Wealth and Wisdom: Week of March 10, 2025
- Mike Brown
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
The drama in Washington continues – a trade war with American allies, massive government layoffs, the threat of a shutdown, a nasty spat with Ukraine, and whatever new crisis that might have appeared since I wrote these words a few days ago.
The chaos is spreading to Wall Street – already preoccupied with the possible resurgence of inflation and growing signs that the economy may have stopped growing.
These are not easy times to be an investor, especially if your time horizon is short. If your goals are longer-term, however, remember that chaos creates opportunities for those who are prepared to take advantage of them.

With a potential economic slowdown looming, the Fed may be looking at lowering interest rates as many as three times in 2025. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
It’s one thing to realize recessions are inevitable. Successfully dodging them with your investments is something else altogether. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
You might think slashing government spending will help bring down inflation, but other things have to happen as well – as illustrated in this interesting analogy. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Here’s how the strategy works – and a step-by-step process to do it yourself. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Putting all of your retirement savings into a Roth IRA sounds like a great tax strategy – but doing too much at once can cause problems. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Earning stock dividends outside of a traditional or Roth IRA offers some attractive tax advantages if you understand the rules. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
A big tax refund means you’re lending your money to the IRS interest-free all year. So if you’re getting one, at least put it to good use. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
My firm has put together a quick primer on starting an investment program – along with some helpful rules that have stood the test of time. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
The key to building wealth is realizing that you don’t have to do all the work yourself. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Keeping a lid on your healthcare expenses has a lot to do with how much you decide to invest in yourself. (Reading time: 8 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Investment success does not require glamour stocks or bull markets.”
– John Neff
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.
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.
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).