TJP Wealth Solutions

06/04/2026

If you've watched a parent or grandparent navigate this disease, you already know.

It changes everything, and not just for them.

Families are often so focused on the day-to-day of caregiving that the legal and financial side quietly falls behind.

▪️ Who has the authority to make decisions if something changes?
▪️ Is there a long-term care plan?
▪️ Does anyone know where the documents are?

A power of attorney, a healthcare directive, a conversation about what care actually looks like.

These are so much easier to put in place when everyone is healthy and clearheaded than after a diagnosis.

If you have aging parents, this month is as good a time as any to start that conversation. We're happy to be part of it. 💙

06/02/2026

True or false: Americans in March 2026 are applying for fewer mortgages than they were during the Great Recession.

True. And it's not even close.

96 OF THE 100 LOWEST NUMBER OF WEEKLY MORTGAGE APPLICATIONS SINCE 1999 HAVE HAPPENED IN THE LAST 3 YEARS! (according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Mortgage Application Index)

Yet, unemployment today is a fraction of what it was during the financial crisis.

People aren't staying out of the market because they can't qualify. The market is gridlocked. Here's why. 👇

1️⃣ Millions of homeowners locked in at 3 percent during the pandemic. Selling means giving that up for another mortgage that may have a higher interest rate. So they're not moving.

2️⃣ If existing owners aren't selling, inventory can become thin, prices might stay elevated, and buyers wait for something to change.

3️⃣ Most are waiting for rates to drop. But when they do, demand may pick up, competition returns, and that window closes faster than expected.

Here's the truth about market timing: it almost never works the way people picture it.

The better question isn't "When is the right time to buy?" It's "Am I financially ready to move when the right opportunity comes?" 📋

06/01/2026

Who in your life is always happy to see you, never brings up work, and asks for almost nothing in return?

If a pet came to mind, you are not alone.

This week is Pet Appreciation Week, and our team wanted to take a moment to celebrate the four-legged, feathered, and occasionally scaly members of your household.

Pets have a way of putting things in perspective that no spreadsheet ever could.

Drop a photo of yours in the comments. We would love to meet them. 🐾

05/20/2026

Energy costs were a major driver of the latest inflation data, with higher gas, electricity, and fuel prices showing up across household budgets.

In April, the Consumer Price Index rose at an annual rate of 3.8%, marking the fastest pace in nearly three years. Higher energy prices accounted for about 40% of the total increase.

Gasoline prices were up more than 28% from a year earlier, while overall energy costs — including gas, heating oil, and electricity—rose nearly 18%.

The impact may extend beyond the pump. Higher fuel costs can influence transportation, airfares, grocery prices, and other everyday expenses as businesses absorb or pass along higher operating costs.

For households, these trends highlight how energy prices can ripple through the broader economy and affect purchasing power over time.

CPI gas price index has surged 28% from a year ago, while overall energy costs are up nearly 18%, new inflation data shows.

05/19/2026

The Senate has confirmed a new Federal Reserve chair, marking a leadership change at the central bank during a closely watched period for monetary policy.

The confirmation vote was 54-45, making it one of the closest votes for a Fed chair in the modern era.

The transition comes as policymakers continue to weigh inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, and broader economic uncertainty.

The new chair previously served on the Federal Reserve Board and has been involved in monetary policy discussions during periods of significant economic stress.

As leadership changes, markets and policymakers will continue watching how the Fed approaches its dual mandate: supporting maximum employment while seeking price stability.

In the most divisive vote ever for a Fed chair, Warsh, 56, won confirmation to take over for Jerome Powell.

05/13/2026

Private employers added 109,000 jobs in April, up from the prior month and signaling continued stability in the labor market.

Job growth was concentrated in a few key areas. Education and health services led the gains, adding 61,000 jobs, while trade, transportation, and utilities added 25,000. Construction also continued to contribute, with 10,000 new jobs.

Even with the stronger headline number, hiring remains uneven across sectors. Some areas are still adding workers, while others are showing slower momentum or modest declines.

Wage growth also continued, with pay for workers staying in their roles rising 4.4% annually.

Overall, the latest data suggests a labor market that remains steady, but selective—with employers continuing to hire, though not across every part of the economy.

05/12/2026

U.S. debt held by the public recently rose above the country’s gross domestic product, marking a notable fiscal milestone.

Debt held by the public stood at approximately $31.27 trillion at the end of April, slightly above the U.S. GDP of about $31.22 trillion over the prior 12-month period.

This measure represents debt owed to parties outside the federal government, including individuals, businesses, state and local governments, and foreign investors.

Several factors have contributed to the increase over time, including tax policy changes, higher federal spending, rising interest costs, and the needs of an aging population.

One key concern is the cost of servicing that debt. Federal interest payments have grown significantly, potentially affecting the government's flexibility for other priorities.

At the same time, demand for U.S. debt remains strong, and some economists note that the country’s broader economic strength helps provide context for the numbers.

Overall, the debt-to-GDP milestone is an important signal to watch — not necessarily a short-term crisis, but a reminder of how federal borrowing, interest costs, and economic growth are closely connected.

Federal debt held by the public now surpasses the total value of the nation's economic output. Here's why experts say that's a concern.

05/08/2026

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.

05/05/2026

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its latest meeting, maintaining the benchmark range at 3.5% to 3.75%.

While the decision itself was widely expected, the vote reflected a notable level of disagreement among policymakers, with several members expressing differing views on the outlook for future rate adjustments.

Some officials pointed to ongoing inflation concerns, while others focused on how policy signals could shape expectations moving forward.

Recent economic data continues to show a mixed picture, with steady job growth alongside inflation that remains above long-term targets.

Moments like this highlight how central bank decisions often involve balancing multiple factors as conditions evolve over time.

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

05/05/2026

LLC incorporation can help protect you from personal liability, but it’s not impenetrable. What can you do to strengthen your LLC firewall? Let’s chat.

LLC's are a powerful way to segregate your personal assets from your business, but the protection is not limitless