Scams, Gold, and Social Security

The big Wall Street buzzword of late is “uncertainty”.

Uncertainty — whether from sticky inflation, souring sentiment, shifting tariff policies, geopolitical tumult, or all of the above — has been haunting institutions, investors, and soon-to-be retirees alike. After all, how are you supposed to prepare for the future, when the future seems so, well, uncertain?

Fortunately, there’s a time-tested way to stimmy uncertainty: information.

The economic landscape is never set in stone, but by being informed, you may be able to better navigate its shifts. That’s why we’re back with the top headlines you might have missed this past week — all of which touch on pressing financial themes for anyone planning their future.

Uncertain where to start? (Last one, we swear.) Click here to take a free, short quiz to get matched with a vetted financial advisor to help you protect your nest egg.

With that said, here’s what to know this week.

— The Money Pickle Team

Tax Scams Are Surging

Scammers are getting smarter — and bolder. Budget cuts and a hiring freeze have left IRS resources stretched. Meanwhile, thousands of fake websites and phishing attempts have popped up targeting taxpayers. Be sure to proceed with caution through the 2024 tax season. And read up on some common tactics to help you spot suspicious behavior a mile off.

👉 Read more

Advisors Weigh In On Market Volatility

Tariff turbulence has got a lot of advisors and analysts talking about the market. That means there may be some valuable advice floating around, for those listening closely. Many financial professionals are emphasizing communication, diversification, and maintaining a long-term perspective. Here’s more of what market observers are saying.

👉 Read more

AARP & Senators Defend Social Security

Concerns are growing over proposed staffing and service cuts at the Social Security Administration. In response, AARP, Senate Democrats, and other advocacy groups have increased efforts to raise awareness and mobilize public support to preserve access to benefits.

👉 Read more

Gold Is Soaring. Consider It in Context

The spot price of gold has increased nearly 20% this year, as investor seek “safe havens” to wait out volatility. But while interest in gold is rising, some experts point to moderation and thoughtful portfolio construction when evaluating asset classes like this.

👉 Read more

60/40 Portfolios Show Resilience Amid Volatility

The standard 60/40 portfolio — with 60% of holdings allocated to stocks and 40% to bonds — is weathering recent sell-offs, per Barron’s reporting. But fear is still weighing on the market, which may lead investors to make emotional decisions, or undermine more level-headed risk strategies. Meanwhile, finance firms are spotlighting alternative mixes, including a unique recommendation from BlackRock CEO Larry Fink.

👉 Read more

🥒 Pickle Tip:

When uncertainty rises, so does the temptation to act fast. But often, the most powerful move is simply understanding what’s happening — before doing anything at all.

🌟 Final Thought

From gold prices to government programs, this week’s headlines remind us how quickly the financial landscape can shift. If any of these headlines hit close to home, a quick chat with an advisor in the Money Pickle network might help you turn uncertainty into a smarter plan.

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