Wealth and Wisdom: Week of September 1, 2025
- Mike Brown
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Labor Day – the unofficial end of summer. A new month – and a refreshing change of season to look forward to. This is also a good time to reframe your thinking when it comes to finances. For those trying to build wealth, a reminder to get as close to those 401(k) and IRA contribution limits as possible between now and the end of the year. For others of a certain age, a reminder to satisfy those required minimum distributions well before year-end. And for all of us – a four-month window to see how we might take advantage of the new tax laws, not only in 2025 but in the years ahead.
I’m glad you have Wealth and Wisdom as a weekly resource to show you the way. We thank you for your continued interest in our little project. And we invite you to explore additional ideas and research on our websites: BrownFWA.com and HelpMeRetirePod.com. As always, we’re happy to be at your service.
I can remember once seeing a complete list of all exchange-traded funds on a single sheet of paper. Today, there are more ETFs than stocks. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
It’s every new retiree’s nightmare – but here are four ways you can protect yourself and your portfolio. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Growing concerns about the future of Social Security are causing a surge in early claiming – and locking in a lifetime of reduced benefits. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Take these three key factors into account before you decide to file for Social Security benefits. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
When Americans leave jobs, one-third of them cash out their 401(k) accounts – another potentially huge, unforced error. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Step 1 of my 7-step plan for a successful retirement is visualizing just what your ideal second life should look like. More advice: Podcast Blog (Reading time: 10 minutes)
They can help you give your children a financial head start in life – once you understand how they work. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Initially intended to pay for college tuition, you can now use 529 money to pay for tutoring, continuing education, licensing – and a host of other educational expenses. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Your best bet might be as simple as buying the home of your dreams – and staying put for as long as you can. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Stan Kroenke now owns more land than the entire state of Delaware. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Hard work spotlights the character of people. Some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses - and some don't turn up at all.”
– Sam Ewing, former professional baseball player
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