Decoding Tariffs: What’s the Economic Impact?

A new round of tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico and China has whipsawed financial markets in recent days as investors wrestle with the implications of rising policy uncertainty and the impact on the global economy.

Assessing the potential damage to economic activity is challenging, given the rapidly changing news events. Those include on-again, off-again tariffs, a one-month reprieve for the auto industry, a pause on some tariffs against Mexico, and the likelihood that certain newly erected trade barriers are a negotiating mechanism to achieve other policy goals of the Trump administration. The unfolding narrative could, and probably will, change tomorrow.

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How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost and Is It Worth It?

When planning for retirement, most of us focus on saving enough money to replace the income lost when we stop working. We want a “nest egg” to help fund the daily expenses of living—like groceries, utilities, and gas—as well as discretionary income that allows us to enjoy our well-earned freedom.

Life, however, is unpredictable. You may be healthy and independent now—but what happens if you one day need assistance with daily living tasks? You’ll likely require some form of long-term care, whether it’s provided in your home or a facility. Long-term care insurance is designed to address the uncertainty of future care costs and help boost your financial well-being as you move into your retirement years.

When it comes to long-term care insurance, one question people usually have is: Can I afford it? Or: What’s the cost of long-term care insurance? Let’s explore this topic, starting with a look at the real costs of long-term care in America.

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2024 Couples & Money Study

This Fidelity Investments study analyzes retirement, financial expectations, communication and preparedness for couples in a long-term relationship or marriage.

2024 Couples & Money Study

Vanguard Active Fixed Income Perspectives – 1st Quarter 2025

Bonds appear well-positioned to make a significant contribution to portfolio returns this year.  In an environment where interest rates are projected to remain above inflation, the prospects for fixed income investment are favorable.  However, investing is rarely without risk.   Uncertainties surrounding consumer spending, tariffs, immigration, fiscal policy and deregulation could re-ignite inflation, derailing an otherwise favorable trajectory.

Vanguard Active Fixed Income Perspectives Q1 2025

New 2025 Income Tax Brackets are Set

The IRS has adjusted federal income tax bracket ranges for the 2025 tax year to account for inflation. Here’s what you need to know now.

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Talking to Kids About Money

It’s never too early to develop good money habits.  Starting the conversation when children are young will often have the greatest impact.   Here are some basics to help parents and grandparents begin the dialogue.

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2025 Outlook: Long-Term Perspective on Markets and Economies

The November election eliminated the cloud of uncertainty, that had lingered over 2024.  Looking forward, we expect to see an extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts, efforts to curtail illegal immigration, the threat and possible implementation of tariffs, the possibility of some reflation, and a slightly relaxed regulatory environment which could broaden the runway for banks, financials and health care.

See the report for further information:  January 2025 Outlook Report

Housing Market Unlikely to Thaw in 2025 Due to Affordability Challenges and ‘Lock-in Effect’

Fannie Mae Economists Share 5 Housing Market Predictions for New Year

WASHINGTON, DC – Affordability and the so-called “lock-in effect” are expected to keep housing activity subdued in 2025, with existing home sales forecast to move only slightly upward from recent multi-decade lows, according to the December 2024 commentary from the Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTCQB) Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group. The broader economy is expected to remain on solid footing and expand at an above-trend pace through 2026 as it navigates elevated core inflationary pressures and heightened policy uncertainty.

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Here’s The Fed’s 2025 Meeting Schedule And What To Expect For Interest Rates

Fixed income markets anticipate that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in 2025, but not by much. Short-term interest rates are expected to end 2025 close to 4%. That’s down from the current 4.25% to 4.5% range as of January 2025. This is after the Fed cut rates in December 2024.

This forecast assumes that the U.S. economy continues to grow; unemployment remains slightly above 4%; and inflation ends 2025 close to 2.5%. These projections were the median forecasts of Federal Open Market Committee policymakers in December 2024. If the economy performs differently than these expectations, then the interest rate outlook will evolve, too.

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Trump’s Victory Signals Major Policy Shifts Ahead

The magnitude of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory on Tuesday brings the strong likelihood he will have a mandate for his economic, market and foreign policy agenda. Winning the Electoral College and popular vote, as well as gaining Republican control of the Senate, means Trump’s key policy issues, such as tax cuts, higher tariffs and immigration curbs may come faster than expected — potentially in the early months of 2025.

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