Wealth and Wisdom: Week of July 6, 2026
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Half a year behind us, and stocks remain on a tear, led by big tech companies. The Nasdaq posted a three-month gain of nearly 20% – its best quarter in six years – and all three major stock indices are near their all-time highs.
Still, there are causes for concern. Investors are borrowing heavily to buy stocks – margin debt jumped 54% in May over last year – and a lot of money is flowing into high-risk leveraged ETFs. And let’s not even talk about the legalized gambling that’s taking place in the prediction markets – where as you read this, people who should know better are wagering on the severity of this year’s wildfire season in California among other statistical oddities. It’s comforting to know that if you are reading this, then you probably do know better.
We’ll be taking our customary summer break for the next couple of weeks. Wealth and Wisdom will return to your inbox on Monday, July 20. Happy Birthday to us all – and here’s hoping the next 250 years will be as good as the last.
The economy is growing strongly – but the share of the national income going to working-class Americans has dropped to its lowest level since World War II. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Undeterred by an uncertain financial future, younger workers are saving diligently for retirement – and most of the money is going into Roths. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Creating wealth begins with spending less than you earn – and paying yourself before anyone else. (Reading time: 8 minutes)
Aristotle said excellence is “not an act, but a habit.” The same wisdom applies to saving and investing. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
There’s talk now about creating a federal program – similar to what’s being done already in 17 states – to automatically enroll workers in IRAs. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Some great tips here. And if you’re getting ready to retire, you’ll find more specific ideas in my latest Help Me Retire podcast episode. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Signing up for paid online subscriptions seem like a tiny expense, but they can add up over time. These apps can help you track them and get rid of those you aren’t using. (Reading time: 8 minutes)
What if you could learn why most retirees wish they could do it differently – and then figure out how to avoid their mistakes? (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Your income is probably near a peak now – so here’s where to put some of that money that could make your retirement more secure. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Trust me, I hear you, but reality will eventually catch up with us – and we need to be prepared financially. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Try to save something while your salary is small; it's impossible to save after you begin to earn more.”
– Jack Benny
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