Wealth and Wisdom: Week of February 9, 2026
- Mike Brown
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Four interesting new trends are emerging now – two worth cheering, the other two to be concerned about.
Some good news: The Centers for Disease Control says life expectancy in the U.S. hit a record high in 2024 – thanks to lower death rates for heart disease, cancer, drug overdoses, and Covid. A child born in the U.S. today has a life expectancy of 79 years.
Not-so-good: That child’s parents are more likely to lose their jobs today as major employers – Amazon, UPS, Dow, Home Depot to name a few – announce widespread layoffs. Blame it in part on AI replacing jobs and part on a slowing economy. The jobs market is tightening up in a big way.
And the resurgence of manufacturing jobs we were promised when the president launched a tariff war with U.S. trading partners has yet to materialize. In fact, fewer Americans now work in manufacturing than at any time since the pandemic ended. Consumer prices continue to rise, however, to some extent due to tariffs making imported goods more expensive.
Finally, some good news at long last if you’re in the market for a new home. Many house-shoppers have thrown in the towel – discouraged by high asking prices and a spike in mortgage rates. But Redfin reports that about 62% of people who were able to find a new home last year paid an average of 8% below listing price. That’s the highest percentage since 2012 – and a possible sign that residential real estate is becoming more of a buyer’s market.
Here are some other items of potential interest to you – especially if you’re thinking about retiring anytime soon.
A new poll says the soaring cost of health care is now our number-one financial concern. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
The average 65-year-old will spend $172,500 to pay for healthcare and medical expenses over the course of retirement. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
What would you do if a government agency called to say there was money in your name just waiting for you to claim it? (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Not only will you get your refund faster – filing early might also protect you from cyber-criminals. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
The groundhog may tell you there are six more weeks of winter ahead – but it’s never too early to run through this annual checklist. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Retirement planning would be much easier if your spending was smooth and predictable – but if you’re like most people, it won’t be. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
If you can see retirement on the horizon, use this 9-step process to make sure you’re ready. (Reading time: 8 minutes)
They say the two most dangerous years of your life are the year you are born and the year you retire. So, take your time with it. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Retiring is about more than your money – your physical and mental health are just as important. These resources can help you. (Reading time: 10 minutes)
You’ll have more free time when you retire and more control over your schedule – which that can save you big money when you travel. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?”
– Winston Churchill
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