in public benefits. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“The real measure of our wealth is how much we’d be worth if we lost all our money.”
– Benjamin Jowett
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