Author: troyashbacher

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference following a meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee at the Federal Reserve on Oct. 29, 2025 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong | Getty ImagesFederal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell wasn’t kidding a couple weeks ago when he said a December rate cut wasn’t in the bag.Recent remarks from Powell’s colleagues point to plenty of apprehension over whether the central bank should deliver its third consecutive easing of policy when it meets Dec. 9-10.As a result, markets have recalibrated their expectations. Whereas traders as recently as a few days ago were…

States are facing a more tenuous fiscal climate due to slowing revenue growth and increasing spending demands in state fiscal year (FY) 2026. Recent shifts in economic conditions as well as recent federal actions, including cuts to safety net programs and tax code changes in the recently passed reconciliation law (H.R.1), changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced Marketplace subsidies, federal workforce cuts, and tariff changes, contribute to further fiscal uncertainty for states, though fiscal conditions and the impact of federal changes vary across states. For Medicaid, states are navigating the new “normal” for their programs following the expiration…

President Donald Trump signed a short-term spending bill Wednesday night that reopens the federal government through January 30. Investors, traders and speculators are assessing the implications of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which includes the resumption of regular collecting and reporting of economic data.Meanwhile, in addition to its leader providing another quarterly update on the AI revolution next week, a number of important retailers will offer a look at the health of the American consumer.The usual sectors reflected a risk-off mood – communication services, technology and consumer discretionary stocks were three of the biggest losers. Utility stocks were…

The best financial advisors don’t earn commissions for promoting specific investments or other products, which can introduce a conflict of interest. They offer holistic, expert guidance to take the guesswork out of planning for your future goals. They also adjust their approach to meet your specific needs, and they offer a variety of ways to get in touch, including virtual meetings.This page covers the best financial advisors as chosen by NerdWallet’s editorial team. NerdWallet’s editorial team rated firms on more than 20 data points and applied a lengthy methodology to find the best picks.How we picked the best financial advisorsPriority…

Key Takeaways President Trump’s 50-year mortgage idea aims to make homebuying easier, but the loans would likely carry higher rates and cost more overall.On a median-priced home, a 50-year mortgage could cut payments by about $100, yet it would slow how quickly owners build equity.Experts warn that stretching loans that long could backfire, driving prices higher and doing little to fix the nation’s housing shortage. What Trump Said—And Why It’s Sparking Debate President Donald Trump recently suggested that homebuyers should have the option of 50-year mortgages to make purchasing homes more affordable, saying in a post on his social-media platform…

Yesterday, the House of Representatives joined the Senate in passing a stopgap measure to end the longest-ever federal government shutdown. While this agreement funds important programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and ensures federal workers get paid, it does not include an extension of the tax credits that reduce the cost of health insurance purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces. The expiration of those tax credits, together with previous congressional action cutting Medicaid funding, were the issues at the heart of the shutdown. The expiration of ACA tax credits, together with previous congressional action cutting Medicaid…

Key Takeaways P2P lending may offer better returns than traditional fixed income but comes with credit, liquidity, and platform risks.Diversifying across many notes and assessing borrower credit quality helps manage default risk.P2P loans are hard to sell before maturity and may require discounts.Returns rely heavily on the platform’s integrity, fees, and loan servicing.P2P lending should be a small, diversified supplement based on clients’ risk tolerance and time horizon. Clients seeking fixed income or diversification may see Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lending as a valuable option. P2P lending is online lending that connects borrowers directly with individual investors, bypassing traditional banks. Compared to…

All eyes have been on the Federal Reserve Board lately. The path of interest rates is top of mind as the Fed continues to navigate its dual mandate of keeping inflation in check and maintaining full employment, amid worries about strengthening in the former and weakening in the latter. Expect interest rate cuts this year and next, with decisions on how many and how far still taking shape.The larger question is about the path of the institution itself, as worries surface about the politicization of a central bank prized for its independence. President Donald Trump has excoriated the Fed, particularly…

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A critical deadline is approaching for millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans — not open enrollment — I’m talking about expiring prepaid benefit cards. Many Medicare Advantage enrollees are issued flex cards — preloaded debit cards that can be used for certain health- and wellness-related expenses that MA plans may not cover outright. These expenses can include over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and supplies, hearing, dental and vision services, and more.If your Medicare Advantage plan includes a flex card allowance, you have until the end of 2025 to use the funds. These cards operate on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis, and any…