My latest: I wrote for Investopedia about catching up on retirement savings if you’re off to a late start.
This Week’s Takeaways:
- CB plans allow high income earners to deduct far more than a 401(k) – typically $100,000 – $400,000 per year – and are underutilized still by companies who don’t realize their benefits compared to traditional pension plans.
- Ray Dalio also would have fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics since its process is obsolete and error-prone.
- The Fed lowering rates wouldn’t necessarily improve home affordability as mortgage rates are driven by long-term yields more than Fed policy and there are structural housing supply issues impacting affordability.
- The bad jobs report is as bad as you’ve heard with substantial revisions downwards for the prior two months included as well. Wells Fargo expects three rate cuts by year-end.
- In an expensive stock market, it’s no longer enough that your stock beats on earnings expectations. Companies also have to deliver stronger future guidance or their stocks underperform. Cautionary signal.
- ChatGPT can plan your vacation if you know to ask.
- Plus my latest book recommendation and Things to Do This Weekend in Boston.
Cash Balance Pension Plans: the Smart Way to Turbocharge Your Retirement by Kiplinger’s
CB plans allow high income earners to deduct far more than a 401(k) – typically $100,000 – $400,000 per year – and are underutilized still by companies who don’t realize their benefits compared to traditional pension plans.
Trump Wants a Rate Cut to Boost Housing. It’s Not That Simple by Bloomberg
Trump has publicly urged Fed Chair Jerome Powell to cut interest rates—claiming lower borrowing costs would “unlock” the stagnant U.S. housing market—but his push is drawing skepticism from policymakers and economists alike. Critics warn that mortgage rates are more influenced by long-term Treasury yields than Fed policy, and that structural housing supply issues—not just rate levels—are the main barriers to affordability
July and the No Good, Very Bad Jobs Report by Wells Fargo
The bad jobs report is as bad as you’ve heard with substantial revisions downwards for the prior two months included as well. Wells Fargo expects three rate cuts by year-end.
Good guidance is the new earnings beat for investors by Axios
Beatings earnings estimates isn’t enough this earnings season. If you’re not beating on guidance as well your stock is underperforming by nearly 4 points as the market gets frothier.
ChatGPT can plan your dream getaway—if you know how to ask by PCWorld
ChatGPT can create itineraries, compare connections, and give you insider tips. Here’s how to use the AI correctly for holiday planning.
Brain Health is Wealth: 8 Ways to Lower Your Dementia Risk by Heritage Financial
As financial advisors, we often focus on preserving wealth. But what about preserving the ability to enjoy that wealth? For higher-net-worth individuals in their 40s and 50s, financial independence is within reach. The next frontier is ensuring you remain healthy—both physically and mentally—enough to enjoy the life you’ve built
Book Recommendation
Nightshade: A Novel (A Catalina Novel, 1) by Michael Connelly
Introducing Detective Stilwell: a cop relentlessly following his mission in the seemingly idyllic setting of Catalina Island.
Boston Corner
A cultural and historical tour in Mass. just ranked No. 1 in the U.S. — again
