Updates

Social Security and Medicare: Planning for Future Changes

A recent survey showed that only about half of workers and 6 in 10 retirees are confident that Social Security and Medicare will provide the same value in the future.1 That’s not surprising. For years, detailed annual reports released by the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds have warned that the trust funds […]

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Blue-Chip Stocks Lead as Markets Shift Beyond AI

Last week’s trading session was shortened as the markets were closed on Friday, July 3, in honor of Independence Day. Wall Street saw a shift from AI and semiconductor stocks to more traditional blue-chip stocks. The major market mover was the labor report for June, which saw employment accelerate but at a slower pace than […]

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Markets Shift as AI Stocks Pull Back and Value Sectors Gain

For just the second time in the last 13 weeks, both the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ recorded weekly losses. AI stocks, which had driven the market for much of the year, experienced a notable drop, despite favorable earnings reports from some major microchip companies. Investors moved away from tech to more value-driven sectors, such […]

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Midyear Tax Checkup: Steps to Help Reduce Your Tax Liability

With the tax season a distant memory and summer already here, you have probably stopped thinking about taxes and are busy planning your annual vacation; however, midyear is also a good time for a tax checkup. With time left before 2026 ends, you still have a window to identify and address any tax issues or […]

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Fed Holds Rates Steady as Markets Rally on Middle East Deal

Most markets were closed last Friday in observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day. Wall Street rallied last week as investors displayed optimism over the signing of an initial agreement ending hostilities in the Middle East. Market gains were realized despite the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady at 3.50%-3.75% following the first meeting under new […]

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Federal Student Loan Changes for 2026-2027

Every May, interest rates on federal student loans are recalculated for the upcoming school year. The rates are determined by combining the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note with an additional fixed amount set by Congress. Based on this formula, interest rates on federal student loans are set to increase slightly for the 2026–2027 […]

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Stocks Rebound as Inflation Rises and Fed Decision Looms

Wall Street began last week with a heavy sell-off as investors appeared anxious about the U.S.-Iran war, elevated inflation, and fears of a potential tech correction. However, stocks staged a massive turnaround midweek, driven by easing tensions in the Middle East and the largest initial public offering in U.S. financial history. Consumer staples and real […]

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Employer Beliefs vs Worker Reality in Today’s Workplace

Employer beliefs vs worker reality can differ significantly when it comes to the financial and workplace challenges employees face today. A recent survey by Transamerica Institute found that many workers are struggling with inflation, caregiving responsibilities, financial stress, and changing job requirements, while employers may underestimate the extent of these pressures and their impact on […]

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Strong Jobs Report Ends Stock Rally as Rate Cut Hopes Fade

For much of last week, stocks continued a rally that appeared headed for another week of gains. However, investors, who had been clinging to the prospect of monetary easing, had those hopes all but dashed after a better-than-expected jobs report (see below) doused any hopes of an interest rate reduction in the immediate future. Heading […]

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Retirement Confidence Down

Retirement confidence slipped in 2026 after showing signs of improvement the year before, with both workers and retirees feeling less certain about their financial future. According to the latest findings from the Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey, only about three in five workers now say they are confident they will have enough […]

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