Mudd Wealth Management

11/04/2025

The purpose of a retirement strategy is to get where you want, when you want to be there. When I see articles saying, “active money managers struggle to beat index funds due to tariffs, economic uncertainty,” I believe we’re missing the point. Whether an investment underperforms or outperforms is fun to look at, but it’s about whether the investment helped your where and when.

10/10/2025

🗓️Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15 🗓️

Whether it’s for yourself, a parent, or someone you care about, Medicare Open Enrollment is the window to review coverage and explore options for the upcoming year.

💡Remember, you can change your Medicare elections every year. If your needs have changed, it's worth reviewing to see if another option would be better. If you’re unsure where to start, now’s the time to ask questions and get the facts.

🗓️ Deadline: December 7 🗓️

🔍 Mark your calendar and double-check your current coverage before time runs out.

10/08/2025

🚢From ships to shares, here’s a brief history of stocks 📊

The first “stocks” were tied to dangerous sea voyages. Today? They’re traded with a tap.

Swipe to explore:
⚫ The first company to issue stock
⚫ The world’s first exchange
⚫ Why stocks became so popular
⚫ How this centuries-old idea still drives markets today

09/10/2025

Economic & Financial Indicators:
The current economic landscape is showing cooling inflation to steady job growth. Here's what financial professionals are watching as we move through 2025.

Key Highlights:
✔️Inflation trends
✔️ The labor market seems to be finding its sweet spot without overheating
✔️ Corporate earnings are showing resilience
✔️ Fed policy remains measured

The takeaway? Economic reports can give clues about the economy. What economic trends are you keeping your eye on? Share your thoughts below 👇.

09/05/2025

Pencils ✏️ Notebooks 📓 Backpacks 🎒 But what about your child's financial education?

A 2013 Cambridge University study found money habits formed by age seven! Add money smarts to your checklist this back-to-school season with these age-appropriate financial lessons. Turn everyday activities into learning experiences that will set them up for success. Which of these steps have you already taken with your kids?

09/02/2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Key Tax Changes Starting 2025

👍EVERYONE 👍
Standard deduction increases to $15,750 for single filers, and $31,500 for those filing jointly.
State and local tax (SALT) deduction increases to $40,000 (temporary)

👥 SENIORS (65+) 👥
$6,000 bonus deduction (2025-2028)

👨‍💼 WORKERS 👨‍💼
No tax on tips (up to $25,000)
No tax on overtime (up to $12,500 single filer/$25,000 married filing jointly)

🏢 BUSINESS OWNERS 🏢
20 percent qualified business income deduction is now permanent
100 percent capital expensing restored

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILIES 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Child tax credit increases to $2,200
Dependent care limits increase to $7,500

🏡 ESTATE MANAGEMENT 🏡
Exemption increases to $15 million/$30 million (starts 2026)

IMPORTANT: Some of these changes are temporary (2025-2028). Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day! 🛠️
Today, we take a moment to recognize and appreciate the hard work of individuals across the nation.

Whether you're relaxing at home or enjoying a well-deserved day off, I hope you're able to recharge and enjoy this special day.

To the builders, creators, and doers: Happy Labor Day!

08/29/2025

🧠 Here’s a thought…
“Estate” isn’t just about assets; it also involves thoughtful preparation for how responsibilities and decisions may be handled in the future. Whether you're outlining your wishes or reviewing existing strategies, TODAY is a great time to reflect on what matters most.

Have you also considered…
💭 Updating your will
💭 Considering powers of attorney
💭 Exploring strategies for future generations
💭 Aiming to reduce potential stress for loved ones

Everyone’s situation is unique. Work with your team of professionals today!

08/26/2025

Car buying shows confidence in the economy. Most people will only consider a new car when they feel good about their finances and the future. Today’s chart shows there are more ways to measure economic activity than following inflation reports, job updates, and Fed meetings.

08/22/2025

An increasing number of retirees are leaning heavily on Social Security as their main source of income, according to new data from AARP.

In fact, nearly one in four Americans aged 50 and older say they expect Social Security to be their primary or sole income stream in retirement.

The reasons vary—rising costs of living, limited personal savings, and the shift away from employer pensions all play a role. But the trend underscores how essential Social Security remains, especially for households without significant retirement assets.


Source:

More than three-quarters of Americans fear Social Security won't provide enough to live on when they retire, AARP study finds.

08/15/2025

A new report from the JPMorganChase Institute shows a growing number of U.S. households are shifting cash from traditional checking and savings into accounts that can generate investment income.

Think brokerage accounts, CDs, and money market funds—vehicles that offer a return on idle cash without a full commitment to market volatility.

This shift is especially noticeable among higher-income households, who often hold larger cash reserves. The trend may be helping to support current levels of consumer spending while also pointing to a broader reevaluation of how liquidity is managed.

With rates in flux, this kind of movement highlights the importance of aligning short-term savings with long-term financial goals—even when market conditions feel uncertain.


Source:

New research finds that more Americans are shifting their money from checking and savings accounts into financial vehicles that pay an investment income.

08/05/2025

📝 August is National Make-A-Will Month, a timely reminder that estate documentation deserves your attention.

A whopping 76% of Americans don't have a will. This can lead to unintended consequences for those with asset distribution and care for children.

A comprehensive estate strategy can help preserve your legacy while helping manage the probate process. Consider reviewing your documentation periodically, particularly after significant life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of children and grandchildren.

Our team can help your legal counsel facilitate comprehensive estate coordination. Contact us to discuss how we can help.



Source:
Caring.com, February 18, 2025.