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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Seven Medicare Changes You’ll See in 2025

Expensive medications? You’ll save thousands. Dementia or mental health care? More options

Key takeaways

• Changes from Inflation Reduction Act will take effect next year.
• Lower out-of-pocket limit in Part D drug plans erases old “donut hole.”
• You may find weight loss drugs covered to treat other medical conditions.
• Your Medicare Advantage plan may not stay the same.
• Look for a midyear statement from your MA plan.
• Caregivers for loved ones with dementia may be eligible for respite care.
• More mental health counselors are encouraged to enroll as providers.

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Five Financial Planning Secrets of Millionaires

You might be surprised: Most millionaires don’t feel rich. Instead, they have smart goals, discipline and a little help along the way.

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What to expect between Election Day and the Inauguration

With the U.S. presidential election less than two weeks away, Americans may be looking forward to the end of a tumultuous political campaign season. However, if past trends are any indication, November 5 could be just the beginning.

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Do You Qualify for Social Security Spouse’s Benefits?

Social Security benefits are a crucial part of the retirement income for millions of Americans.

If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to get benefits on your own work record or your own benefit is small, you may be able to receive benefits as a spouse. Your spouse must be receiving benefits for you to get benefits on their work record. If your spouse does not receive retirement or disability, you’ll have to wait to apply on your spouse’s record.

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What Is A Black Swan Event?

Black swan populations are small, and it is rare to come across one. The term “Black Swan” has been adopted my financial market participants to mean rare and unpredictable events, typically negative ones. Black swan events may have severe consequences, and can lead to major losses in the markets and harm for the economy.

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The Economic Impact of Higher (and Lower) Rates

Over the last several years, many of our clients who prefer to hold significant amounts of cash for unplanned emergencies or near-term purchases–as we frequently recommend–have benefited greatly from higher interest rates.  After many years of ultra-low interest rates, these clients have finally been rewarded with respectable returns on their cash holdings.

Others seeking to purchase a house or car were not so fortunate.  For these individuals, borrowing costs often made financing far less attractive and limited buying capacity, given that inflation had already taken a toll on pricing.

Now that the Fed appears poised to begin a rate cutting cycle, we thought it may be interesting to take a brief look at how interest rates affect the economy.  As you will see, the impact of interest rates is quite extensive:

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