Bill Mowbray, Chfc, RICP

07/14/2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Key Tax Changes Starting 2025

👍EVERYONE 👍
Standard deduction increases to $15,750 for single filers, and $31,500 for those filing jointly.
State and local tax (SALT) deduction increases to $40,000 (temporary)

👥 SENIORS (65+) 👥
$6,000 bonus deduction (2025-2028)

👨‍💼 WORKERS 👨‍💼
No tax on tips (up to $25,000)
No tax on overtime (up to $12,500 single filer/$25,000 married filing jointly)

🏢 BUSINESS OWNERS 🏢
20 percent qualified business income deduction is now permanent
100 percent capital expensing restored

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILIES 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Child tax credit increases to $2,200
Dependent care limits increase to $7,500

🏡 ESTATE MANAGEMENT 🏡
Exemption increases to $15 million/$30 million (starts 2026)

IMPORTANT: Some of these changes are temporary (2025-2028). Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

05/22/2025

🌐 U.S.-China relations are shifting, and businesses are taking note.

The latest issue of The China Connection newsletter highlights a major turning point:

✔️ A 90-day suspension of new tariffs between the U.S. and China to allow room for negotiations
✔️ Many companies are now diversifying supply chains to manage ongoing uncertainty 🌏
✔️ Analysts caution that while tariff tensions have eased for now, volatility in global markets and trade relations may continue

These changes reflect the evolution of global business and trade dynamics. Staying informed can help individuals better understand the broader forces shaping international markets and economies.


Source:

The world got a taste of an effective U.S.-China trade embargo, and there's no going back.

05/22/2025

📢 Big news for California homeowners:

Following devastating wildfires, California regulators have approved a 17% home insurance rate increase for State Farm policies, effective June 1.

🔹 The increase is lower than the company’s original 21.8% request
🔹 Officials cited evidence of extraordinary financial distress due to wildfire claims
🔹 The decision comes with a commitment from State Farm to avoid new non-renewals through 2025

Staying informed about changes like this can help individuals stay prepared as market conditions evolve 🔍


Source:

State Farm's emergency insurance rate hike will increase homeowner payments by 17% after June 1.

05/21/2025

💊 Ever wonder why prescription drugs often cost more in the U.S.? A recent report sheds light:

🔘 U.S. drug prices are nearly 3x higher than in 33 other high-income countries
🔘 Factors include a fragmented reimbursement system and limited national pricing controls
🔘 The U.S. relies heavily on private negotiations and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), often with limited transparency

While these factors affect pricing, understanding the system can help individuals make informed choices about their healthcare. ✅


Source:

President Donald Trump's latest bid to slash prescription drug prices has once again stirred heated debate about the high costs paid by U.S. patients.

05/21/2025

Most U.S. adults are still finding ways to give back—even in challenging times 💙✨

A new AP-NORC poll found:

➡️ 75% of U.S. adults gave to a charitable cause last year
➡️ Top donations went to faith-based groups and organizations meeting basic needs like food and shelter 🏠
➡️ Older adults give at higher rates than younger generations

Charitable giving trends can reflect larger conversations around values, community, and financial priorities 🌍


Source:

A new AP-NORC poll finds about three-quarters of U.S. adults say their household contributed at least some money to a charitable organization.

05/08/2025

What would Warren Buffett think about investors being fearful? Would he say it’s time to be greedy? Or would he remind everyone of the quote, “stocks climb a wall of worry." It suggests that investors should maintain their discipline even when there are a ton of reasons to believe the market will fall.

05/07/2025

Who will lead the Catholic Church next?
As the world prepares for a new chapter in Vatican leadership, several prominent figures are being considered in the lead-up to the papal conclave.

Among the potential successors to Pope Francis:
▪️ Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a seasoned Vatican diplomat with deep geopolitical ties
▪️ Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a charismatic voice from the Philippines known for his global outreach
▪️ Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, a bold advocate for social justice from the Democratic Republic of Congo
▪️ Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a “street priest” with a passion for peace and service to the marginalized

Each brings a unique vision to the table. This moment invites reflection on what kind of leadership the Church—and the world—needs next. 🌍🙏


Source:

There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered “papabile.” That means they possess the characteristics necessary to become pope.

05/06/2025

After the passing of Pope Francis, one Oscar-winning film saw a 232% spike in week-over-week viewership: Conclave.

The film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the mysterious process of selecting a new pope, and audiences are captivated. With its all-star cast and timely release, Conclave has gone from art-house drama to cultural phenomenon, even sparking memes and fan edits across social media.

It’s not every day that a historical tradition, a modern film, and a viral fandom converge. But when they do, it says something powerful about the stories that connect us, especially in moments of global reflection.


Source:

Edward Berger’s “Conclave” had a 283% spike in streaming viewership in the 24 hours after Pope Francis died, according to data from the data analytics company Luminate.

05/01/2025

➡️ $4.8 Billion Lost: The Growing Cost of Scams Targeting Seniors

Investment fraud, phishing emails, and tech support scams aren't just digital annoyances; they drain billions from older Americans each year. According to a recent FBI report, seniors were hit hardest, with losses totaling $4.8 billion. And that may be just the tip of the iceberg, as many cases go unreported due to shame or fear.

The takeaway? Staying informed about evolving scam tactics is more than helpful—it’s necessary. Financial awareness is one of the best tools we have, especially for those supporting aging loved ones.


Source:

The FBI issued its annual internet crime report on Wednesday.

04/22/2025

🛍️ March brought a retail surprise—consumers spent more than expected, even with tariffs looming.

Retail sales jumped 1.4% last month, beating forecasts and reflecting a 4.6% year-over-year rise. While sentiment surveys pointed to caution, the data tells a different story:
🚗 Auto sales surged 5.3% as shoppers moved quickly ahead of expected price hikes
🍽️ Categories like sporting goods and dining out also saw notable gains
⛽ Gasoline sales fell, but that’s largely tied to lower prices, not demand

What does this mean for markets and portfolios? Consumer behavior—especially during times of uncertainty—can be a powerful economic signal. High spending amid inflation concerns and trade tensions suggests confidence in the short term, but also underscores the importance of tracking shifts that may influence broader financial trends.


Source:

Retail sales were expected to increase 1.2% in March, according to the Dow Jones consensus.

04/22/2025

Who’s right on inflation? Should you believe the monthly updates that investors watch closely, what the Fed says about future prices, or your own experience at the grocery store? At times like this, the best guidance is to “tune out the noise” and remain disciplined with their overall strategy.

04/14/2025