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Wealth and Wisdom: Week of June 29, 2026

  • 55 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

The drumbeat of American voters is starting to get louder. People are growing nervous about the future of Social Security and Medicare while getting more vocal about the $39 trillion federal debt that seems to being growing out of control. There are serious proposals out there, and it will be interesting to see how many of this fall’s political candidates choose to speak up on the issue while trying not to alienate potential voters.


We’re seeing a spike of interest among clients for the new diagnostic tool we recently developed, called the True Wealth Index. It’s designed to help assess someone’s retirement readiness based on 50 questions covering the seven steps in our wealth management system: vision/goal setting, spending, income, investing, protecting your health, wealth, privacy, tax strategy, and legacy planning.


Learn about this new tool in this webinar recording of our May 2026 client briefing.



 

There is no shortage of workable ideas to put the program back on solid ground before benefits are cut in 2032. Finding people with the political courage to do it is another story.  (Reading time: 6 minutes)

 

Even if tax laws require you to take more money from your IRA than you need or want each year – it doesn’t mean you have to blow it.  (Reading time: 8 minutes)

 

This is a lengthy article, but it’s worth at least skimming to see if you are making any of these 16 unforced errors in your retirement planning.  (Reading time: 20 minutes)


One can happen early in retirement, the other in your later years. Both can threaten the way you spend the rest of your life.  (Reading time: 4 minutes)

 

Missouri doesn’t. Illinois does – and here’s a list of all the other states that might tax your estate when you pass away.  (Reading time: 4 minutes)

 

Family members can be a priceless resource as you get older – but only if you let them in on how you manage your financial life.  (Reading time: 6 minutes)

 

Some good pointers here – broken down by age – on helping your young children become more financially literate.  (Reading time: 5 minutes)

 

With prices rising faster than wages, finding ways to save more is a challenge. The trick might be to start small and ramp up slowly.  (Reading time: 5 minutes)

 

Are you treating your health savings account as a long-term investment with tax benefits – or as a healthcare ATM?  (Reading time: 2 minutes)


They are convenient and can help you avoid spending money you don’t have – but don’t overlook the security risks that come with debit cards.  (Reading time: 5 minutes)



Words to the Wise


“We make our decisions - and then our decisions turn around and make us.”

 

– R.W. Boreham, preacher and author



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


Links are being provided for informational 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.


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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Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Brown Family Wealth Advisors is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

 

Dividends are not guaranteed and must be authorized by the company’s board of directors.


As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 plan. There is also a risk that these plans may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. Tax implications can vary significantly from state to state.




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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.

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