Wealth and Wisdom: Week of November 24, 2025
- Mike Brown
- Nov 24
- 4 min read
For weeks we’ve been talking about a market that’s gotten out a little far over its skis – with investors willing to pay prices for stocks that are well above their historically normal valuations. Last week, the euphoria started showing signs of cooling.
It’s too soon to know if the market is just letting a little air out of the tires (to torture another metaphor), or whether we’re in for a more significant downturn. The real question, of course, is to what extent you should do something about it with your own portfolio. Our first item below is a letter we recently sent to our clients, sharing some historical perspective on market pullbacks in hopes it will keep them focused on their goals – and the plans we have crafted in pursuit of them. I hope you will find it helpful with your own deliberations.
I also hope that you are finding Wealth and Wisdom to be an ongoing source of such perspective, and that it helps you make wiser, calmer investment decisions during stressful times. This is perhaps the perfect week to pause and consider all we have and how far we’ve come. And all of us at Brown Family Wealth Advisors wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving – and a joyous holiday season.
Things have gotten a little turbulent lately. Read what I’m telling our clients about the market’s recent pullback. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
You’ll be able to save more money for retirement next year – through 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457 plans, IRAs, and Roth IRAs. Here are the new limits. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Checking these items off your list before year-end will get you ready for 2026 before the last minute – and could save you money in the process. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Retirees were happy to hear about Social Security’s 2.8% cost-of-living increase for next year – but most won’t receive the full COLA. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Nice problem to have, perhaps – but still a problem. My latest podcast episode dives into why some retirees refuse to spend what they can afford to. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Passing wealth along to your family is a nice option to have – and not just for the super-wealthy. Doing it efficiently takes some planning. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Giving appreciated shares of stock to charity can save you taxes in two ways – and there’s more than one way to do it . (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Just last week I read about a local couple who tried this with great success. Are you up to a challenge? (Reading time: 9 minutes)
If you’re ever the victim of a fire, flood, or natural disaster, here’s what you’ll want ready to grab on your way out the door. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Many retirees take too long to discover the need for structure and purpose. Hint: The ideal day probably does not involve recliners or cable news. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Markets tend to return to the mean over time.”
– Bob Farrell, market strategist
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