Wealth and Wisdom: Week of May 18, 2026
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Inflation is now running at a 3.8% pace, the fastest increase in three years. That’s alarming enough, but a peek beneath the surface of last week’s report shows even more reason for concern.
Consumer prices grew faster than wages in April – the first time that’s happened in three years – and it shows that Americans are falling behind. Most of the inflation spike is tied directly to energy costs, up 18% over last year. We’re paying 28% more to drive than we did last April, and 21% more to fly.
Economists expect the rate of price increases to slow once the Iran war is resolved, but that doesn’t mean we’ll be paying less – for anything – anytime soon.
Remember a few weeks ago when we talked about earnings? Investing makes a lot more sense when you focus on the right things. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Two-thirds of Americans now worry more about running out of money than they do running out of time. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Federal Reserve data shows three out of every 10 households in their 50s have no pensions or money saved for retirement. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
This is a lengthy article – but if you are basing your retirement plan on any of these outdated conventions, it will pay you to read it. (Reading time: 17 minutes)
Recent tax law changes allow you to continue making IRA contributions even after you start taking required minimum distributions. But should you? (Reading time: 6 minutes)
It’s happening more and more – longtime employees being laid off just before they had planned to retire. Here are 9 ways to respond. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
The markets have done well, but the world seems crazy right now. Your best approach as a new retiree is to stay focused on the long run. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
But that’s why you saved all this money for retirement, right? Some guidelines to help you make sure you’re not spending too much too fast. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Pulling your debts together into a single account can help you pay them off faster with less interest. Just make sure you don’t revert to old habits. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
The OBBBA has made it easier to design your financial legacy. Here’s some of what you should know. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Volatility is only a risk if you have the wrong response to it.”
– Ben Carlson, author
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