Freedom Financial Planning LLC

09/01/2026

Living longer doesn’t automatically mean living better.

Healthy Aging Month is a reminder that how we age is shaped by more than just time. Staying active, mentally sharp, and socially connected all play a role—and so does the ability to support those lifestyles over time.

Small, consistent habits—both physical and financial—can influence what those years look like.



Sources
World Health Organization, Ageing and Health, October 2025
American Medical Association, What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Healthy Aging, September 2025
Stanford Medicine, Five Healthy Habits for Successfully Aging, January 2026
EBRI/Greenwald, 2025 Retirement Confidence Survey, April 2025

08/25/2026

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its July meeting, but the decision was not unanimous.

The Federal Open Market Committee voted 9-3 to keep the federal funds rate in a range of 3.5% to 3.75%.

Three regional Fed presidents voted against the decision, preferring to raise rates by 0.25 percentage points instead.

The split reflects ongoing concern about inflation, which has remained above the Fed’s 2% target for more than five years.

Recent price pressures have been tied to several factors, including tariffs and higher energy costs connected to conflict in the Middle East.

The Fed’s statement noted that economic activity continues to expand at a solid pace, while job growth has kept pace with workforce growth, and unemployment has changed little.

For households and businesses, the decision is a reminder that interest rates remain closely tied to inflation, borrowing costs, employment, energy prices, and the broader economic outlook.


Source:

Despite increasing support for a rate increase, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 9-3 to leave the federal funds rate in a range between 3.5% and 3.75%.

08/18/2026

The Common Cents Act has passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The bill is tied to the phase-out of the penny and would create a national rounding standard for cash transactions.

Under the proposal, cash purchases would be rounded up or down to the nearest five cents when exact change is not available.

For example, a purchase totaling $10.02 would round down to $10.00, while a purchase totaling $10.04 would round up to $10.05.

Pennies would still retain their value under the act, even as the Treasury stopped minting them.

The bill is especially relevant for businesses that handle cash, including restaurants and retailers, because it could reduce confusion and legal risk around exact change.

For consumers and businesses, the broader takeaway is that even small changes in currency rules can affect daily transactions, checkout systems, and cash-handling practices.


Source:

New law aims to address how businesses and consumers should transact amid the phase-out of the penny.

08/11/2026

🎁 Understanding Financial Gift-Giving: The Smart Way to Share Wealth 🎁

Swipe through to learn how you can give financial gifts!

1️⃣ Tax-Free Gifting Up to $19,000 Per Person
In 2026, you can give up to $19,000 per recipient tax-free. Stay under this limit to avoid filing with the IRS.

2️⃣ Unlimited Recipients
Feel free to spread the love! There's no limit on the number of people who can receive an annual gift. Perfect for those looking to help make a difference in someone's life. 💌

3️⃣ Married Couples: Double the Impact
Married? You can gift up to $38,000 per recipient annually, doubling your impact. 💑

4️⃣ Lifetime Exemption: The Big Picture
Beyond annual gifts, your lifetime exemption in 2026 is $15 million. 🌟

5️⃣ Gifting Isn't the Only Approach
Paying directly for qualified tuition or medical expenses? These don't count as gifts, but we would encourage you to speak with your tax, legal, or accounting professional if this approach is part of your strategy. 🏥

🔍 Let's Make This Easy
Gift-giving can be complex, but it doesn't have to be. Understand the rules and realities, and make sure your strategy aligns with your long-term goals. 💡

Ready to strategize? Call us today. 📞

08/04/2026

One of the most overlooked questions in building a retirement strategy isn't "How much do I have?" It's "When do I need it?"

That's exactly what a bucket strategy does. It matches your assets to your timeline, so every dollar is working as hard as it can for as long as it can.

Do your buckets match your time horizon?

07/28/2026

If you live to 95, will your money?

If you're too aggressive, will you come up short? Too conservative, and you leave quality of life on the table.

Also, will the life you are living at 70 change as you age? Have you considered how changing withdrawal rates can affect everything from estate management strategies to retirement strategies?



Disclosure: The portfolio is composed of 50 percent stocks, 40 percent bonds, and 10 percent Treasury bills. It is assumed that a person withdraws a hypothetical percentage each year. Historical returns based on the period January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2025. Stocks are represented by the Standard & Poor's 500, which is an unmanaged group of securities & considered to be representative of the US stock market. Bonds are represented by the five-year U.S. government bond and Treasury bills by the 30-day U.S. Treasury bill. An investment cannot be made directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

07/21/2026

No two clients are the same. Nor are their portfolios.

The strategies that serve someone building wealth at 55 look very different from those preparing for retirement at 65. That's why it's critical to take a multi-layered approach that allows us to use a mix of strategies to pursue your goals.

What mix works best for you?

07/14/2026

Travel can feel very different once time is no longer tightly scheduled.

For many, it becomes less about fitting a trip into the calendar and more about deciding how they want to spend their time. Whether that means staying longer, traveling more often, or bringing family along, those choices often reflect years of thoughtful decisions.

It may be worth revisiting how travel fits into your overall approach—especially as priorities continue to evolve. Reach out to your financial professional to discuss how your strategy can support the adventures you've earned.

07/07/2026

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.


Source:

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

06/30/2026

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.


Source:

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