The good news: inflation is showing more signs of easing. The not-so-good news: the economy is showing more signs of slowing.
The challenge the Federal Reserve now faces is managing this downward glidepath – stimulating the economy if needed to forestall a recession, but not so much as to spark another round of rising prices. It’s called a “soft landing” – but the Fed is flying the largest jumbo-jet on the planet, and the runway is short. Policymakers have penciled in a single interest-rate cut sometime between now and the end of 2024. Make sure your seatbacks and tray tables are in the upright position.
We had a record number of visitors last week to our new, educational website, HelpMeRetirePod.com – which is where you’ll now find Wealth and Wisdom, our new podcast, and a growing repository of information and advice for those who want help planning their retirement. Thanks for checking it out!
The S&P 500’s recent performance has been driven by just a handful of companies – but history shows that’s not always a danger sign. (Reading time: 12 minutes)
Investment income is at record highs – and it’s not just wealthy investors who are benefiting. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
It’s what happens when retirement income leads to higher taxes on Social Security benefits – but there are ways to plan for it if you start early. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Unless Congress acts in the next 18 months, the federal estate and gift tax exclusion will be cut in half. Here’s how to prepare for that possibility. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Americans believe 63 is the ideal age to retire – but there are at least three big obstacles that make it challenging. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
This columnist believes Social Security – despite its shortcomings – isn’t going anywhere. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
When it comes to key financial issues are you more likely to believe the facts, or the stories we all seem to spin from them? (Reading time: 5 minutes)
If you have the ability to choose exactly when to retire, there actually are three specific dates each year that might work to your advantage. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Here’s a quick primer on protecting the assets you hold in cash. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
From credit card bills to parking tickets – asking for a better deal can help you hold down costs in these inflationary times. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“I constantly see people rise in life who are not the smartest, sometimes not even the most diligent, but they are learning machines. They go to bed every night a little wiser than when they got up, and boy does that help - particularly when you have a long run ahead of you.”
– Charlie Munger
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