Wealth and Wisdom: Week of April 20, 2026
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Financial markets appear to be trading on the headlines lately, and many investors have trouble understanding why stocks are performing reasonably well – the S&P 500 is back in the black year-to-date – while the rest of the world seems be spinning out of control.
But look under the surface and you’ll see that what drives markets over time is how much money the underlying companies are making. Earnings, and the rate at which those earnings are growing at U.S. companies, are actually quite impressive.
Analysts surveyed by the market data firm FactSet last week are forecasting a 13.2% increase in earnings over last year. Don’t be surprised if profit growth in the first quarter of 2026 turns out to be the best since 2021. And if that happens, it will mark six consecutive quarters of double-digit earnings growth.
That’s the thing we have to remember about owning stocks. While you and I are wringing our hands every day about inflation, war overseas, and political mayhem, the companies we own in our portfolios are quietly trying to adapt, innovate, and continue growing. And there’s every sign they are succeeding at it.
So, be as worried as you allow yourself to be as you try to understand what’s going on in the world, but don’t let those short-term worries interrupt your long-term investment plan. Focus and act on what you can control – and let the businesses you own continue doing what they’re good at.
It’s not always going to make sense day to day. It’s not supposed to.
The cost of groceries is expected to climb another 3.1% this year – double the government’s original projection – and the war in Iran is largely responsible. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Not only is the savings rate falling, but nearly 20% of full-time workers borrowed from their 401(k)s last year – the highest number in recent history. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Six reasons why you should think long and hard before cutting back what you’re saving for retirement. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
While every other generation is pulling back, twentysomethings have increased their retirement savings every year since 2022. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
The White House projected refunds would be at least $1,000 higher this year due to recent tax law changes. The reality is currently about a third of that. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
They are right there on the IRS’s website – including the right to receive prompt, courteous, and professional assistance when you call. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
This is an opportune time to review your Social Security retirement benefits – and here are 6 things to check. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget says married couples should receive no more than $100,000 per year from Social Security – no matter what benefits they’ve earned. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
If you plan to retire within the next 12 months, now’s the time to make sure your ready-cash reserves are full for the next couple of years. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
The more money you save in Roth IRAs, the less you’re likely to pay in income taxes and Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Many folks think they aren't good at earning money, when what they don't know is how to use it.”
– Frank A. Clark, journalist
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