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Wealth and Wisdom: Week of June 2, 2025

  • Writer: Mike Brown
    Mike Brown
  • Jun 2
  • 4 min read

One of the few things I remember about graduating from college – it’s been a minute – is someone explaining to us that the word graduation shouldn’t mean the end of something. Graduating means moving upward and onward to something bigger, and we hope, something better.


So as today’s graduates leave the make-believe world of college and enter the real world that we are urgently counting on them to save, we offer them the financial advice at the top of this week’s Wealth and Wisdom – in the hopes that one day the items toward the bottom of the list will be of interest to them.


Until then, we wish our new grads a life of good health and good fortune, and we hope Wealth and Wisdom can be a valuable resource to you along the way.


Now get to work – we need you!


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Congratulations on launching your career! Now, watch your back and keep a hand on your wallet.  (Reading time: 4 minutes)

 

It’s true. It does take money to make money – and here’s where to find it.  (Reading time: 3 minutes)

 

You don’t have to become a financial hermit to reach your goals. Here are 7 ways to balance your social life with your financial pursuits.  (Reading time: 3 minutes)

 

There are at least 4 ways other than 529 plans to tap your savings to pay for college. This article explains the pros and cons of each.  (Reading time: 5 minutes)

 

This Harvard professor studied retirees for a decade – and came up with some interesting questions new retirees should be asking.  (Reading time: 4 minutes)

 

The calendar year that straddles your last year of working with your first year of retiring can be tricky, especially when it comes to taxes.  (Reading time: 6 minutes)

 

Retirees often underestimate the tax impact of withdrawing from their savings. Here’s a 3-step process to help you make smarter decisions.  (Reading time: 6 minutes)

 

Choosing the optimal time to take Social Security is one giant math problem – and this one number is probably the most important variable.  (Reading time: 6 minutes)

 

DAFs allow you to set money aside for charitable giving, invest it, and then distribute it on your own timetable – all with tax benefits.  (Reading time: 3 minutes)

 

If you’ve been retired for a while, it might be time to circle back to some of the decisions you made when you stopped working.  (Reading time: 4 minutes)



Words to the Wise


“Always listen to the experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it.”

 

– Robert Heinlein



Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.


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The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Brown Family Wealth Advisors and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected.  Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.


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Links are being provided for information purposes only. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors. Raymond James is not responsible for the content of any website or the collection or use of information regarding any website's users and/or members.

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC, marketed as Brown Family Wealth Advisors Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Brown Family Wealth Advisors is separately owned and operated and not independently registered as a broker-dealer or investment adviser.

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