Waterstone Financial Services

Waterstone Financial Services Our goal is to work together as thinking partners for our clients. We aim to strengthen your financi

Recent survey data suggests many households are feeling increased financial pressure.About 55% of Americans say their fi...
05/07/2026

Recent survey data suggests many households are feeling increased financial pressure.

About 55% of Americans say their financial situation is getting worse, reflecting a steady rise in concern over the past several years.

Affordability remains a key factor, with higher costs across essentials like housing, healthcare, and everyday expenses continuing to shape how people experience their finances.

At the same time, concerns extend beyond the short term. Many individuals report increased anxiety around long-term goals, including saving for retirement and managing future expenses.

While experiences can vary widely, these trends highlight how broader economic conditions can influence both day-to-day budgeting and longer-term financial outlooks.

The impact of higher energy prices and fears about covering monthly bill is taking a toll on public sentiment, a new Gallup poll finds.

Medicare supplemental insurance costs are rising, with many consumers seeing noticeable increases in recent months.Some ...
04/28/2026

Medicare supplemental insurance costs are rising, with many consumers seeing noticeable increases in recent months.

Some policyholders experienced significant jumps — including reports of increases as high as 45% for certain plans, while more typical adjustments are now landing in the double digits.

These policies help cover out-of-pocket costs not included in traditional Medicare, such as deductibles and copayments. Without supplemental coverage, there is generally no cap on annual healthcare expenses.

A range of factors are contributing to higher premiums, including increased use of medical services, rising healthcare costs, and demographic shifts.

At the same time, options for switching plans can be limited by timing, location, and health status, making it more challenging for some individuals to adjust coverage.

These trends highlight how healthcare costs and coverage choices can evolve over time, especially for those approaching or already in retirement.

Millions of people rely on the supplemental insurance to offset the deductibles, copayments, and other costs faced by enrollees in the traditional Medicare program.

A large number of student loan borrowers are currently waiting for updates on repayment options and debt relief programs...
04/23/2026

A large number of student loan borrowers are currently waiting for updates on repayment options and debt relief programs.

Recent filings show that more than 643,000 borrowers have pending requests, including over 550,000 applications for income-driven repayment and nearly 90,000 requests related to public service forgiveness programs.

These programs are designed to help make monthly payments more manageable or reduce balances over time, particularly for those working in qualifying fields.

While some progress has been made in processing applications, a backlog remains, and additional requests could continue to add to the queue.

At the same time, many borrowers report that monthly payments are impacting their ability to cover everyday expenses, highlighting the role these programs can play in overall financial stability.

More than 643,000 federal student loan borrowers are waiting for the Trump administration to forgive their debt or enroll them in a repayment plan.

The cost of raising a child in the U.S. continues to rise, reaching a new milestone in recent estimates.A new analysis p...
04/16/2026

The cost of raising a child in the U.S. continues to rise, reaching a new milestone in recent estimates.

A new analysis puts the total cost at approximately $303,000 through age 18, or about $16,800 per year on average.

These figures include everyday expenses like housing, food, and childcare, but do not account for college costs, which can add significantly more over time.

Costs can also vary widely depending on location. Some states saw notable increases, while others experienced slower growth in certain child-related expenses.

While the overall total has increased, some categories, such as early childcare, have shown signs of stabilizing in recent data.

As costs evolve, these trends offer a broader view of how family-related expenses are changing.

Raising a child through age 18 is most expensive in Hawaii, where a family would spend an estimated $412,661 in 2026, LendingTree found.

Mortgage demand is showing signs of slowing, even as interest rates moved slightly lower.Applications for home purchases...
04/14/2026

Mortgage demand is showing signs of slowing, even as interest rates moved slightly lower.

Applications for home purchases were 7% lower than the same time last year, marking the first annual decline in over a year. Refinance activity also fell, with applications down compared to both the prior week and last year.

While rates dipped modestly, with the average 30-year fixed rate around 6.5%, broader economic uncertainty continues to influence buyer activity.

