JMC Wealth

08/27/2026

Not all inflation numbers measure the same thing. From CPI to PCE, each index tracks different spending patterns—and none of them may reflect yours.

When inflation makes headlines, the conversation usually stops at a single number. Prices went up 3 percent. Or 4 percent. But which number? Measured how? And by whom?

The truth is there's no single "inflation rate." The U.S. government publishes several, each built on different assumptions about who's spending, what they're buying, and how they adjust when prices shift. Understanding the differences could change the way you think about your own financial picture, because the only inflation rate that truly matters is the one you're living with.

Check out our new blog post, The Many Ways to Measure Inflation, to read more:

When inflation makes headlines, the conversation usually stops at a single number. Prices went up 3 percent. Or 4 percent. But which number?

08/18/2026

The Common Cents Act has passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The bill is tied to the phase-out of the penny and would create a national rounding standard for cash transactions.

Under the proposal, cash purchases would be rounded up or down to the nearest five cents when exact change is not available.

For example, a purchase totaling $10.02 would round down to $10.00, while a purchase totaling $10.04 would round up to $10.05.

Pennies would still retain their value under the act, even as the Treasury stopped minting them.

The bill is especially relevant for businesses that handle cash, including restaurants and retailers, because it could reduce confusion and legal risk around exact change.

For consumers and businesses, the broader takeaway is that even small changes in currency rules can affect daily transactions, checkout systems, and cash-handling practices.


Source:

New law aims to address how businesses and consumers should transact amid the phase-out of the penny.

08/11/2026

The life you’re waiting for is waiting for you to wake up.

Our beliefs shape our reality, but meaningful change begins with self-awareness. What if your frustrations, financial concerns, or feelings of inadequacy aren’t indicators of failure, but rather signals prompting you to reflect and grow?

If you’re interested in exploring this perspective further, I invite you to read my latest blog post: https://juliemurphy.com/the-life-you-waiting-for-is-waiting-for-you-to-wake-up

08/05/2026

Back-to-school season is bringing higher costs for many families.

A new analysis found that a typical basket of school items, including notebooks, lunch boxes, and index cards, is up nearly 8% compared with last year.

School lunches are also more expensive, with the cost of a typical packed lunch up 11%.

The analysis estimates families may spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, including about $175 on school items and $3,800 on packed lunches.

Some items have seen especially sharp increases. Lunch boxes are up 27%, one-subject notebooks are up 23%, and index cards are up 22%.

Higher tariffs, imported school supplies, food prices, and energy costs are all contributing to the increase.

For families, back-to-school shopping is a reminder that seasonal expenses can add up quickly, especially when everyday costs are already stretching household budgets.


Source:

U.S. households will spend roughly $4,000 per student on school supplies and lunches this year, a new analysis found.

07/31/2026

Financial planning isn't just about investments and retirement accounts—it's about understanding your life.

The conversations that matter most often start with questions like:
• How are things at home?
• How's work?
• Are you living a life that energizes you?

💡 Our money, health, and relationships are deeply connected. When one area is out of alignment, it often shows up in the others.

A financial plan should support the life you want to live—not just your balance sheet.

07/30/2026

How do you handle your estate if you have a blended family? Here are a few things you should consider. Read more.

This article will help your clients with blended families think and prepare their estate strategy.

07/27/2026

Sorting through Medicare choices can feel overwhelming, but having a clear understanding of your options is key to making confident decisions about your healthcare.

In our newest blog, we break down the main types of Medicare plans, explaining what each one covers and how they might fit your needs as you near retirement or look ahead. You’ll find helpful insights and actionable tips to guide you in choosing coverage that matches your lifestyle and future plans.

Explore the full article here: https://jmcwealth.com/the-a-b-c-d-of-medicare/

The official U.S. government website for Medicare, a health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people with disabilities.

07/24/2026

July is synonymous with celebration, fireworks, and the warm embrace of family and friends. We revel in the liberties we cherish, but this month, let’s take a moment to dive deeper. Are you truly free?

Join me as we uncover practical steps to break free from self-imposed limitations, embrace a mindset of empowerment, and cultivate inner peace. Your freedom journey starts within, and together, we can ignite a path toward authenticity and fulfillment.

Click this link to read my most recent blog post: https://juliemurphy.com/freedom-begins-within

07/16/2026

The Fed’s benchmark rate stayed in the 3.50% to 3.75% range, with all 12 members of the Federal Open Market Committee voting in favor of holding rates unchanged.

The decision comes as inflation has climbed above 4% for the first time in three years, driven in part by higher energy costs and supply disruptions.

Fed officials described inflation as elevated and noted that price increases in certain sectors, including energy, have been affected by supply shocks.

For households and businesses, the decision matters because interest rates can influence borrowing costs, credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, business financing, and savings yields.

Even when rates do not move, the Fed’s language can offer clues about how officials are weighing inflation, employment, energy prices, and future economic conditions.



Source:

Futures markets overwhelmingly expected the Fed to keep rates unchanged.

07/01/2026

Did you know that starting just one decade earlier can be more impactful than tripling your contributions? The math might surprise you. Read on to see how time can do the heavy lifting for you.

See how starting early—not saving more—can be the most powerful move you make for your long-term future.