Wealth and Wisdom: Week of June 15, 2026
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
More disheartening news on inflation of late. A monthly government report showed consumer prices rose 4.2% in May over a year ago – the highest pace of increases in three years. To blame: mostly oil and gas prices as a by-product of the Iran War, and the persistent added cost of tariffs on the things we all buy.
Where we go from here no one can say, of course. But if you’re troubled by the prospect of an overheating economy or a stock market bubble bursting, now is not the time to bury your head in the sand. We’ve got some excellent ideas this week for shoring up your defenses (see Item #5 below), as well as some time-tested ways to hold down the cost of both staying cool this summer (Item #6) and insuring your home (Item #8).
Taking even small steps to stretch your income and protect your savings can give you more of a sense of control in these uncertain times.
It’s not AI – yet. The real reason new college graduates are having trouble launching careers has more to do with where people work today. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Trump Accounts create a novel new way for parents to help their children build tax-free wealth – even before they start working. (Reading time 7 minutes)
A new report projects the average Social Security recipient will lose $500 per month – 24% of the typical benefit – if the system goes insolvent in 2032. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
The official numbers should be out in early November, but here’s how much Medicare surcharges are projected to increase in 2027. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
It’s next to impossible to predict when the next recession will begin – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be ready for it. Some good ideas here. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
We’re paying more for nearly everything lately, including the cost of keeping cool. Here are a dozen ways to help you hold the line this summer. (Reading time: 10 minutes)
Probably a lot fewer than you think. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
The cost of insuring a home has jumped 24% in just past few years. These strategies might help you lower your premiums. (Reading time: 9 minutes)
Nobody wants to be called a cheapskate – but you can still exercise some control over how you spend your money on others and protect yourself along the way. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Consider this simple method to decide what’s truly important to you – and motivate yourself to making it happen. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Living below your means is the clearest blue flame path to financial freedom. Because it isn't your salary that makes you rich; it's your spending habits. Any fool can make money. It's more difficult to hold on to it.”
– Scott Galloway, author
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