Joe Mangiafico at Prudential

08/29/2026

For many homeowners, the biggest weather risk may no longer be hurricanes.

New research from First Street found that severe convective storms, including tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds, have become the costliest insured natural disasters worldwide.

In 2025, these storms accounted for one-third of global natural disaster economic losses. Insured and uninsured losses totaled $82 billion, with $68 billion concentrated in the U.S.

Hail is the biggest driver of insurance payouts within this category, followed by severe winds.

These storms tend to move quickly, but they can cause widespread damage to homes, cars, businesses, and infrastructure.

For homeowners, the growing cost of severe weather can show up in more than repairs. It may also affect insurance premiums, property maintenance, emergency savings, and long-term housing costs.

As weather risks shift, it can be worth reviewing coverage, deductibles, and how prepared your household is for unexpected property damage.


Source:

Severe "convective" storms account for roughly a third of global natural disaster economic losses, a new study finds.

08/28/2026

Some hospitals and medical providers are asking patients to pay more before receiving non-emergency care.

The trend comes as deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs continue to rise.

Traditionally, many patients received bills after treatment. Now, some providers are collecting preservice deposits based on their estimate of what a patient may owe.

A KFF Health News report noted that the average deductible for employer-sponsored family coverage is $3,762 per person. The average deductible for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage rose 37% this year to $3,786.

For patients, upfront payment requests can create confusion, especially when insurance networks, deductibles, and estimated costs are unclear.

Emergency care has different rules. Hospitals that accept Medicare funding cannot demand upfront payment before stabilizing a patient who arrives at an emergency room.

For non-emergency care, it may be worth asking for an itemized estimate, confirming network status, and checking with the insurance company before making a large payment.


Source:

Hospitals and other medical providers are increasingly asking for payment before providing care, collecting more of what patients might owe.

08/26/2026

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08/24/2026

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.

08/07/2026

The price of a first-class Forever stamp rose from 78 cents to 82 cents on July 12.

The increase is part of a series of price hikes from the U.S. Postal Service, which has raised the cost of a first-class stamp several times in recent years.

USPS has cited financial losses, rising operating expenses, and declining mail volume as reasons for the latest increase.

Other postage costs also increased. Domestic postcards rose to 65 cents, while international postcards and letters rose to $1.75.

One important reminder: Forever stamps purchased before the increase still work after the price change. They continue to cover the current cost of one ounce of First-Class Mail postage.

For households and small businesses, postage may seem like a small expense — but recurring cost increases can add up over time, especially for anyone who still relies on mailed bills, invoices, cards, or client communications.


Source:

The cost of a first-class Forever stamp has climbed 41% since 2021, and postal officials have signaled they want prices to rise even more.

08/06/2026

U.S. airlines spent more than $6 billion on jet fuel in May for the second month in a row.

According to government data, airlines spent $6.66 billion on fuel in May, up 84% from a year earlier.

The increase was driven mostly by higher fuel prices, not higher fuel use. U.S. carriers used slightly less fuel than they did a year ago, while the average price paid rose to $4.09 per gallon.

Fuel is typically one of the airline industry’s highest operating costs, which can make carriers especially sensitive to swings in energy prices.

In response to higher fuel costs, airlines have raised fares and fees in some cases and adjusted flight schedules.

For travelers and businesses, the broader takeaway is that energy prices can affect more than the cost of filling up a car. They can also influence airfare, travel budgets, company expenses, and inflation pressures.


Source:

Government data released Tuesday shows that U.S. airlines spent $6.66 billion on jet fuel in May

08/05/2026

Despite a powerful Q2, individuals are hesitant.

08/04/2026

What is it about August?

07/31/2026

Life insurance is often framed as something you only think about "just in case."

But for many people, it can be part of a broader financial foundation—supporting both current flexibility and future considerations.

From how coverage works to what employer benefits actually provide, understanding the basics can make it easier to decide what fits your situation.

Several factors affect the cost and availability of life insurance. And any guarantees associated with a policy depend on the issuing insurance company's ability to continue making claim payments.

07/30/2026

Feeling behind on retirement savings at 50+? SECURE 2.0 might help more than you think.

A few key changes worth knowing:

📈 Bigger catch-up contributions — up to $8,000 extra in 2026, or $11,250 if you're 60–63 (total possible: $35,750).

🔄 If you earned $150K+ in 2025, your workplace plan catch-up contributions now go into Roth — paying tax now on the "seeds" instead of later on the "harvest" can actually work in your favor.

⏳ RMD age is now 75 for anyone born in 1960 or later — more time to grow your money and plan strategically.

🧩 Here's the thing: Social Security, IRAs, and 401(k)s don't work in isolation. How you contribute now — and how you withdraw later — needs to be one coordinated plan, not three separate decisions.

A late start doesn't have to mean a bad outcome — the rules have shifted in ways that can genuinely help.

If you're 50+ and want to talk through what this means for you, let's connect. 📩