Family WealthCare Center

06/01/2026

Nearly half of healthy aging experts name physical activity as the single most important lifestyle habit for longevity, according to a September 2025 U.S. News & World Report article. Not supplements. Not sleep hacks. Not anything you might read about on a social feed. Just movement. Plain and simple. What habit has made the biggest difference for you?

05/31/2026

Auto debt continues to climb as higher vehicle prices and interest rates put pressure on household budgets.

A recent report found that total auto debt reached $1.68 trillion at the end of 2025, up 37% from late 2018. Nearly 86 million Americans, or about 1 in 4, now carry auto loan or lease debt.

Monthly payments have also increased. The typical auto loan payment rose from about $506 in 2018 to more than $680 by the end of 2025.

Several factors are contributing to the shift, including higher vehicle prices, fewer lower-cost new car options, and longer loan terms. More buyers are also taking on larger monthly payments, with $1,000 auto loan payments becoming more common for financed new-vehicle purchases.

For many households, higher transportation costs can affect other parts of the budget, including groceries, rent, savings, and emergency funds.

These trends highlight how vehicle affordability can play a larger role in everyday financial decisions.

Auto debt has swelled to $1.68 trillion, a new analysis finds. Americans face costlier vehicles, higher interest rates and lengthier loan terms.

05/29/2026

If you receive Social Security benefits, you may have to pay federal income tax on some of these benefits. Your payment will depend on your specific income and filing status.

To find out whether your Social Security benefits are taxable, if you are single, take half of the Social Security money you received throughout the year and add it to your other income, including pensions, wages, interest, dividends, and capital gains. If the total for an individual exceeds $25,000, part of your benefits may be taxable.

If you are married filing jointly, take half of the Social Security money you received throughout the year plus half of your spouse's Social Security benefits; add both amounts to your combined household income. If the total is over $32,000, part of your benefits may be taxable.

The IRS's website delineates the taxable percentage of benefits based on the above calculation. These percentages vary between 50% to 85% and depend on your filing status and income levels. For example, if you are filing as a single person with $25,000 to $34,000 income, 50% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable.

The Interactive Tax Assistant on IRS.gov can help you determine whether your Social Security benefits are taxable and, if so, by how much.

*This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax professional.

Tip adapted from IRS.gov

05/28/2026

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.

05/27/2026

Choosing an executor is an important part of your estate plan.

This person, attorney, or corporate trustee will be responsible for carrying out your wishes, managing paperwork, handling assets, and helping settle your estate. It’s a role that requires organization, trust, and good judgment.

At Family WealthCare Center, we can help you think through these important decisions and make sure your estate strategy fits into your overall financial plan.

📞 Call us at 816-630-3011 to start the conversation.

05/27/2026

LPL Research explores opportunities in agriculture as supply risks and fertilizer constraints reshape commodity markets and support potential gains.

Here's our Weekly Market Update: https://www.familywealthcarecenter.com/weekly-market-commentary-may-26-2026-9e150

05/26/2026

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.

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.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their courage, sacrifice, and dedication helped protect the freedoms we cherish every day. As we gather with family and friends, may we also take time to reflect with gratitude on those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

From all of us at Family WealthCare Center, we wish you a meaningful Memorial Day.

05/24/2026

Every May, Small Business Month is dedicated to honoring small businesses, recognizing their dedication, community contributions, and relentless hard work.

Small businesses play a crucial role in the United States' economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, there are 36.2 million small businesses in the United States. That accounts for 99.9 percent of all U.S. businesses.1

That's 62.3 million employees, making up 45.9 percent of the U.S. workforce.1

As you can see, there's nothing "small" about small businesses. These enterprises, often overlooked, are the backbone of the U.S. economy and the unsung champions of the American Dream.

1. U.S. Small Business Administration, 2025

05/23/2026

Some retirees describe the first few months as a honeymoon phase. Travel. Projects. Rest. Catching up on everything that was postponed. And then something shifts.

After the glow wears off, deeper questions start to surface:
▪️How do I want to spend my time?
▪️What feels meaningful now?

That transition is normal. Retirement creates space. The first year is about deciding what deserves it.