Wealth and Wisdom: Week of December 15, 2025
- Mike Brown
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
At its final meeting of 2025, the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) lowered its target interest rate by a quarter-point last week. It’s a clear sign that while inflation is still higher than the Fed wants, policymakers feel an economic slowdown is the greater threat.
Whether it’s persistently high prices, endless political turmoil, or more than a million layoffs in November – the highest level since the COVID pandemic – Americans clearly have their daubers down these days. Consumer confidence is slumping, and despite decent economic data and impressive market returns this year, malaise is evident.
This week, a quick review of what’s got us all so concerned – and then several pieces full of ideas on what we can do about it.
Nearly half of Americans between the age of 45 and 54 say they worry every day that they’re not saving enough for retirement. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Only about a third of U.S. millionaires consider themselves wealthy – feeling the goalposts are constantly moving away from them. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
A new survey says that while women are working harder than ever to build wealth – they’re only guessing at how much money they need to retire. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
There’s no shortage of financial advice available today – but when it comes to taking advantage of it, some of us might need a shove. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Some financial resolutions to get you started – and join us at this Thursday’s webinar for a 5-step plan to stick with them in the year ahead. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Plug these common ‘money leaks’ and you’ll be able to save and invest more toward your goals. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
They allow you to save money after-tax for retirement – and employer matches can now go in as Roth contributions as well. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Before you retire, it’s about making money grow. But in retirement, it’s about making money last. Here are some helpful ideas. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Many people are now cutting back on their hours – and claiming Social Security benefits to make up the difference in their income. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
More than any other major country, Americans overwhelmingly prefer to invest in their own companies. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Investors who avoid high and unnecessary costs and simply sit for an extended period with a collection of large, conservatively-financed American businesses will almost certainly do well.”
– Warren Buffett
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.
