Wealth and Wisdom: Week of June 9, 2025
- Mike Brown
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
Some really serious people on Wall Street are starting to say some really serious things lately about our government’s addiction to debt – and warning of a serious impending financial crisis that could result. The big-and-beautiful budget bill – once touted as the first step toward getting deficits under control – now appears likely to add trillions more to the debt problem.
And efforts to rein in government spending – by slashing jobs, closing federal agencies, and chasing our research scientists away to countries that compete with us – are proving to be little more than a shallow speedbump on the road to even higher annual deficits.
If all of this has you wondering if you’re crazy to think about retiring anytime soon, I would direct you to the useful list of retirement blogs and podcasts below – and please don’t overlook our own podcast series on my Seven Steps to a Successful Retirement now posted on this very website. Step One is right here.
Runaway government spending and massive debt is threatening our nation’s status as an economic safe harbor in times of trouble. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
No one is saying a recession is imminent – but if you’re getting ready to retire soon, here are some tips to help you prepare for the unexpected. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
If you’re lured by the exclusivity and prestige of investing your money alongside the elite – read this first. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
The money you save in pre-tax 401(k)s and IRAs, the more you’ll eventually owe in taxes. Is there a better alternative? (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Unless it’s from your spouse, you’ll have 10 years to empty the account and pay the taxes – but there are ways to extend the life of that wealth. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
There’s no shortage of information and advice online for people planning for retirement. (Reading time: 9 minutes)
Despite all the advantages of owning your home – especially if it’s paid for – there are some compelling reasons to consider renting instead. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
These simple tips will help you streamline your life by getting rid of things you no longer need or want. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Here’s a goldmine of online financial calculators and tools – and don’t overlook more than 50 others we’ve posted on the Help Me Retire website . (Reading time: 1 minute)
Some advice from Morningstar on how to spot the difference between professional advisors and salespeople. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in five years there'd be a shortage of sand.”
– Milton Friedman
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