top of page

Wealth and Wisdom: Week of August 18, 2025

  • Writer: Mike Brown
    Mike Brown
  • Aug 18
  • 3 min read

A positive update last week shows inflation held steady last month – which keeps an interest rate cut on the table when the Fed meets next month. The report shows that tariffs are driving up the cost of several items, but not enough to impact the overall cost of living at this point.


The new tax law will likely impact a majority of Americans in some way. I look forward to sharing all the details with you in this Thursday’s webinar. You should have received an email invitation already, but if you want to join us click here.


ree

President Trump has ordered the nation’s 401(k) plans to allow “alternative investments” such as private equity and digital assets. Should you invest?  (Reading time: 5 minutes)

 

The founder of the Center for Retirement Research believes high fees and lack of transparency make private equity a poor investment choice.  (Reading time: 3 minutes)

 

Ten years ago, there were 1,345 alternative mutual funds available to investors. Three-quarters of them no longer exist.  (Reading time: 6 minutes)

 

You may soon have the ability to invest in cryptocurrency through your employer’s retirement plan. Critics believe it’s a crisis waiting to happen.  (Reading time: 2 minutes)

 

Time is your biggest ally in building wealth and reaching retirement goals – and new research says younger investors are taking advantage of it.  (Reading time: 5 minutes)

 

Social Security has been in crisis before, and Congress has always found ways to avoid benefit cuts – but this time they’re cutting it very close.  (Reading time: 3 minutes)

 

These are the most common ideas being considered as ways to save Social Security – but the longer Congress delays, the more they will hurt.  (Reading time: 3 minutes)

 

It’s not free, it doesn’t cover everything, and your doctor doesn’t have to accept it. Here are 10 things you might not realize about Medicare.  (Reading time: 3 minutes)

 

The older and wealthier you are, the bigger target you become for financial scams and fraud. Use these tips to protect your money and your privacy.  (Reading time: 10 minutes)

 

Enjoy that new pool, fireplace, and finished basement – just be ready for the higher taxes that often come with them.  (Reading time: 5 minutes)



Words to the Wise


“As a general rule of thumb, the more complexity in a Wall Street creation, the faster and farther investors should run.”

 

– David Swensen



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.


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.


As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 plan. There is also a risk that these plans may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. Tax implications can vary significantly from state to state.




Never Miss a New Post.

unnamed-3_edited_edited_edited.png

BROWN FAMILY WEALTH ADVISORS

101 S. Hanley Road

Suite 700

St. Louis, MO 63105

314.571.9897

Raymond James financial advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states and/or jurisdictions for which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed. Please note that not all of the investments and services mentioned are available in every state. Investors outside of the United States are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed on this site. Contact your local Raymond James office for information and availability.

Links are being provided for information 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.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC, marketed as Brown Family Wealth Advisors Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Brown Family Wealth Advisors is separately owned and operated and not independently registered as a broker-dealer or investment adviser.

© 2023 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC    |   Legal Disclosures   |   Privacy, Security & Account Protection   |   Terms of Use

BrokerCheck

Copyright Brown Family Wealth Advisors. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page