Wealth and Wisdom: Week of March 31, 2025
- Mike Brown
- Mar 31
- 4 min read
And so ends March – and the first quarter of what may turn out to be one of the most tumultuous years in memory. The average American is losing confidence in the economy right now – as witnessed by four straight months of declines in the Consumer Confidence Index. Prices are still high, and folks are no longer optimistic about future increases in their own incomes.
In short, Americans are craving some sense of normalcy and predictability in their financial lives again and they are losing hope of getting it anytime soon.
If that’s you, this is not the time to take your eye off the ball. Stay focused on your financial goals – short-term and longer-term – and keep saving, keep investing, keep compounding to build wealth. If you’re retired and trying to make your money last, keep focusing on the income your investments are generating, and look for ways to keep that cash flow increasing faster than your cost of living.
Whatever you do – whether you are trying to build wealth or maintain it – don’t allow fear and uncertainty to keep you from doing what you should with your money. The ageless rules of investing still work – if you have the wisdom to let them.
Despite low unemployment and a growing economy, more Americans than ever are tapping into their retirement plans well before retirement. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
This is not a time to be timing the markets – but there are several other things you could be doing if you’re concerned about an economic downturn. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
America’s largest companies paid out $1.6 trillion to their shareholders last year in the form of cash dividends and share buybacks. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Tammy gave me How NOT to Invest by Barry Ritholtz over the weekend, and I’ll be digging into it tonight. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Here’s a list of 21 personal finance and investing books from Morningstar – and there’s something on it for investors of every level. (Reading time: 9 minutes)
The optimum selling window opens at different times of the year based on where in the country you live. (Reading time: 1 minute)
We touched on this in last week’s webinar, which will soon be available on our website. What you decide will likely have an impact on your tax bill. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Should you retire together, or one at a time? All at once, or gradually? How to create a timing strategy that works for both of you. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Five qualities to look for in your next tax advisor – and two to look out for. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
These budget tools can show you where you’re spending – and where you might be wasting – your hard-earned dollars. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Learning from others is a huge part of investing - every mistake has already been made, and you can add years to your life learning from them vicariously.”
– Morgan Housel
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