Wealth and Wisdom: Week of March 23, 2026
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve been holding your breath for another cut in interest rates, it’s probably time to let go. For five long years now, the Federal Reserve has been waiting for inflation to drop below its target of 2% – only to be continually disappointed.
The Fed’s easy money policy in response to the Covid pandemic sparked a huge surge in consumer prices. Then, just as inflation was beginning to ease, Russia invaded Ukraine. Last year brought President Trump’s global tariffs. Now the war with Iran is causing oil and gasoline prices to soar. Inflation remains a serious issue.
That’s one of many reasons the Fed – despite enormous political pressure to lower interest rates – decided last week to hold firm once again. And now there are serious doubts whether lower interest rates are even anywhere on the horizon.
American consumers, meanwhile, are paying more and more for basic necessities. Stubborn interest rates are doing the housing market no favors. The U.S. economy is showing more signs of stalling. And now it’s all showing up in the financial markets.
Prices are still climbing while the economy is slowing down. Here’s what that could mean to your investments. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
High-income earners use strategies like these to pay less in taxes – but they actually can be employed at almost any income level. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
If you can say these five things about your tax advisor – you’ve probably made a good hire. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Being frugal can help you build wealth faster – just don’t take it too far. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
These 20 daily money habits can help you build your savings – without having to think about it too much. (Reading time: 9 minutes)
Checking your bank balance every day is one thing – but looking at your investments too often is probably a bad idea. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
After decades of criticism, 401(k) accounts have proven to be a powerful engine in saving for retirement. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
No one likes paying taxes on required IRA withdrawals – especially if they don’t need the money. But RMDs can help you manage your investments more efficiently. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
The first 12 months after you stop working can set the tone for retirement success – so make them count. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Being retired gives you more flexibility. Use it – and these other tips – to save money the next time you head out to see the world. (Reading time: 8 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.”
– Leonardo Da Vanci
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