Wealth and Wisdom: Week of December 22, 2025
- Mike Brown
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
There is at least one new positive surprise – and one new lump of coal – in our economic Christmas stocking this week.
First, the good news: thanks to an oversupply of oil, lower demand at the pump, and newer cars with higher fuel efficiency – the price of gas is now at its lowest price since April 2021. Demand has been dropping about 2% a year on average over the last four years. Analysts worry the trend might reverse, though, now that the Trump administration is rolling back fuel efficiency standards.
Now the humbug headline: U.S. unemployment is now at 4.6% - a four-year high – and climbing. Economists blame it on a slowing economy and more jobs being replaced by artificial intelligence.
This might be a challenging environment to be retiring in, but if that’s your goal for the year ahead we’ve got some timely advice to share with you this week.
There will be no Wealth and Wisdom email next week – let’s reconvene the first week of 2026. Until then, my family and I wish you a joyous holiday season – and a healthy and prosperous New Year!
This summer’s major legislation changed the game for many taxpayers – and will create opportunities and challenges for retirees in 2026. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Just because you read it online, research it with AI – or even get it from the IRS – it doesn’t mean it’s correct. And the mistakes can be costly. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
If you’ve started the countdown, here are 6 things you’ll want to have in place before you clock out for the last time. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
How to earn more money if you’re short of your target – and where to invest it. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
You’ll do more than eat out and travel once you retire. Make sure these three items are also covered in your spending plan. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
The happiest boomers credit these 10 daily habits for their retirement bliss. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
If you’re planning to retire one day, start spending less than you earn – and adopt this simple, boring investment strategy to get you there. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Understand the pros and cons of working with advisors who have nothing to sell but their advice. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Thinking of dipping into your portfolio to give money to your family this year? Here’s how to do it tax-efficiently. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
If cash is tight, consider these 9 free services to help you do more with less in the year ahead. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“It's almost impossible to get rich overnight, but surprisingly easy to get rich over time.”
– Jonathan Clements
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