Joe Mangiafico at Prudential

06/01/2026

Artificial intelligence is becoming a more common expectation in early-career roles.

Recent data shows that about 4.2% of entry-level job postings now reference AI skills, nearly double the share from a year ago. Internship postings are even higher, with more than 10% including AI-related requirements.

The trend spans a range of industries, with the strongest presence in technology roles, along with growing adoption in areas like financial services and marketing.

At the same time, many students report learning these tools on their own, as formal training continues to catch up with workplace expectations.

While the overall job market for new graduates remains competitive, familiarity with AI tools is becoming one way candidates can stand out across a variety of roles.


Source:

As of March, 4.2% of full-time early-career jobs called for AI skills, nearly double the share from a year ago, according to Handshake's 2026 graduate report.

05/29/2026

This month's chart is thanks to past Fed Chair Alan Greenspan, who tracked men's underwear sales as a proxy for consumer confidence. What do you think the new Fed Chair will watch?

05/28/2026

Treasury yields have risen as bond prices have fallen, reflecting renewed attention to inflation, interest rates, and investor sentiment.

Treasurys are U.S. government bonds, and their yields often move based on expectations for inflation, economic growth, and Federal Reserve policy.

When inflation remains elevated, investors may expect interest rates to stay higher for longer. That can make existing bonds less attractive, pushing prices down and yields up.

Higher Treasury yields can also affect other parts of the economy. The 10-year Treasury, for example, is closely tied to mortgage rates, which can influence homebuyers' borrowing costs.

Rising yields may also affect corporate borrowing, stock valuations, and the broader cost of capital.

While higher yields can signal concern, they can also reflect a market adjusting to new economic data. For consumers and businesses, the key takeaway is that bond market movement can ripple into borrowing costs and financial decisions over time.


Source:

U.S. government bonds are sagging as investors fret that hotter inflation will keep interest rate cuts on hold.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. They will always be remembered. Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Memorial Day holiday.

05/18/2026

That yellow section? That's money you never saved, your money made it for you.

This is compound interest in action. Start with $1,000/year at a hypothetical 5 percent return, and by year 30, you've built nearly $70,000. But the real story is the yellow: Interest earning interest.

Year 1: almost no interest at all.
Year 30: the interest on your interest alone might cover a year of car payments (or more).

You don't need to invest more. You need to stay focused on your strategy. What's one financial habit you wish you'd started earlier? Drop it below. 👇

05/15/2026

You've done the hard work. Now come the fun choices.

A life well-lived doesn't have to be extravagant. One moment you may crave that favorite food from childhood, the next an elegant wine at a table under the stars, and finally a chef-inspired dream you talk about for years to come. There are no wrong answers to how you experience joy. Only the freedom to celebrate the way you deserve, thanks to the good decisions you've made along the way.

Savor every bite. You've earned it.

05/14/2026

A common online security tool is now being used in a new type of scam.

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts — the familiar “I’m not a robot” checks — to trick users into taking actions that can compromise their devices.

Instead of a simple verification, these prompts may ask users to click “Allow,” enable notifications, or follow additional steps that can lead to persistent pop-ups, phishing attempts, or unwanted software.

These scams often appear through ads, suspicious links, or redirected web pages, making them harder to spot at first glance.

Security experts note that legitimate CAPTCHA tests do not require enabling notifications, downloading files, or entering system commands — making those requests a potential red flag.

As these tactics evolve, staying cautious when interacting with unexpected prompts can help reduce exposure to online threats.


Source:

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick users into enabling malware and scam notifications Security experts warn the ta

05/13/2026

💡 Do you have an old annuity you haven’t reviewed in years? It may be worth a second look.

A recent article from Kiplinger highlights an important insight: older annuity contracts can hold untapped value—but only if they’re actively reviewed.

📊 Key takeaway: annuities aren’t “set it and forget it.”
Changes in interest rates, market conditions, and personal goals can significantly impact how well they’re working for you.

In many cases, a simple review can:
✔️ Improve income potential
✔️ Align your strategy with today’s environment
✔️ Uncover opportunities you didn’t realize you had

Bottom line: What made sense years ago may not be the best fit today.

If you have an existing annuity—or just want a second opinion on your retirement strategy—I’m happy to help.

📩 Feel free to reach out if you’d like me to review your situation or answer any questions.

Annuities bought years ago may no longer reflect clients' needs or the economy. Conducting thorough reviews will optimize their finances and grow your business.

05/12/2026

📊 Long-term care costs are rising—are you prepared?

New data from A Place for Mom shows:

💰 Assisted living: ~$5,400/month
🧠 Memory care: ~$6,600/month
🏡 Independent living: ~$3,200/month

With demand growing and costs increasing, planning ahead is more important than ever.

💡 The key: Start the conversation early—your future options depend on it.

🔗

Explore the median costs of long-term care options like assisted living, memory care, independent living, and home care. Plus, learn how costs vary by state.

05/11/2026

🤖 AI is changing estate planning—especially when it comes to due diligence

A recent article from WealthManagement.com highlights how AI is transforming estate planning by helping advisors:

✔️ Conduct deeper background checks before onboarding clients
✔️ Identify potential legal, financial, or reputational risks
✔️ Improve accuracy and efficiency in complex planning decisions

When used correctly, AI can strengthen due diligence and reduce risk—but it also requires the right safeguards around privacy, accuracy, and professional oversight.

Bottom line: Technology is enhancing planning—but it doesn’t replace thoughtful, personalized advice.

If you’ve been thinking about your estate plan or want a second look at your current strategy, I’m here to help.

📩 Feel free to reach out if you’d like guidance or a conversation about your options.

Serve clients effectively while reducing malpractice, ethics and reputational risk.