Wealth and Wisdom: Week of February 17, 2025
- Mike Brown
- Feb 18
- 4 min read
The latest inflation numbers came in hot last week, which will make it very difficult to justify further interest rate cuts – even though President Trump is demanding them. Egg prices jumped 15% last month, and the overall inflation numbers don’t yet reflect the impact of new tariffs the president has ordered.
Meanwhile, I’m happy to see so many of you plan to join us for our February webinar this Thursday. I’ll be updating you on the latest changes to Social Security – including a look at the program’s balance sheet and efforts to keep it solvent.
Getting rid of pennies means we’ll need more nickels – and it turns out they’re even more expensive to make. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Can you imagine what your teenager’s Roth IRA could be worth when they’re your age? (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Retiring has changed dramatically in just the last decade – and not entirely for the better. (Reading time: 8 minutes)
Whether you’re six months from retiring – or five years – here’s a helpful guide to getting all the right boxes checked. (Reading time: 8 minutes)
Conventional wisdom says you’ll need about 80% of your salary to maintain your standard of living in retirement. That’s probably wrong in your case. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Use these five strategies to take control of your finances and secure your future. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
New research discovers that retirees who give their time and talents are much less likely to suffer from depression and other mental health issues. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Above certain limits, you might owe taxes when you sell your home for a big profit – but there are ways to soften the blow. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Trusts can help you avoid probate – but not all of your assets should be titled that way. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Did you know a lot of familiar logos contain a secret message? Enjoy these when you have some free time. (Reading time: 10 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
– Winston Churchill
Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.
Links are being provided for informational purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website’s users and/or members.
The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Brown Family Wealth Advisors and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.
The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market.
Investors should consider, before investing, whether the investor’s or the designated beneficiary’s home state offers any tax or other benefits that are only available for investment in such state’s 529 savings plan. Such benefits include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. There is also a risk that these plans may lose money or not perform well enough to cover education costs as anticipated. Most states offer their own 529 programs, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents. The tax implications can vary significantly from state to state.
Unless certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59 ½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Additionally, each converted amount may be subject to its own five-year holding period. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion.
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Brown Family Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.
These policies have exclusions and/or limitations. Guarantees are based on claims paying ability of the issuing company. Long Term Care Insurance or Asset Based Long Term Care Insurance Products may not be suitable for all investors. Surrender charges may apply for early withdrawals and, if made prior to age 59 ½ may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty in addition to any gains being taxed as ordinary income. The cost and availability of Long Term Care insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Please consult with a licensed financial professional when considering your insurance options.
Dividends are not guaranteed and must be authorized by the company’s board of directors.
Roth 401(k) plans are long-term retirement savings vehicles. Contributions to a Roth 401(k) are never tax deductible, but if certain conditions are met, distributions will be completely income tax free. Unlike Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k) participants are subject to required minimum distributions at age 72 (70 ½ if you reached 70 ½ before January 1, 2020).