Some segments of the market are holding up better than others, particularly where lower-rate loan options or increased housing inventory are available.

These shifts highlight how interest rates, affordability, and market conditions can all play a role in housing demand.

Weakening consumer sentiment in the overall economy is weighing heavily on mortgage demand from both homeowners and homebuyers.

Private-sector hiring showed modest growth in March, with payrolls rising by 62,000.While that total was slightly below ...
04/09/2026

Private-sector hiring showed modest growth in March, with payrolls rising by 62,000.

While that total was slightly below February’s revised level, it came in above expectations and reflects continued, though uneven, job growth.

Most of the gains were concentrated in a few areas. Education and health services accounted for the majority of new jobs, while construction also contributed. Other sectors saw more limited growth or declines.

Smaller businesses played a notable role, with companies employing fewer than 50 workers leading hiring activity during the month.

At the same time, borrowing costs and broader economic conditions continue to influence hiring patterns, with some industries showing more caution than others.

Private sector employment growth kept pace, but health care and construction continued to provide nearly all the momentum.

New data shows that some Americans are contributing less to retirement accounts, reflecting ongoing financial pressures....
04/07/2026

New data shows that some Americans are contributing less to retirement accounts, reflecting ongoing financial pressures.

On average, contribution rates fell slightly, with full-time workers setting aside 8.9% of income, down from 9.2% the previous year. At the same time, about 1 in 4 workers reduced their savings, and nearly 20% took loans from their accounts.

These changes may be tied to rising everyday expenses, as some households adjust to manage short-term needs.

While the shift is relatively modest, consistent contributions over time can play an important role in long-term outcomes — making even small changes worth paying attention to.

Trends like these highlight how broader economic conditions can influence saving behaviors across different income levels.

Full-time employees cut their 401(k) participation and contribution rates last year amid an affordability crunch, new research shows.

Concerns about a potential economic slowdown are gaining attention as several indicators begin to show signs of strain. ...
04/01/2026

Concerns about a potential economic slowdown are gaining attention as several indicators begin to show signs of strain.



Economists have recently increased their estimates for the likelihood of a downturn over the next 12 months. Some projections now place the probability significantly higher than the typical baseline, reflecting growing uncertainty.



Several factors are contributing to these concerns, including rising energy costs, pressure on consumers, and a labor market that has shown limited job growth in most sectors. In fact, job creation remained relatively weak over the past year, with some recent monthly declines.



Consumer sentiment has also softened, with a majority of respondents in one survey expecting a downturn within the next year.



While these trends don’t guarantee a contraction, they highlight how shifts in employment, spending, and global conditions can influence the broader economic outlook.



Economists have pulled up their risk assessments of a contraction amid heightened uncertainty over geopolitical risk and a labor market slump.

Jet fuel prices are rising, creating significant challenges for the airline industry and potentially increasing travel c...
03/25/2026

Jet fuel prices are rising, creating significant challenges for the airline industry and potentially increasing travel costs for consumers.



As airlines grapple with increasing fuel expenses, travelers may see higher ticket prices and additional fees. The situation underscores the broader economic pressures on the aviation sector and highlights the need for strategic operational and pricing adjustments.



Staying informed on these developments can help travelers and industry stakeholders navigate the evolving landscape of air travel.

The Iran war is driving up jet fuel prices, while a DHS shutdown creates long lines at airport security. There’s no end in sight for either of them.

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged at its latest policy meeting, citing ongoing economic u...
03/24/2026

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged at its latest policy meeting, citing ongoing economic uncertainties and mixed market signals.

The central bank emphasized a cautious approach, aiming to balance inflation control with support for economic growth. The decision aligns with expectations, as the Fed continues to monitor key indicators, including employment, consumer spending, and global economic conditions.

While the Fed remains committed to its long-term goals, its current strategy requires careful navigation to maintain financial stability.

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday released its decision in interest rates.

Address

55 Sully's Trail, Ste F
Pittsford, NY
14534

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15855865640

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Waterstone Financial Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category