Wealth and Wisdom: Week of June 30, 2025
- Mike Brown
- Jun 30
- 3 min read
As we approach the celebration of our nation’s independence this week, the financial markets seem to have calmed down a bit. Investors have pushed the S&P 500 index back toward its all-time high, while seemingly looking past a potential war with Iran.
Over in the bond market, meanwhile, speculation is building over when the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates. Chair Jerome Powell told Congress last week that the Fed might have lowered rates already if not for concerns that President Trump’s tariffs might reignite inflation. As of now, bond investors are pricing in a small possibility of rate cuts in July – with September looking like the best bet.
My family and I wish you a happy – and cooler – July Fourth.
New projections say Social Security’s trust fund will now run out of money in 2034 – a year earlier than last year’s estimate. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
The Federal Reserve has been holding interest rates steady all year – so why are credit card interest rates above 20% and rising? (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Maybe you’re just being cautious – or anticipating another turndown in stock prices. But either way it’s likely hurting your long-term investment returns. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
A lengthy read – but full of helpful strategies to teach your children how to handle money and build wealth. (Reading time: 11 minutes)
Research says taking a one-semester class in personal finance – now required in many states including Missouri – could provide a six-digit economic benefit to your child. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Here are some timeless ideas you can adopt today to start making the money you save start working for you. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Use the calculator in this article to calculate the federal and state tax benefits of investing for education. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Every day might feel like Saturday when you stop working – but Saturdays aren’t always full of blue skies and sunshine. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Ask yourself these seven questions before you take money out of savings to pay off your home loan. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
To live life to the end on your own terms – think about getting these documents in place. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.”
– Ayn Rand, 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.
The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market.
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.
