Family WealthCare Center

09/02/2026

The Politics of Inflation

09/01/2026

LPL Research explores why value stocks are outperforming, how free cash flow drives returns, and the impact of AI spending on markets.

Here's our Weekly Market Update:
https://www.familywealthcarecenter.com/weekly-market-commentary-august-31-2026-9e150

09/01/2026

A record number of U.S. adults under 35 are living with their parents, according to a recent Realtor.com study.

In 2025, 25.2 million adults under 35 lived at home, a higher share than during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many are working, but wages are not always keeping up with the cost of living. Among adults ages 25 to 34 who live at home, roughly 7 in 10 have jobs.

Housing affordability is a major factor. Higher home prices, elevated mortgage rates, rent, student loan payments, car payments, and everyday expenses can make living independently harder to sustain.

For some families, moving back home may be a way to reduce expenses, rebuild savings, or create more breathing room before taking the next step.

The broader takeaway is that financial independence does not always follow a straight timeline. Cost-of-living pressures are reshaping what adulthood, housing, and household decisions look like for many families.

One woman in her mid-30s said her $60,000 annual income wasn't enough to cover all her bills after a breakup, leading her to move back home.

08/31/2026

Some hospitals and medical providers are asking patients to pay more before receiving non-emergency care.

The trend comes as deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs continue to rise.

Traditionally, many patients received bills after treatment. Now, some providers are collecting preservice deposits based on their estimate of what a patient may owe.

A KFF Health News report noted that the average deductible for employer-sponsored family coverage is $3,762 per person. The average deductible for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage rose 37% this year to $3,786.

For patients, upfront payment requests can create confusion, especially when insurance networks, deductibles, and estimated costs are unclear.

Emergency care has different rules. Hospitals that accept Medicare funding cannot demand upfront payment before stabilizing a patient who arrives at an emergency room.

For non-emergency care, it may be worth asking for an itemized estimate, confirming network status, and checking with the insurance company before making a large payment.

Hospitals and other medical providers are increasingly asking for payment before providing care, collecting more of what patients might owe.

08/30/2026

The party came in for ale and left with six possible quests. Classic. A missing heirloom. A suspicious cave. A merchant who needs escorting. A rumor about treasure in the old ruins. And, somehow, a deeply urgent goat situation.

The party cannot chase every quest at once. Money goals can feel like that, too.

Saving more, paying down debt, buying a home, helping family, traveling, changing careers, preparing for the future—and all of it matters. But not every goal gets main quest energy at the same time. Sometimes the smartest move is deciding what deserves focus now, what can wait, and what is just a very distracting goat.

What are you picking from the board: main quest, side quest, or “fine, we’ll check on the goats”?

08/28/2026

Mortgage rates are rising again, but some buyers may be finding a little more room to navigate the housing market.

The average contract interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a conforming loan balance rose to 6.69%, up from 6.65% the previous week.

That was the highest level since last August.

Even so, purchase mortgage applications rose 6% for the week. One reason may be that more inventory in some markets is giving buyers additional options.

Some sellers also appear more willing to cut prices as the market moves through its typically slower summer season.

Higher borrowing costs still matter. Mortgage rates can affect monthly payments, affordability, and how much buyers feel comfortable spending on a home.

For buyers and sellers, the broader takeaway is that multiple factors shape housing conditions. Rates, inventory, home prices, competition, and timing can all influence the market at once.

08/27/2026

U.S. credit card debt is approaching a record high.

Americans’ credit card balances reached $1.26 trillion in the second quarter, rising by $21 billion, according to new data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

That puts credit card debt just below the all-time high of $1.28 trillion set late last year.

Strong consumer spending is one factor behind higher balances. Rising prices for essentials like groceries and gas may also be contributing.

Delinquencies remain a concern. The share of credit card balances more than 90 days delinquent rose from 7.6% to 12.8% from mid-2022 through early 2026.

Total U.S. household debt now stands at $18.8 trillion. Auto loan debt also reached a new high of $1.71 trillion.

For households, rising debt is a reminder that everyday expenses, interest rates, minimum payments, and emergency costs can all affect financial flexibility.

Americans' credit card debt reached $1.26 trillion, increasing by $21 billion in the second quarter of this year, according to new data.

08/26/2026

Your will may be up to date, but what about your beneficiary designations?

Retirement accounts typically pass to the beneficiaries named directly on the account, which means keeping those designations current is an important part of your overall estate strategy.

Consider making a beneficiary review part of your regular financial checkup. A few minutes today can help make sure your accounts reflect your wishes for the future.

Have questions about how your retirement accounts fit into your broader financial and estate strategy? Let's start a conversation.

📞 816-630-3011

08/25/2026

LPL Research explores how strong earnings growth, AI-driven profits, and rising estimates are supporting stocks despite pressure from higher interest rates.

Here's our Weekly Market Update: https://www.familywealthcarecenter.com/weekly-market-commentary-august-24-2026-9e150

08/24/2026

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