Wealth and Wisdom: Week of October 19, 2026
Last week’s monthly inflation report came in hot – consumer prices are up 3.7% over the past 12 months – higher even than expected. The “core” inflation rate, which excludes food and energy, was up just 2.6%. That’s comforting news for those able to live without eating or driving.
This tells us two things. First, prices likely won’t stop rising at accelerated rates as long as the forces driving them higher – namely the war in Iran, the war in Ukraine, and tariffs (see below) – persist. And second, as long as inflation remains at elevated levels, interest rates will likely remain elevated as well.
A client couple recently showed me a statement from their 30-year mortgage fixed at 2.7%. “Should we get rid of this?” they asked. My response: “No, you should probably frame it.” Those days are probably gone, at least for a while.
New research from the Federal Reserve says without President Trump’s tariff policy, consumer prices would actually be lower today than when the new tariffs began. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Recent events and long-term trends have pushed interest rates higher – and investors don’t expect them to come down anytime soon. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Years of making deductible contributions – compounded by market returns – have a growing number of retirement savers changing their strategy. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
The potential for tax-deferred compounding, tax-free distributions, and no RMDs make Roth IRAs a compelling choice. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
Living longer is a nice thought, as long as your savings live just as long. And that’s what has half of America’s retirees concerned. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
With proper planning and a long-term investment approach, it’s possible to retire how – and when – you want. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Retiring debt-free was once part of the American Dream, but there are reasons to consider keeping a mortgage even after you stop working. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
It involves understanding the difference between fixed and variable expenses – and it might make it easier to boost your savings rate. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
There’s a new way to gamble your savings away. Just don’t confuse prediction markets with investing. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Cyber-criminals are getting smarter every day. And so should we. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Gambling is a tax on ignorance. I find it kind of socially revolting when a government preys on the weaknesses of its citizenry rather than acts to serve them.”
– Warren Buffett
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