Wealth and Wisdom: Week of September 22, 2025
- Mike Brown
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
The Federal Reserve gave investors some much-needed clarity last week, cutting interest rates by a quarter-point – and signaling its intent to lower lending rates by another half-percentage point by the end of this year. While inflation remains an issue (see Item #1) below, the Fed is more concerned over signs the U.S. economy is slowing down.
Now that we have all of that that settled, I’m going to slip away for a week, so Wealth and Wisdom will resume in two weeks, on October 6. I’m leaving you with a few slightly longer articles this week to keep you occupied until I return.

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says tariffs should eventually lower the federal deficit – but the money will come from our pockets. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Kiplinger’s top picks for apps to help you track and control your spending. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
The rising cost of living is public enemy #1 in retirement. Here are three ideas to help you cope. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
I’ll be surprised if you’ve heard about all of these strategies – but one or two of them might help keep your finances in the black. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Americans now prefer individual stocks over mutual funds – but their favorite investment is still (sadly) cash. (Reading time: 7 minutes)
Investing in a little bit of nearly everything might sound like a good way to manage risk – but the reward might be mediocre returns. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Anything you buy can look like a bargain if you spread the monthly payments out far enough. It’s time to avoid this lazy logic. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Hint: It’s not the age at which an overwhelming majority of Americans are deciding to take it. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
It’s time to review how much income you made in 2024 – to see if you’ll be paying a surcharge for Medicare Part B and Part D next year. (Reading time: 6 minutes)
If you have an adventurous soul and money is tight, consider these 8 countries. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Wide diversification is only required only when investors don't understand what they are doing.”
– Warren Buffett
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