Wealth and Wisdom: Week of January 5, 2026
- Mike Brown

- Jan 5
- 4 min read
Happy New Year! If 2026 is the year you want to get serious about retiring, you’ll want to see my latest client briefing webinar: Your 2026 Game Plan. We’ve gotten a lot of very positive feedback on this presentation, and I think you’ll find some helpful ideas for getting this year off to a good start.
We will continue our monthly briefings in 2026, with one significant change: four of them will be held in-person (January, April, June, and October) and available to clients only. In the other eight months, we will stick with the webinar format – open to the public with recordings posted to our Help Me Retire website.
We have a lot of good new things planned for 2026, and I look forward to sharing them with you over the next 12 months. Brown Family Wealth Advisors wishes you a healthy, happy – and prosperous New Year!

This time of year is ripe for predictions – all of which should be taken with a grain of salt. That said, most economists believe the U.S. will keep growing this year. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Despite what they’re hearing from politicians, Americans know they’re having to spend more these days – and their incomes aren’t keeping up. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Marketplace insurance plans could cost twice as much this year – and older adults will likely be hit the hardest. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Social Security’s COLA, higher contribution limits, and big tax changes – here’s what you need to know this year. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
The IRS is increasing contribution limits this year on nearly every way we save for retirement. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
If you’re in your 50s with a goal of retiring one day, keep an eye out for these three common retirement investing pitfalls. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Use these guidelines to estimate what retirement will cost – and listen to our podcast for tips on putting together a spending plan. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Credit card interest rates and fees are up sharply this year. Use the 5 tips in this article to keep debt from compounding against you. (Reading time: 8 minutes)
This monthly guide won’t make you wealthy in a year’s time – but these excellent ideas will definitely set you on the right path. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Warren Buffett stepped down from his investment company at year-end – at age 95. We celebrate with some of his sagest investment advice. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“The years roll 'round and the last will comes; when I would rather have it said, 'He lived usefully' than 'He died rich.'”
– Benjamin Franklin
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