Wealth and Wisdom: Week of September 8, 2025
- Mike Brown
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
By the numbers, everything seems hunky-dory these days. Eight months into the year, and the S&P 500 has posted near double-digit returns. The economy is still growing, bouncing back nicely from a tough first quarter. Inflation, while persistent, has been under 3% for the last six months straight. And the Fed is seriously considering cutting interest rates when it meets again next week.
But beneath the surface, problems appear to be lurking.
The nation’s biggest retailers – Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and others – are warning shoppers to brace for sticker shock as President Trump’s tariffs drive up prices on basic essentials. KFF, a respected independent health policy research organization, predicts that ACA health insurance premiums could jump an average of 20% or more next year (see Item 1 below). And there’s growing evidence that household debt is starting to become a real problem again (see Item 2).
To sum up the current situation, a new Wall Street Journal-NORC poll says only 25% of Americans now believe they have a good chance of improving their standard of living in the future, the lowest number that survey has recorded since it began in 1987.
We’re being told that despite all the chaos of 2025, things have never been better. But for a growing number of Americans, there seems to be plenty to worry about these days.
A major healthcare organization says insurance costs are rising faster than inflation – and that huge new increases are coming soon. (Reading time: 4 minutes)
Loan balances are climbing, so are delinquencies – and it’s not limited to those with lower income. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Investors are in love with stocks of American companies these days – and the companies themselves are leading the way. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
These 6 charts show some trends that are otherwise hard to see – and they might change your thinking about the markets. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Recent tax law changes might mean you can take more gains on your investments without paying tax on them. (Reading time: 2 minutes)
Get the full match from your employer’s retirement plan first – but then what? (Reading time: 5 minutes)
I like to pass along good ideas for your bookshelf from time to time – but if you only buy one, make it the fifth one on this list. (Reading time: 5 minutes)
My firm’s quick, simple explanation of how qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) work – and how they can make those RMDs a little less painful. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
If you’re having trouble settling into retirement, look at some of these warning signs that you need to make a change. (Reading time: 9 minutes)
The research is conclusive: We all need a hobby. (Reading time: 3 minutes)
Words to the Wise
“Wall Street has a few prudent principles; the trouble is that they are always forgotten when they are most needed.”
– Benjamin Graham
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