Well, here we are, entering the final quarter of 2026. It’s been a predictably tumultuous year, and with nagging inflation, a prolonged war in Iran, mounting government debt, and a mid-term election to deal with, there’s reason to believe these final three months will continue to be a bumpy ride for investors. A lot of people – especially those still working and building wealth – use this time of year to reassess their goals and expectations going forward. I’ll be sharing sev

Every generation seems convinced it is facing something unprecedented – something so disruptive that the old rules may no longer apply. Today, that something is artificial intelligence. Predictions range from millions of lost jobs to entire professions disappearing. AI is already doing work that once only humans could do: writing, research, data analysis, programming, and customer service. There are legitimate reasons to take the disruption we’re feeling seriously. But histor

We’re heading into a time of year when the weather gets crisp – and often, so does our thinking. It’s a time to reset, regroup, and refocus on getting things done before another year ends. I spend the better part of my time reading and researching the ideas that have helped our clients succeed over the years – literally dozens of articles white papers, and research articles every day. Each week, I cherry-pick the ones I feel are most worthy of your time and share them with yo

It takes both hands to be a stock investor these days. On the one hand, the indexes are hitting record highs with regularity – supported by record corporate earnings and rising profit margins. Beneath it all, we ponder the possibility that we could only be witnessing the early days of the AI boom. On the other hand, there’s persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and a government-spending-inspired national debt crisis that seems to be spiraling out of control. (By the wa

Today, more and more women are involved in – and responsible for – their personal and family finances. It’s more important than ever that women know what could come up financially at every stage of life. This month, Mike discussed the unique financial challenges women face, what questions women should ask, and where to go for help. Be a part of the #TrueWealth movement. Follow Brown Family Wealth Advisors on Facebook and LinkedIn.

It was 1981, my first full year out of college. It was also Ronald Reagan’s first year as president, and I remember him making a big deal out of the fact that the federal debt – the total sum of money owed by the U.S. government – had topped one trillion dollars. That now sounds like a line from an Austin Powers movie. Earlier this month, the federal debt hit 40 trillion dollars. Watching our government live beyond its means was a big deal in 1981, and it’s a big deal today.

Stay in your lane Show notes: When it comes to investing... we’d all like to own what’s working... Today, that might be AI stocks... and before you know it... it will be something else.... In today’s episode of the Help Me Retire podcast... why changing investment strategies too often can leave you frustrated... exposed to more risk... and farther from your destination.... This is the Help Me Retire Podcast… with your host… Mike Brown… Senior Wealth Advisor with Raymond James

There is a question a few of our clients have asked – and most have probably wondered: “Are my financial advisors using artificial intelligence? And how?” A fair and timely question. We are living in a world that’s constantly changing, often faster than our ability to adapt, which makes us less than comfortable. Every day brings a new headline about AI, automation, robotics, data analysis, or some new technology that promises to make our lives easier, faster, smarter, or more

Today’s uncertain economy and financial markets are posing threats – and creating opportunities. And whether it’s a positive or a negative experience may have a lot to do with what stage of life you are in, as you will read below. Many new college graduates, for example, are having trouble finding a job that suits their talents. Others, by contrast, are becoming entrepreneurs in hopes of controlling their own destinies. Those in mid-life face the dire prospect of not only car

Emergency cash in retirement Show notes: We all know an emergency cash reserve is essential when you’re working and building wealth... But do you still need cash in the bank after you retire? You’re darn right you do... and I’ll explain why in this episode of the Help Me Retire Podcast... This is the Help Me Retire Podcast… with your host… Mike Brown… Senior Wealth Advisor with Raymond James Financial Services… and head of Brown Family Wealth Advisors… Mike is the best-sellin

August is typically a sleepy month on Wall Street, when many big stock traders and their money go on vacation. It’s also long been assumed that investment performance tends to suffer in the final full month of summer – but that’s actually a myth – and so far, 2026 is refuting that canard. Stock investors have been reaping the benefits of a massive spending spree on AI infrastructure, which has translated into a surge of earnings growth, especially among the companies making a

Estate planning is the process of organizing and preparing for the transfer of your wealth and assets after you pass away. It is important because it can help make sure that your wishes regarding asset distribution are honored after your death. This month, Mike discussed how estate plans can help provide financial confidence for you and your loved ones and mitigate potential taxes. Be a part of the #TrueWealth movement. Follow Brown Family Wealth Advisors on Facebook and Link

When American soldiers came home from World War II and started looking for jobs, experts predicted unemployment would soar. Instead of a return to the Great Depression, GIs returning to the economy sparked strong growth and ushered in the “Age of Prosperity” of the 1950s. In the late 1990s, experts predicted the Y2K computer bug would trigger major failures in the banking system, electric power grids, telecommunications, and transportation systems. It never happened. Corporat

Most people want to know the answer to a simple question: “Am I doing all right?” That may sound simple, but when it comes to your financial life, it is not always easy to answer. You might have a good investment portfolio but still wonder whether your income will be enough to support your chosen lifestyle. You may have a retirement plan in place but still have questions about taxes, health care, estate planning, or whether your spouse would be financially secure if something

August will be upon us this coming weekend, the days of back-to-school sales and preseason football, when summer seems to accelerate. And other than a few brief storms, the financial markets continue to cruise, with all three major equity indexes posting 6-7% gains over just the last three months and 9-11% year-to-date. Artificial intelligence seems to be driving the markets of late, and as is typically the case, there are two sides to the story. On the positive, no one can q

Half a year behind us, and stocks remain on a tear, led by big tech companies. The Nasdaq posted a three-month gain of nearly 20% – its best quarter in six years – and all three major stock indices are near their all-time highs. Still, there are causes for concern. Investors are borrowing heavily to buy stocks – margin debt jumped 54% in May over last year – and a lot of money is flowing into high-risk leveraged ETFs. And let’s not even talk about the legalized gambling that’

As retirement gets closer, one fear comes up again and again: What if I spend too much, too soon, and run out of money later? That’s a fair concern. But I don’t believe retirement should be about cutting your expenses to the bone, clipping every coupon, and giving up the things that make life enjoyable. If retirement is going to feel miserable, you might as well keep working! The better approach is not extreme frugality. It’s efficiency. In other words, protect the spending t

The drumbeat of American voters is starting to get louder. People are growing nervous about the future of Social Security and Medicare while getting more vocal about the $39 trillion federal debt that seems to being growing out of control. There are serious proposals out there, and it will be interesting to see how many of this fall’s political candidates choose to speak up on the issue while trying not to alienate potential voters. We’re seeing a spike of interest among clie

Plug your leaks before you sail Show notes: So... retirement is on the horizon... and you’re about to set sail... Now’s the time to check for leaks in your spending plan... and fix them... while there’s still time... In today’s episode of the Help Me Retire podcast... 10 pain-free ways to tighten your belt... so you’ll have more money to spend on the fun stuff... This is the Help Me Retire Podcast… with your host… Mike Brown… Senior Wealth Advisor with Raymond James Financial

The deal to end the war in Iran has given some hope to cash-strapped consumers – especially those filling their gas tanks for the summer driving season. Crude oil prices peaked at $114 a barrel this spring and have since fallen below $80. The question now is: How soon can we expect lower gasoline prices? It could take months before transports get back to normal levels and into refineries. And the U.S. Strategic Oil Reserve – which can act as a buffer for volatile fuel prices